35-Year UMass Dean, Donald Howard Dies

A man who served as Dean of Students at UMass Dartmouth and its predecessor, Southeastern Mass. Univeristy for 35 years has passed away.

82-year-old Donald Howard suffered from Alzheimer's disease and died Saturday at the Brandon Woods nursing home.

State Senator and UMass graduate Mark Montigny said Howard was a mentor to him. He says Howard's number one concern was always the welfare of students.

Montigny says next to his parents, Don Howard influenced his life more than anyone else.

Howard's caretaker, Matt Morrissey says during his tenure at UMass Dartmouth, he was a powerhouse and a champion for the school.

Morrissey says Howard had the courage of his convictions, and provided the powerless with a voice on campus.

A viewing is scheduled for Friday from 5-8pm at the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home on Washington St. in Fairhaven. The funeral is Saturday at 10am at the Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford.