UMass Sunrise Advocates for Student Democracy
On March 6, 2026, UMass Sunrise organized a pivotal event at the university, delivering 200 letters to the administration to advocate for increased student democracy. The letters included 90 prewritten by Sunrise, 70 responses to prompts, and 30 handwritten letters from students.
During the event, Bri Caponigro stated, “We’re not making crazy demands, we just want a seat at the table,” emphasizing the group’s desire for inclusion in decision-making processes. Joshua Rand echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re not asking for power to be above the administration, we’re asking for power to be alongside the administration.” These statements reflect a broader movement among students seeking a voice in university governance.
The event’s timing coincides with a significant vote among students, where 73.1% supported divestment from defense companies, showcasing a growing trend of activism within the student body.
Upcoming Sunrise Stroll Event
Following the advocacy efforts, UMass Sunrise has scheduled a Sunrise Stroll at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on March 20, 2026. The park gates will open at 6:30 a.m., allowing participants to experience the dawn together, symbolizing hope and renewal.
In a statement reflecting the spirit of the event, an anonymous speaker remarked, “The light is returning even though this is the darkest hour. No one can hold back at the dawn. Let’s keep it burning, let’s keep the flame of hope alive. May it save our journey through the storm.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Sunrise Stroll, aiming to inspire unity and resilience among participants.
New Launch in the Cigar Industry
In a related development, H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez is set to launch its new Sunrise cigar line in April 2026. This line will include four sizes: Robusto, Toro, Churchill, and Magnum, with the Robusto measuring 5 inches by a 52 ring gauge.
Rafael Nodal, co-creator of the original H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez, noted, “When A.J. Fernandez and I created the original H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez in 2017, we knew it was going to be the pillar on which we would build an affordable, everyday cigar.” This new addition to the H. Upmann brand aims to cater to a diverse audience of cigar enthusiasts.
As these events unfold, they highlight the intersection of student activism and cultural developments, marking a significant moment for both the UMass community and the cigar industry.