.png&type=webp){kind=icon}
University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Hockey Alumni Spotlight: Bob Jefferson '77
April 14, 2015 | Hockey
Former UMass defenseman Bob Jefferson enjoyed representing the University from 1973-1977. The Belmont, Mass., native was marketing major in the School of Business and Administration, which was established prior to the opening of the Isenberg School of Management that we know so well today. During the time Jefferson wore the Maroon & White, the team was in the Division II ECAC Conference. However, they played a schedule that included various games against Division I schools such as Boston University, New Hampshire, Northeastern and Providence. He mentions their biggest rivals at the time were both Merrimack as well as Vermont.
When Jefferson stepped foot on campus, talk was beginning to surface about putting in a state-of-the-art hockey and basketball facility. Unfortunately, during his time at UMass, the project was yet to be completed and the team's home rink was just down the road at Amherst College.
Luckily for the hockey program, Bob is still an avid supporter and enjoys following the team ever year. His nephew, Shane Walsh, is currently finishing his junior year at UMass. At the moment, Jefferson is working for EMC Corporation and, when he job doesn't require him to travel, he enjoys making his way to the Mullins Center to watch Shane and the team compete in Hockey East. In addition to that, he also makes many trips to road games at Boston University, Northeastern and Boston College, which are much closer to his current residence.
There are many great memories Jefferson has about his time at UMass both as a student and member of the hockey program. He describes living in the five-college town of Amherst as a special place unlike any other. Bob's fondest memory as a member of the hockey program can be seen through shared moments with his teammates. He states that, by going to school together, living together and traveling to various schools to compete, you build a great sense of camaraderie that you will remember for the rest of your life. He has made many friends through his time at UMass that he still keeps in contact with today.
As a proud member of the Pond Club, Jefferson enjoys the appreciation and significance of the program. Not only is it great to be able to interact and meet alumni that share the same interests as him, but to continue to help support the program in a positive way.
When asked what UMass means to him he states that it means a lot in a number of respects. Mr. Jefferson has a daughter who is currently a senior and described the school as "a hidden gem." In addition to that, he loves seeing the rise of the athletic programs and is happy to say he is a proud athlete and graduate of UMass. "The relationships I made with coaches, players, trainers and fellow students are forever and I will cherish them for the rest of my life."