To start the celebration, we welcomed the UMass Minutemen band, Sam the Minuteman, the UMass police department and K-9 Alec, and various department leaders from several schools within UMass. There was even an appearance by the National Championship trophy that was won by the Men’s hockey team last season. Music, cupcakes made by the UMass culinary team, and custom gifts from the university made this a start of a wonderful birthday celebration.