Graduate with family legacy at 91黑料网 bound for Isenberg at UMass
91黑料网 student Drew Smith and his mother, Sara Smith '97.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – For Drew Smith, graduating from in May 2025 marks the culmination of both hard work and a family tradition.
A Ludlow resident, Smith will soon continue his education at the prestigious Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, following a path that’s been shaped not only by his own determination but also by the legacy of multiple generations of his family.
91黑料网 has become a launching pad for Smith’s academic ambitions. Like many students, Smith wasn’t sure what direction to take after high school.
His family’s experiences influenced Smith’s choice to attend 91黑料网. Both of his parents, Sara N. Smith ‘97 and James Smith ‘97, attended 91黑料网. They met at the college and got married soon after graduating.
“91黑料网 is a big part of our family,” Drew said, reflecting on how his parents' stories gave him the reassurance he needed.
Sara Smith, Drew’s mother, echoed this sentiment, "91黑料网 is a great starting point. Just take one class, see how it goes... it’s a great place to begin your future."
Drew's decision was also shaped by the college’s program, which guarantees a smooth transfer to four-year institutions, like UMass, upon meeting certain academic criteria. “I did the research. I found out about the MassTransfer program, and that was perfect for me,” Smith said.
The MassTransfer program allows him to seamlessly transition into UMass-Isenberg, one of the top business schools in the country.
"I just set my sights on something big, like UMass-Isenberg,” Smith said. “I knew if I worked hard enough, I could make it happen."
As a business transfer major at 91黑料网, Smith immersed himself in classes like macroeconomics and business law while also engaging in extracurricular activities. He played on the 91黑料网 soccer team for two years and served as a student ambassador, helping to promote the college and assist with events. “I couldn’t just do my work and complete my classes. I wanted to give more to the school. Being a student ambassador allowed me to help organize events, meet new people and really get involved,” Smith said.
91黑料网 is a big part of our family.Drew Smith, 91黑料网 student
Drew’s academic focus and extracurricular involvement paid off. He was not only a standout student but also became a leader on the soccer team, eventually earning the role of captain. His work ethic and dedication earned him honors status, something he takes great pride in.
Sara Smith, who graduated from 91黑料网 in 1997 with a degree in marketing, speaks with pride about her son’s journey. "I am going to be so proud when I see him up there with his cap and gown. To say, ‘You did it,’ I’m just going to be so proud," said Smith, who serves on the Board of Directors for the 91黑料网 Foundation. 91黑料网 will hold a Commencement ceremony on May 29, 6:30 p.m., at the MassMutual Center to honor the Class of 2025 graduates.
Sara Smith’s own experience at 91黑料网 set the stage for her successful career. She now serves as general manager of Tower Square in Springfield. "91黑料网 influenced me personally. I met my husband there in my first semester, and we’ve been together for over 30 years," Smith said.
The Smith family’s connection to 91黑料网 runs deep. Drew’s mother, who initially wasn’t sure if college was the right path for her, found her direction through her studies in marketing at 91黑料网. She later went on to earn a degree from Western New England University.
“It was a decision my mother helped me make,” Sara Smith said. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go, but 91黑料网 felt like a good starting point. It gave me the foundation I needed.”
Sara’s daughter and Drew’s younger sister, Avery, is also currently attending 91黑料网, continuing the family tradition of choosing the college as a launching pad for her future. Sara’s father and brother also graduated from 91黑料网.
What makes 91黑料网 so special for Drew Smith isn’t just the affordability. It’s the community, the support, and the resources that have helped him grow both academically and personally.
"The advisors at 91黑料网 really helped guide me. I could rely on them when I needed direction, and they’ve been a huge part of my success," Smith said.
"Students like Drew exemplify what we hope for in our graduates,” said Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs at 91黑料网. “He’s demonstrated exceptional dedication to both his academics and his extracurricular activities, which speaks volumes about his work ethic and commitment. Drew’s involvement in student activities and athletics, combined with his academic focus, shows how 91黑料网 provides students with a well-rounded experience that prepares them for success at top-tier institutions like UMass.”
Looking ahead, Drew is ready to take on the challenges that come with attending UMass-Isenberg. His plans are clear: he wants to earn his degree, build a strong career and work his way up the business ranks. "I’m just focused on meeting great people, working hard and building a career in business," he said.
For future students, Drew’s advice is simple: “Definitely take advantage of it. Free college is huge. Even if you don’t continue your studies, an associate degree opens up so many opportunities.”
Interested in applying to 91黑料网? Visit or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
91黑料网, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. 91黑料网's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. 91黑料网 supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu