Dream big and work hard. That's the River Hawk way. UMass Lowell students pursue their passion for learning in the classroom and beyond. They are each unique but are united in their drive to make a difference. Here are some of their stories.

  • Yasie Nejad
    Biology, Master of Public Health in Dietetics

    Yasie Nejad '20, '26 turned a lifelong appreciation for food, family and community into a passion for improving health through nutrition.

  • Kadeem Davis
    Finance

    Kadeem Davis stepped out of his comfort zone to start the Black Student Union. He’s learned a lot about leadership and building an organization—and about the diverse interests of black students on campus.

  • Jaelyn  Dones
    Computer Science

    Jaelyn Dones is slated to earn her bachelor’s degree after 2 1/2 years, and she’s already working a dream job related to her computer science major.

  • Flore  Stécie Norcéide
    Computer Engineering

    Flore Stécie Norcéide won an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship to study computer engineering here.

  • Andrea Patino Galindo
    Finance

    The Honors Program at Middlesex Community College helped Andrea Patino Galindo master English – and transfer to the Honors College at UMass Lowell.

  • Matthew Chigas
    Criminal Justice, Security Studies

    Internships in the Middle East and in Nashua, N.H., launched Matthew Chigas on an ambitious career path.

  • Julia James
    Musical Performance

    Emerging singer-songwriter Julia James is drawing national attention for her music and preparing to release her first album.

  • Roma Aurora
    Management Information Systems & Marketing

    Roma Aurora has become a strong and valued presence on campus, from her roles as president of both the Manning Leaders Council and Marketing Society, to her ambassador work for both international students and student alumni, to her participation in the DifferenceMaker Program.