LOWELL, Mass. - UMass Lowell Athletics hosted its 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, October 15, enshrining eight individuals in front of a capacity crowd at Moloney Hall inside the campus's UCrossing building.
 
The 2025 induction class included Vinnie Fleming, Taelour (Murphy) Jefferson '15, Dean Jenkins '87, John Kennedy '70, '16 (H), Sammy (Macy) Rodriguez '11, Rosalyn Worsley '91 and Jeff Veiga '13, '17, in addition to legacy candidate Al Spinell '70.  
 
"My first Hall of Fame here at UMass Lowell was very inspiring," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "Congratulations to all our 2025 inductees. What a special evening to learn more about their time here. I hope their legacy is as important to them as it is to us."
 
Fleming made history in 1975 when he captured the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championship, becoming the first-ever national champion for the newly established University of Lowell.
 
"What a prestigious honor to receive and to be included with so many of our top alumni that represented the university proudly," Fleming wrote in a letter shared by fellow Hall of Famer Bob Hodge. "I would also like to acknowledge my former coach, George Davis. My NCAA Championship victory changed my life forever."
 
A New England Champion and All-American in both indoor and outdoor track & field, Jefferson left a lasting legacy at UMass Lowell, excelling at both the Division II and Division I levels. Now a coach for the River Hawks, she still holds seven school records and appears on the program's top ten lists in 11 events.
 
"Lowell has changed so much since I was a student here," recalled Jefferson. "This building we're in didn't even exist, so to see the campus grow and the community grow, is a huge testament to what this university stands for, so it's fun to be part of that growth."
 
A two-time All-American from 1977-81, Jenkins is remembered as one of the greatest captains in River Hawk hockey history. After joining ULowell as a walk-on, he quickly became a cornerstone of the program and was twice named Team MVP and Most Spirited Player, finishing with 191 points to rank fifth on the school's All-Time scoring list.
 
"This is something I've thought about for a long time," said Jenkins. "I'm honored to be considered an athlete worthy of being in the Hall of Fame at UMass Lowell. I'm grateful for my teammates and my coach, and getting to share this with my children."
 
Kennedy stands as the largest benefactor in the history of UMas Lowell Athletics, having contributed generously to every program and to the department as a whole. In 2025, he made an unprecedented $4 million gift, further solidifying his extraordinary commitment to the university's student-athletes. He has also given greatly of his time, holding leadership roles on multiple boards across campus and even serving as a volunteer golf coach from 2007-10.
 
"It's shocking and not something I ever expected," commented Kennedy. "Being a little bit a part of the dramatic change that Lowell has gone through over the years, through donations and volunteer work, I take great pride in where this university is."  
 
Rodriguez, a dominant force for the River Hawk field hockey program from 2007-10, left an indelible mark as one of the most accomplished players in school history. She still owns the program record for goals (91) and points (220). Rodriguez led her team to a national championship appearance in each of her four seasons, winning in 2010 en route to earning Division II Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year honors.
 
"This means the world to me," said Rodriguez. "Some of the best years of my life were here and to be inducted means everything. The program itself, I love everything about it and had the best time here. To be inducted after all the accomplishments my team had over the years, it's just such an honor."
 
Worsley, a four-year standout for the women's basketball program from 1987-91, left a legacy as one of the top scorers in program history and remains a standard of excellence for those who followed. She was a two-time All-NECC First Team selection and ranks fourth all-time with 1,563 career points and 553 field goals. Her .788 free throw percentage still ranks second all-time for the River Hawks, as well.
 
"It means a lot," commented Worsley. "It's nice to know that you're being recognized for all of your hard work and effort. This is something my parents had always dreamed of, so the fact that it's coming true is full circle sort of speak."
 
A three-time All-American and NE10 Hall of Fame member, Veiga distinguished himself as one of the most successful athletes in River Hawk men's cross country/track & field history. Over the course of his career, he earned five first-place finishes and 20 top-five finishes, consistently proving himself among the nation's best.
 
"I had a really good time at UMass Lowell and this means a lot," stated Veiga. "It was a lot of fun, a lot of hard work. I put in a lot of hours and miles training and had some good races. It means a lot to be honored and get inducted into the Hall of Fame."
 
Playing for the Lowell Tech basketball team from 1967-1970, Spinell established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in LTI history. In just 60 games, he recorded 902 career points, ranking eighth on the LTI all-time scoring list. His excellence extended well beyond athletics, balancing a standout basketball career with academic distinction that led to a prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship.
 
"I would like to thank the Hall of Fame committee," Spinell shared through remarks given by fellow Hall of Famer Hank Brown. "After reviewing the achievements of the other inductees this is even more stunning. Thank you for including me in such a special and esteemed group."