Celebrating the Memory of Melvin Rodriguez

“Melvin was a special individual who always made people—his colleagues, the students he worked with, and I’m sure his family and friends—feel loved and welcomed,” said Dean Anne Massey at a memorial celebration for Isenberg’s assistant dean of undergraduate programs, Melvin Rodriguez, who passed away in December. “Melvin made everyone feel not just good, but also valued.”

About 90 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, along with Rodriguez’s family, gathered in the Learning Commons to share fond memories of him on April 2. During the event, Dean Massey announced that the Melvin Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship had already raised more than $185,000 from students, faculty, staff, friends, and alumni.

“This is truly amazing and a testament to our love for Melvin and how we want to carry his passion for students forward,” she said, before sharing that alumnus Jason Janoff ’93 and his wife Stefanie had pledged $40,000 in a one-to-one matching fund before April 23 to encourage others to help meet the scholarship’s goal of raising $500,000. Click here to donate to the Melvin Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship before April 23.

Students told the group about how Rodriguez had taken an interest in their success early in their time at UMass Amherst, and how he had stayed invested in how they were doing, offering advice and assistance and recommendations throughout their years at Isenberg.

“Thank you for prioritizing the underrepresented students here in Isenberg,” said Fayobomi Olusola-Falodun ’24, who wrote her comments in the form of a letter. “It’s not always motivating to be in a school where there’s hardly anyone who looks like you or shares similar experiences, so thank you for wanting to be our voice. Thank you for trying your best to fight for us, and thank you for allowing us to see why our voice matters and why we matter.”

Coworkers from multiple stages of Rodriguez’s career explained how he had supported their work and inspired them to improve. They also mentioned his ability to make colleagues and students feel comfortable and welcome by showing genuine interest in their favorite music, family stories, sports preferences, and dogs.

Janet Fink, associate dean of undergraduate programs, recalled worrying about students with academic or financial problems who came to see Rodriguez, when they looked anxious and depressed while they waited for their appointments. “Then Melvin would come out, he would flash that smile, and he’d start conversing with them on his way to the office,” she said. “Even before they got into the room, the students’ entire demeanor seemed more relaxed. He really had a gift.”

His brother Joaquin Rodriguez addressed the crowd at the end of the event: "I know that Melvin's story is not over yet. It continues on in each and every student whose lives he touched."

See photos of the memorial celebration here, and click below to watch the full video.