University of Massachusets Athletics
October 29, 2026 | Football, Athletics Department
Riccio is providing the transformational investment to help strengthen the department’s resources in support of its continued pursuit of sustained athletic excellence
AMHERST, Mass. – Daniel J. Riccio Jr. '86, '24MS and his wife, Diane M. (Casey) Riccio, Ph.D., have committed $3 million to the Script U Scholarship Society to support the University of Massachusetts Football program.
Riccio, a former leader and innovator at Apple, is providing the transformational investment to help strengthen the department's resources in support of its continued pursuit of sustained athletic excellence.
"We're so grateful to the Riccios for their transformational gift," University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said. "Dan has challenged us to think bigger and align our level of investment with our growing aspirations. This $3 million commitment will have a meaningful impact on the Massachusetts football program, strengthening our ability to build a championship-level program immediately. It also reflects a powerful belief in the future of UMass Football and an investment in the people and resources that will drive success across our athletics department."
"Diane and I are pleased to support UMass Football at a pivotal time for the program and UMass," said Dan Riccio. "We believe that a strong football program and athletics department can enhance the brand of the flagship campus – one of the finest public research universities in the country. Our commitment is an investment in the strategy that Ryan Bamford and Joe Harasymiak have established to change the culture and trajectory of Massachusetts football. We are investing now, and encouraging others to do the same, so that we may realize our full potential. The momentum and foundation for success taking hold this season is just the beginning."
The Riccios have an impactful history of giving to the University, having donated $50 million to the College of Engineering to support immediate and long-term initiatives to fuel innovative research, strengthen academic excellence, and expand access and opportunity for engineering students. They have previously made a $15 million gift to UMass Chan Medical School to further expedite and support advances in neuroscience research.
Dan has been an active member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Engineering since 2023. In April 2025, he was recognized with the College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award, and in May 2025 he received the UMass Amherst Distinguished Achievement Award. Dan holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The Script U Scholarship Society is a fundraising initiative supporting Massachusetts Athletics programs through student-athlete scholarships and additional financial benefits. Launched in 2025 to address the evolving demands of NCAA Division I athletics, the society helps the department recruit, retain and develop outstanding student-athletes. Following a more than $7 million increase in its scholarship and additional financial benefits budget, Massachusetts Athletics enters the society's second year focused on sustaining academic and competitive success through continued donor support.
Riccio, a former leader and innovator at Apple, is providing the transformational investment to help strengthen the department's resources in support of its continued pursuit of sustained athletic excellence.
"We're so grateful to the Riccios for their transformational gift," University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford said. "Dan has challenged us to think bigger and align our level of investment with our growing aspirations. This $3 million commitment will have a meaningful impact on the Massachusetts football program, strengthening our ability to build a championship-level program immediately. It also reflects a powerful belief in the future of UMass Football and an investment in the people and resources that will drive success across our athletics department."
"Diane and I are pleased to support UMass Football at a pivotal time for the program and UMass," said Dan Riccio. "We believe that a strong football program and athletics department can enhance the brand of the flagship campus – one of the finest public research universities in the country. Our commitment is an investment in the strategy that Ryan Bamford and Joe Harasymiak have established to change the culture and trajectory of Massachusetts football. We are investing now, and encouraging others to do the same, so that we may realize our full potential. The momentum and foundation for success taking hold this season is just the beginning."
The Riccios have an impactful history of giving to the University, having donated $50 million to the College of Engineering to support immediate and long-term initiatives to fuel innovative research, strengthen academic excellence, and expand access and opportunity for engineering students. They have previously made a $15 million gift to UMass Chan Medical School to further expedite and support advances in neuroscience research.
Dan has been an active member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Engineering since 2023. In April 2025, he was recognized with the College of Engineering Outstanding Alumni Award, and in May 2025 he received the UMass Amherst Distinguished Achievement Award. Dan holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The Script U Scholarship Society is a fundraising initiative supporting Massachusetts Athletics programs through student-athlete scholarships and additional financial benefits. Launched in 2025 to address the evolving demands of NCAA Division I athletics, the society helps the department recruit, retain and develop outstanding student-athletes. Following a more than $7 million increase in its scholarship and additional financial benefits budget, Massachusetts Athletics enters the society's second year focused on sustaining academic and competitive success through continued donor support.
-- UMassAthletics.com --
Tuesday, October 27
Monday, October 26
Sunday, October 25
Sunday, October 25