Celebrating First-Generation Students

Valeria Saldana knew she had found a welcoming community from her first visit to campus.

Tariq Brathwaite’s superpowers — creativity and work ethic — have already taken him farther than he dreamed possible.

Justin Baez Peguero is studying business, working three jobs and serving in student government.

Honors transfer student Fidel Castro wants to make a name for himself in the field of nanotechnology manufacturing.

As an aspiring broadcast meteorologist, Victoria Wisniewski was attracted to UML due to its bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, successful alumni and research opportunities.

Stephanie Nicum found her place at UMass Lowell, taking on leadership roles as she excels in the field of public health.

Honors nursing major Emerson Tully discovered the power of grant writing as an intern for the Refuge Art School, a nonprofit in Lowell.

Gifty Kessie takes advantage of opportunities to learn and grow – and then turns around and offers a helping hand to others.

Kavi Oeur decided to major in the pharmaceutical sciences, marketing and management option to pursue a more business-related job in the pharmaceutical industry.

Business administration major Keviana-Joy George transformed from a shy transfer student to an outgoing student leader who is on track for a career in human resources.

After a successful recruiting and development career that has spanned the nonprofit, corporate and higher education worlds, political science alumna Sophan Smith ’02 has come full circle as the new executive director for EforAll Lowell, the nonprofit small business accelerator started at UMass Lowell.

Shirley Adubofour is putting her studies in political science and race and ethnic studies into practice as a student representative on UML’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

Haris Mukanga’s passion for computer science drew the praise of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.

Nazeli Acosta won a State Department Scholarship to study rural health care in the Dominican Republic.

Juana Guerrero came to UML with strong academic credentials. A support program helped boost her confidence and leadership skills, too.

Veyli Ortiz Solis earned a B.S. in criminal justice in just three years – with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20 was recognized by Time Magazine as one of its 2022 Innovative Teachers.

Janelle Christopher started studying at UMass Lowell at the same time as her mom, Lorraine.

As she begins her career at Fidelity, Yeaharne Hout sees how transformative her UML experience has been.

Javier Palma is earning a teaching license along with his B.S. in electrical engineering.

Accounting student Victor Souza knew all about hard work when he arrived at UMass Lowell. His focus was on getting involved during his undergraduate career — while also gaining valuable professional experience through internships.

Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.

The Moloney Student Fellowship Fund allowed Mathew D’Entremont to take an unpaid internship with a Lowell nonprofit.

Jamie-Lyn Cavallon won an NSF-funded meteorology internship.

Mass Lowell offered another “bonus” says Neyder Fernandez: the River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA), a supportive program for first-generation college students.

Caroline Owusu lost an internship because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and found a passion for research.

Douglas Correa Ospina plans to combine his studies in psychology and economics to help immigrants and others from marginalized groups become more financially secure.

Shakira Fedna came to UMass Lowell because of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students.

From policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.

Marine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.

Clinical Assoc. Prof. Edgar Torres was the first in his family to go to college. Now, he’s a mentor to first-year, first-generation college students.

Anir Dasgupta leveraged internships, leadership roles and networking opportunities to build a strong foundation in finance and real estate at UMass Lowell.

For Nery Rodriguez, public health is the perfect major to combine science with helping people and communities.

Psychology and Sociology major Debby Fernand serves on the university’s Student Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Jacob Villeneuve was drawn to UML by its sound recording technology and Air Force ROTC programs.

A staff accountant internship at Novogradac confirmed business major Heer Patel’s interest in auditing.

Inspired by a summer program, Carolina Reyes is determined to become an English teacher at Lawrence High School.

Student trustee Abby Cooper is a lifelong advocate.

Jonathan Aguilar ’21 started a 3D printing company as an undergrad that he now runs at the Haverhill Innovation Hub.

As president of the student-run record label SevenSix, Sophia Cavalcante is preparing for a career managing recording artists.

Jennica Hamm was mentored and is now a mentor herself, helping first-year students get acclimated to campus and academic life.

Student Government Association Vice President Nosagiegbon (Sai) Igiede takes advantage of leadership opportunities to develop his skills and support his classmates.

Jessica Dossantos chose UMass Lowell for its patient simulation labs – and because her twin sister liked the university, too.

Gabriella Monteiro found her community and career direction at UMass Lowell after receiving a scholarship that made it possible for her to stay in school and pursue her dreams.

Kristin Kihara started her own digital magazine, Black, highlighting creators who “aren’t really seen.”

With the goal of becoming a lawyer, Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut double majored in philosophy and political science.

Business student Nadine Chamoun stepped out of her comfort zone for an IT internship. And she’s glad she did.

Lana Bashir fell in love with UMass Lowell when she toured the campus.

Big ambitions, combined with practical thinking, led Jessica Tran to UMass Lowell.

Isabella De Souza has won two scholarships that will allow her to study Spanish abroad, so she can bring multiple languages to her future nursing career.

Political science major Nadia Eshun used her Immersive Scholar award to intern at the Safe Exit Initiative, a nonprofit that supports women leaving the sex trade.

Patricia Pham has been able to explore many interests beyond her accounting studies at UMass Lowell, from running the Book Club and Crochet Club to studying abroad and tutoring.

Becoming a Red Sox Scholar in middle school set Nicole Carrasco-Cruz on course for her UML degree.

A first-generation college student, Jeremy Duford was nervous about starting college. He says the River Hawk Scholars Academy was a tremendous support.

Valentina Munoz Roa ’25 turned her passion for writing and design into a publishing career with a social media internship at Boston’s Beacon Press.

Kevin Harrington’s love of the French language has translated into transformative academic research and a semester abroad in France.

The River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students, gave Monica Kong the confidence she needed to succeed – and lead.

Asst. Teaching Prof. Yahayra Michel, who was a first-generation college student, found her mentors at UMass Lowell.

Karam Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.

As student newspaper editor, Ashley Rivera helps other people tell stories.

Honors College student Jennifer Dossantos is majoring in business because she’s inspired by her mom.

Jack Callahan is pursuing a public health degree to improve the lives of as many people as possible.

Emily Crespo came to UML for its affordability – and for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, now a supportive community for first-year, first-generation college students.

2021 Student Commencement Speaker Jamie Smorczewski knows what it means to persevere, over injury, health issues, the pandemic and life’s curveballs.

As one of the university’s first DC-CAP Scholars, mechanical engineering major Kevin Akers is pursuing his dream of becoming an astronaut — while also continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dana Ibrahim chose UMass Lowell for its peace and conflict studies program, which lets her combine classes across the social sciences and humanities to suit her goal: to become a diplomat and aid refugees.

A series of mentors helped Cleidir Mendes thrive at UML — and land a job at Fidelity Investments.

Wonder Ahiatsi chose UMass Lowell for its B.S. in quantitative economics.

Twisha Mohapatra says her experiences in the River Hawk Scholars Academy and the Honors College have boosted her confidence, taught her leadership skills and set her up for academic success.