In the News

The University of Massachusetts Amherst celebrated former UMass Trustee and Springfield Urban League President Henry M. Thomas III on Tuesday Oct. 15 by officially unveiling the university’s location in Tower Square as the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield. The ceremony was attended by Henry Thomas and his wife, Devonia, members of the Thomas family, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and UMass Trustees, among others.

Thomas was a leading advocate for establishing the center in his hometown and, in 2012, became the first person of color to lead the five-campus University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. He also served as Chair of the Board’s Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and Vice Chair of the UMass Building Authority, which oversees the university's multi-billion capital construction initiative.

“Henry’s commitment to Springfield, to UMass, and to education as a force for transformational good has left an enduring legacy,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “That’s one of the many reasons that I believed so strongly that this center should be named in Henry’s honor. Naming this center after Henry not only pays tribute to his work but also affirms our shared belief that access to education, especially at UMass, has the power to change lives, uplift communities, and create lasting impact.”

UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said, “We are committed to strengthening the communities that we serve through excellence in education, research and service, and this center aims to be a true partner in the region’s economic development. Naming the center in honor of Mr. Henry M. Thomas III, a distinguished and transformational leader at UMass and in this community, speaks to the promise and possibilities of this commitment.”

“UMass prides itself on being an institution for opportunity, empowering their students to pursue their educational and career aspirations. This is a mission that Henry Thomas has championed throughout his life, and I could not think of a more fitting tribute than to name the UMass Amherst Springfield Center in honor of my good friend, Henry Thomas,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Through his leadership with the Urban League of Springfield and the UMass Board Trustees, Henry has given back to the city that made him who he is today. His unwavering commitment to uplifting young people and promoting economic vitality is what makes Henry a beloved member of this community. This recognition is a testament to his dedication – dedication to the City of Springfield and dedication to fighting for our children.”

At the age of 25, Thomas became the youngest president/CEO of a National Urban League Affiliate and served in that capacity for 39 years. He served two years as National Urban League Vice President for Youth Development, focusing on program development to support inner city youth. He was instrumental in reviving Historic Camp Atwater in North Brookfield - the oldest African American overnight youth camp in the United States.

For two decades, Thomas produced and hosted “Urban League Community Focus,” a weekly radio program on WTCC (90.7 FM), and served on numerous local, state and national boards, including: Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Massachusetts Board of Education, New Leadership Charter School, Step Up Springfield, Hampden County Regional Employment Board, Springfield Cable TV Endowment, Springfield Fire Commission, Springfield Police Commission, and the Western Massachusetts Sports Commission.

The 26,000 square foot center, located at 1500 Main St. in Springfield, opened in 2014 and serves as a local portal to the university’s academic programs, cultural offerings and economic development initiatives. Among the academic programs offered at the center is a teacher certification graduate program to help address a critical workforce need in the area.