Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff. This year, First-Gen Week @ UMass Lowell is Nov. 6-10.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

Business student Yeaharne Hout talks with another student next to a sign that says RIST Difference Maker Institute.
Yeaharne Hout '21
Business Administration

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

I gained so many experiences and connections that made me a more well-rounded person.
Read More About Yeaharne Hout 
UMass Lowell student Wonder Ahiatsi poses with economics Professor Tommaso Tempesti.
Wonder Ahiatsi '23
Quantitative Economics

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

Issues of economic policy affect the well-being of countries.
Read More About Wonder Ahiatsi 
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon poses at the top of Mount Washington.
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

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

It was a great opportunity.
Read More About Jamie-Lyn Cavallon 
Nicole Carrasco-Cruz inside the Red Sox Fenway Park
Nicole Carrasco-Cruz '22
Criminal Justice

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

I fell in love with the school, the staff and the people. I knew this was the right environment for me.
Read More About Nicole Carrasco-Cruz 
Justin Baez Peguero stands in front of framed images of flags from around the world
Justin Baez Peguero '24
Business

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

If you work hard and take chances in life, that’s how you get opportunities.
Read More About Justin Baez Peguero 
Mathew D'Entremont seated at a table with another person
Mathew D'Entremont '23
Psychology

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

It was good to learn about an organization like Coalition for a Better Acre in the city where I go to school.
Read More About Mathew D'Entremont 

2024 First-Gen Week Events

All Week:

First Gen Book Den
O'Leary Library, Room 300
These books are a special collection from RHSA, sharing literary resources that speak to the first-gen experience. Borrowing is the same as you would borrowing any other book in O'Leary or Lydon. Check-out at the library counter.

RHSA Pumpkin Painting

Monday, Nov. 4
2-5 p.m., O'Leary Library, Room 300
Turn your creativity into art. Join RHSA and other students for pumpkin painting! Everyone is welcome!

Fall-ing for First Gen with Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences

Wednesday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Health & Social Sciences, Room 107
Apple cider, sweet treats and chili....join us for a fall-themed celebration. Stella (Associate Dean Champagne's dog) may make an appearance! Drop-in!

First-Gen Fest: Food, Facts & Fun with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Thursday, Nov. 7  
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coburn Hall, Room 255
Celebrate First-Gen Week at UMass Lowell at this drop in event! Come meet with RHSA peer leaders and faculty, win swag or enter the raffle, and enjoy complimentary food with FAHSS!

First-Gen Pizza & Conversation with Kennedy College of Sciences

Thursday, Nov. 7  
3:30-4:30 p.m., Olsen 348
Stop by for pizza and soda and to meet your KCS first-gen community. Grab some swag and fun items!

Celebrate First-Gen with Francis College of Engineering

Thursday, Nov. 7  
5:30-7 p.m., Southwick 256
Join us for a celebration of our first-gen students. Whether you stay for the whole event or just drop in, enjoy an atmosphere of creativity and community. Connect with your FCE community, get resources and fun swag.  Food and drinks will be provided.

RHSA Leaf Your Mark

Friday, Nov. 8
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., O'Leary Library, Room 300
Celebrate with First-Gen gratitude! Hang out in the RHSA lounge. Help draw, paint and craft our autumn tree by writing what you're grateful for, advice to other FG students, what a River Hawk means to you, or design your own leaf!
First-Gen Week @ UMass Lowell is sponsored by the River Hawk Scholars Academy, the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Manning School of Business, the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.

River Hawk Scholars Academy News