In November, the UPST team came together to celebrate five remarkable years of UPST at UMass—a milestone defined by innovation, collaboration, and excellence. In this special edition, we honor the achievements that have shaped UPST’s success and recognize the individuals and ideas that continue to propel its mission forward. From bidding farewell to a transformative leader to welcoming new voices in procurement leadership—and even sharing a fresh perspective on our beloved chatbot, Buddy—this issue captures the essence of UPST’s journey and aspirations. Join us as we reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the exciting possibilities that lie in UPST’s future. Stay connected with us by following, sharing, and engaging with UPST on LinkedIn!
Marking Five Years of UPST: A Special Anniversary Edition
This year, UPST proudly celebrates five years of innovation, teamwork, and service excellence. To mark this milestone, we’re working on a special edition of the UPST newsletter featuring reflections, success stories, and a look ahead at the next chapter for UPST. We’ve also put together a video we can share now: a heartfelt video montage capturing memorable moments and milestones from the past five years. Join us in celebrating this incredible journey!
Celebrating David Cho’s Leadership and Legacy
As we bid farewell to David Cho, Chief Procurement Officer and a cornerstone of UPST’s success, we reflect on his transformative contributions over the past five years. To honor David’s leadership and the impact he’s had on the UMass community, we recently held a celebratory gathering, bringing together colleagues and friends to share memories and gratitude. David’s legacy of innovation, collaboration, and dedication has left an indelible mark on UPST, and while we’ll miss him, we’re excited for what lies ahead in his journey. Don’t miss his heartfelt farewell message to UMass, where he reflects on his time with the team. Read David’s farewell message here.
Supporting UPST’s Future: Highlighting Mike Durkin, Brian Girard and Amand Onwuka
As UPST looks to the next chapter, we are excited to congratulate Michael Durkin as the incoming Chief Procurement Officer. With support from new Deputy CPO Brian Girard and Amanda Onwuka, Director of Service and Quality, UPST is poised to build on its strong foundation. Together, this leadership team is committed to enhancing efficiency, strengthening campus partnerships, and driving innovation that benefits the entire UMass community. Their shared dedication to the mission of “Better, Faster, Cheaper” ensures that the future of UPST is in great hands.