Virtual Event Welcomes First-Year Students, New Transfers
08/31/2020
Contacts for media: Christine Gillette, 978-758-4664 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu and Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell officially welcomed the first-year and new transfer students today as the Class of 2024 with Convocation.
While this is the 15th annual Convocation for UMass Lowell, this is the first time the event was held virtually, but not without tradition, including the presentation of colors by ROTC members; the performance of the national anthem by the UMass Lowell Chamber Singers and the UMass Lowell fight song, “River Hawk Pride,” by the UMass Lowell Marching Band; and the official induction of the new first-year and transfer students to the UMass Lowell student body by Chancellor Jacquie Moloney.
Provost Joseph Hartman officially called the Convocation to order and introduced the first speaker, Student Government Association President Hannah Casey, who shared the importance of the experiences she has gained at UMass Lowell and how the new students can engage in campus life through the university’s organizations and other activities.
“In college, you’ll meet people who have had drastically different lives and you will be faced with opportunities and challenges you’ve never had before. You’ll attend classes you love, meet professors who will become your mentors, most importantly, you’ll meet strangers who become your forever best friends. Throughout your time here, you will understand what it means to be a River Hawk and what it means to be ‘united in blue’ and before you realize it, you’ll be walking across the stage to receive your diploma wondering where the time went. The next four years of your life will be the best you will ever have. Don’t rush them. I wish you nothing but the absolute best on your journey at UMass Lowell. Be safe, be kind, and Go River Hawks!” said Casey, a senior from Marblehead majoring in political science.
Moloney told the students that the university community works together to change lives for the better. Despite the pandemic, there is no reason that the new class will not be able to take advantage of so much UMass Lowell offers.
“I know that making connections will be challenging in the coming months, but I have all faith and confidence in those around me and in all of you that the Class of 2024 will go down in history as being the most innovative, resourceful and resilient class ever known to UMass Lowell, because that’s what it is going to take to get through all of this,” Moloney said, adding that she knows they have what it takes to fulfill the university’s commitment to innovation, social justice and sustainability.
The keynote address was delivered by Adeja Crearer, a UMass Lowell graduate who has gone on to success as a multimedia journalist and a TV producer at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Crearer is a “double River Hawk” who earned two degrees at UMass Lowell: a bachelor’s degree in English/Journalism and a master’s in peace and conflict studies. In 2017 when she received her undergraduate degree, she delivered the student Commencement address to her fellow graduates.
Crearer’s message to the Class of 2024 was one of finding positives amidst a challenging time.
“I truly do believe that your class will be the activists that create systemic change, the politicians that see humanity instead of political party, the teachers that go beyond the classroom and the leaders that lead by example not just by position. There is no other group more socially aware, more racially diverse, more ambitious or full of energy than you all,” Crearer told the students.
Crearer added that “even more noteworthy is that you all chose UMass Lowell to pursue your dreams. You’re so exceptional that things are rapidly changing just for you at UML – the administration is constantly taken note of just how remarkable your class is and the unique challenges that you are faced with, and they are ready to listen.
“I am very excited to pass the torch on to you all,” Crearer said, adding that she feels the conversations started at UMass Lowell, especially those around politics and race, are going to be continued and the success she had as a first-generation college student will be far surpassed.
“I feel confident in you all because you are pursuing your dreams at UMass Lowell. I think back on all that I was able to achieve in the four years I spent there and I get excited for what you all will achieve in these next few years,” urging the students to be willing to step out of their comfort zone to gain the most from the “infinite opportunities” presented by UMass Lowell. “To the future UMass Lowell Class of 2024 -- dream hard, dream big and don’t seek to be accepted, seek to be respected. Good luck and go River Hawks!” Crearer concluded.
Dean of Student Affairs and University Events Brenda Evans thanked the new students for participating in the 15th annual Convocation.
“We are so thrilled to welcome you today to our River Hawk community,” said Evans, encouraging the students to take part in the numerous virtual events during opening week, including an engagement fair that will connect the new class with more than 200 student-run organizations.
The ceremony also featured the introduction by Hartman of UMass Lowell’s deans to the new students: Eleanor Abrams, College of Education; Luis Falcon, College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Shortie McKinney, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences; Noureddine Melikechi, Kennedy College of Sciences; Sandra Richtermeyer, Manning School of Business; James Sherwood, Francis College of Engineering; and Jenifer Whitten-Woodring, Honors College.
UMass Lowell is a national research university offering its more than 18,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu