AMHERST, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Caps and gowns are out, and so is the rain at the state’s largest public university, UMass Amherst. Nearly 10,000 graduates are being honored today.

The undergrad commencement is in full swing and for grads we talked to, this accomplishment is in large part for their families that supported them. The streets of Amherst were full today with black graduation gowns and smiling faces. The UMass graduate and undergraduate ceremonies mark the next step in the journey for thousands of students.

There a total of 9,756 graduates being honored, including a little over 7,000 bachelors, 2,000 masters, and 393 doctoral degrees. Plus, over 70 countries are being represented in ceremonies today.

Crews have been setting up all day. As you can see the massive stage has been set up in the end zone area of the field. With the endless rows of chairs for students to sit before they hear their name called. Families have been trying to get the best view from the stands.

We caught up with some graduates and their families exploring the town earlier today. It’s clear how much it means for the parents who have seen their kids mature at UMass, “you say that, and I already start tearing up. I’m so proud of her. She’s a wonderful young woman, and I’m really, really, happy that’s she’s my daughter,” said Melissa Toronto, the mother of one of the new graduates at UMass Amherst.

It’s been a long road for those like Jared Jenkins, who just received his master’s degree this morning in data analytics and computer social sciences and credits his family for the support that got him where he is today, “I mean, countless nights. I mean, there were nights where I literally did not know if I was going to be able to do it, but that’s why I have my family for it.”

And for the families that see their own now set off into the working world, “We were here a couple years ago for her undergrad graduation. Now we’re here for her masters, and it’s just like, every single year, there’s a new accolade. We’re just incredibly proud of the family, and it’s just so awesome watching with the amazing things she’s going to be awesome,” said Kunaal Rajakopal, the brother of Saniya Rajakopal who just received their Master’s degree.

The grads also told me they want to live their postgrad lives by the schools motto: Be Revolutionary.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.