Marlon Pitter came to UMass Lowell from Connecticut because of the campus’ diversity, urban environment and strong music program.

Student trustee Malinda Reed is considering a career in human rights and immigration law after studying the history of Greek immigrants in Lowell.

Syeda Nizami is using scholarships, research fellowships and work-study jobs to graduate with low debt, so she can afford a career helping others instead of working to pay off student loans.

Honors student Adeja Crearer is equally comfortable in front of a television camera or behind one. She’s combining a journalism concentration in English with minors in digital media and political science to prepare for a career in news.