Celebrating First-Generation Students

UML's River Hawk Scholars Academy Program Recognized as a National Model

RHSA director and Associate Teaching Prof. of English Matthew Hurwitz speaks at induction day in fall 2019 — RHSA Director Matthew Hurwitz speaks to nearly 350 new River Hawk Scholars in 2019.

By Katharine Webster

When Emily Crespo joined the River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) three years ago, the first-generation college student from East Boston was just looking for some extra help in navigating her transition to college. That’s what the RHSA offered.

But Crespo, now a senior double-majoring in English and music composition, found so much more. She made close friends and found a second home.

“They helped me to pick out a dorm and a meal plan, because I didn’t know anything about college,” Crespo says. “I felt that love and companionship. I call it the RHSA family.”

Recently, the nonprofit Center for First-Generation Student Success recognized UMass Lowell as a model for other colleges and universities across the U.S., designating the university as a First-Gen Forward Advisory Institution for the 2020-21 academic year.

The university is highlighting and celebrating its first-generation students during the week of Nov. 1-7, leading up to national First-generation Celebration Day on Nov. 8. Read more.

Support Services for First-Generation Students

River Hawk Scholars Academy

The River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) promotes academic success and fosters active campus engagement for full-time, first-year UMass Lowell students who identify as first-generation college students. Learn more.

River Hawk Rising student Juana Guerrero, right, with her coach, Francine Coston, associate director of Multicultural Affairs at UML

River Hawk Rising Scholars

River Hawk Rising Scholars is a cohort-based scholar initiative run through the Office of Multicultural Affairs designed to support students as they successfully navigate UMass Lowell. Scholars meet weekly with a coach, attend workshops and participate in community building activities together. Read more.

DC-CAP

The District of Columbia College Access Program (DC-CAP) is a a nonprofit that provides students in public and public charter high schools in the District of Columbia access to counseling and scholarships to enable them to enroll in and graduate from college. The overwhelming majority of students served by DC-CAP are from low-income, minority, single-parent households and are the first in their families to attend college. Read more.

Faculty & Staff Supporters

UMass Lowell has a rich tradition of welcoming and supporting first-generation college students. A number of faculty and staff on campus, including FAHSS Dean Luis Falcon, were first-generation college students themselves, and still more advocate for their success. See the list.

Join the Celebration 11/9

UMass Lowell is celebrating First Generation Week in style! Join the River Hawk Scholars Academy and the First Gen Working Group on Monday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. to hear moving stories of first-gen professors, campus leaders and students. And get a chance to share your own story if you’d like to.

The River Hawk Scholars Academy Has An Impact on Its Members

of students believed the RHSA was a welcoming community for them during their first year of college.
agreed that the RHSA played a vital role in their success at UMass Lowell.
of RHSA students felt more confident about achieving their goals after completing the program.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

Veyli Ortiz Solis

Criminal Justice

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

Public Health

As a first-generation college student, Kelsey Gonzalez struggled to find a major she liked. Then she studied abroad – and came back determined to help other first-generation students.
Nery Rodriguez

Public Health

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

Mechanical Engineering

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

Biology

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

Political Science & Philosophy

Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut was already fluent in two languages and had started on two more by the time she finished high school. Here at UML, she’s picked up a fifth language and studied abroad three times – all while supporting herself.
Nadine Chamoun

Business Administration

Business student Nadine Chamoun, whose concentrations are in finance and management, stepped out of her comfort zone for an information technology system development internship at Needham Bank. And she’s glad she did.
Keviana-Joy George

Marketing & Management

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.
Nazeli Acosta

Physics

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

Mechanical Engineering

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.
Debby Fernand

Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies

Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.
Coral Gonzalez

Nursing

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.
Yahayra Michel

Psychology and Criminal Justice

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

Business

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.
Daryle LaMonica

Biology

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.
Lana Bashir

Liberal Arts

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

Exercise Science, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology

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.
Emily Crespo

English & Music Composition

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.
Dana Ibrahim

Peace and Conflict Studies & Political Science

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.
Neyder Fernandez

Political Science

Neyder Fernandez is finding ways to be politically active, from campaigning for Joe Kennedy to serving on a citizens’ advisory board for Lowell police.
Juana Guerrero

Nursing

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