Roger Grette Scholarship
You can help establish the Roger Grette Scholarship, honoring the extraordinary impact Roger had on thousands of students at the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering.
As a departmental assistant, Roger dedicated his career to supporting every engineering student as they prepare for life beyond UMass. From reviewing résumés and cover letters to leading mock interviews and helping students navigate career decisions, Roger was a trusted guide at one of the most pivotal moments in their lives. Always putting students first, he led more career advising appointments than any other professional across campus, often going beyond his schedule to welcome students who simply walked in, seeking his advice.
“I truly cannot state how much of an impact he has had on our students and the college," says Todd Butynski, Director of the Engineering Career Development & Experiential Learning Center. “It will take years for someone to surpass him in terms of the number of student appointments. The number of students that Roger advises and inspires is unbelievable."
In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Roger was awarded the 2026 Dean’s Outstanding Student Support Award. Dean Raman wrote this about Roger in his announcement: “Roger is a champion for our students. His authenticity, encouragement, and mentorship help to create a sense of belonging that extends beyond graduation, establishing lasting connections. The impact of his efforts is reflected in the countless students who seek his advice and the alumni who return to express their gratitude. His legacy is one of inspiration and impact, and we are truly grateful for his unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of those around him.”
Join us and make a gift to honor Roger’s remarkable dedication and the incredible mark he made on the Riccio College of Engineering.
Create a Legacy of Support
Our initial goal is to raise $10,000 to create a named, current-use scholarship to support undergraduate students in the Riccio College of Engineering. Preference will be given to transfer students and students who attended community college. However, if we raise more than $25,000, we will instead establish an endowed scholarship with the same purpose that will continue to grow and honor Roger's legacy of support in perpetuity.
The Power of Scholarships
Scholarships provide incredible value to today’s students. For many, this support does more than create greater access to a world-class engineering education; it provides the financial flexibility to pursue immersive learning experiences, research opportunities, and internships, thereby alleviating or eliminating a financial burden that might otherwise have made it impossible.
Current-use scholarships enable students today to pursue their academic and career goals without fear of financial constraint, removing a significant barrier that prevents countless talented students from realizing their tremendous ambitions.
Endowed scholarships represent powerful sources of sustained funding that benefit UMass Amherst students in perpetuity. Only a portion of the earnings generated by an endowed fund is spent each year, while the remaining amount is reinvested to secure the fund’s long-term performance. Endowed scholarship benefactors create a legacy of student support that extends far beyond the limits of a lifetime.
