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UMass Boston Launches 'Forever, My Father's Son' Foundation to Support Students in Need

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. -son-foundation-to-support-students-in-need.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, December 26th 2025 at 16:19 GMT by Her Campus

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UMass Boston’s “Forever, My Father’s Son” Foundation: A New Beacon of Hope for Students

HER Campus – In a touching story that blends personal loss with a broader commitment to community, UMass Boston has launched a new philanthropic initiative titled Forever, My Father’s Son. The foundation, established in memory of a beloved father who passed away unexpectedly, seeks to give back to the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods by providing financial support, mentorship, and career resources to students who face economic hardships or who share similar life challenges. The article on HER Campus, “The Foundation: Forever, My Father’s Son,” offers a detailed look at the foundation’s origins, goals, and early impact, as well as a glimpse into its future plans.

The Story Behind the Name

The foundation’s founder, sophomore marketing major Marcus Green, lost his father, Michael Green, in a car accident last year. In the wake of his father’s passing, Marcus and his mother, Dr. Lisa Green, a UMass Boston adjunct professor of Sociology, sought a way to honor Michael’s legacy. “Michael was a pillar in our community. He always said that the best way to keep his spirit alive is by helping others,” Lisa Green told HER Campus. The name Forever, My Father’s Son reflects Marcus’s declaration that he will carry on his father’s values forever, and also serves as a reminder that many young men are “sons” of fathers who may no longer be with them.

Mission and Objectives

The foundation’s mission statement—found on its own website (https://www.umb.edu/foundation/forevermyfather) as referenced by the HER Campus article—states that the organization aims to:

1. Provide financial scholarships for undergraduate students who face significant financial need.
2. Offer mentorship programs that pair students with alumni and local professionals.
3. Partner with community organizations to broaden the reach of its services and create pathways for continued support beyond graduation.

According to the article, the first round of scholarships will amount to $50,000, allocated in five-year renewable awards of $10,000 each, based on merit and need. Scholarships are open to all UMass Boston undergraduates who demonstrate financial hardship, academic achievement, and community involvement. The foundation will also fund a “Career Launch” series—monthly workshops featuring industry speakers, resume critiques, and networking events.

Funding and Partnerships

Marcus Green’s mother, Lisa, approached several local businesses to secure sponsorships, and the foundation has secured backing from a handful of companies, including the Boston Health Partners and Massachusetts Real Estate Group. In the HER Campus piece, the foundation’s director—Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Ph.D. in Finance—expressed gratitude: “Our donors share our vision that giving back creates a ripple effect in the community.”

The foundation’s inaugural partnership, highlighted in the article, is with the UMass Boston Alumni Association. The association’s website (https://www.umb.edu/alumni) notes that alumni are encouraged to donate and to serve as mentors. As part of this collaboration, the foundation will also tap into the alumni network to secure internship placements for scholarship recipients.

Early Impact and Success Stories

The article offers a compelling look at the foundation’s early achievements. Marcus himself is set to be the first scholarship recipient—an award that will cover his remaining tuition for the next two years. “It feels surreal to see my father’s legacy manifest in real help for people,” Marcus shared. In addition, the foundation has already matched three students who are first-generation college attendees, ensuring that they can focus on their studies rather than worrying about finances.

The HER Campus piece also interviews a former UMass Boston student, Nina Ramirez, who is now a full-time nurse. Nina’s mother, a single parent, supported her daughter's education through the UMass Boston Foundation’s prior scholarship program. “It wasn’t just money,” Nina said. “It was the belief that someone cared enough to invest in our futures.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the article outlines several ambitious plans for the foundation. In the next 12 months, the organization aims to:

• Expand its scholarship pool to $120,000, targeting a broader range of students, including graduate students and working adults.
• Introduce a “Digital Literacy” grant, providing students with laptops and internet access to ensure they can engage in remote learning.
• Create a community garden on campus to foster sustainability, nutrition education, and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, the foundation is working on a grant proposal for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, seeking state-level support to help fund its programs. According to the article, Dr. O’Connor believes that state backing could multiply the foundation’s impact by up to 10% each year.

Conclusion

Forever, My Father’s Son embodies a powerful message: that personal loss can spark meaningful, lasting change. The HER Campus article paints a vivid picture of how a single family’s tribute can evolve into a platform that supports dozens of students, connects them with mentors, and nurtures the UMass Boston community. By leveraging partnerships with alumni, local businesses, and state agencies, the foundation aims to create a sustainable model of philanthropy that not only honors a father’s legacy but also lays a foundation for countless others to thrive. As Marcus Green’s story illustrates, the seed of generosity can grow into a forest of opportunity—forever echoing the love and dedication of a devoted father.