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

Javier Palma stands in front of a white board in a UMass Lowell classroom
Javier Palma '23
Electrical Engineering, UTeach

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

I want to be a teacher who can create a much more comfortable classroom environment.
Read More About Javier Palma 
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 
Finance student Heer Patel seated inside a UMass Lowell building
Heer Patel '23
Accounting, Finance

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

I wanted a college that I could afford, and that has diversity and inclusiveness and makes me feel welcome. UMass Lowell was perfect.
Read More About Heer Patel 
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 
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 
UMass Lowell business student Kristin Kihara holds a tablet displaying the cover of her magazine Black.
Kristin Kihara '24
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship

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

There’s a big African population here, and I wanted to go somewhere where I’d feel comfortable.
Read More About Kristin Kihara 

2023 First-Gen Week Events

Kennedy College of Sciences RHSA First-Gen Meet & Greet (& Pizza)

Tuesday, Nov. 7
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Olsen Hall, Room 330 

Register online now

The Kennedy College of Sciences welcomes all present and former RHSA students to share their experiences and questions with faculty and each other over pizza and refreshments. Registration is required.

First-Gen Week Tabling to Pick Up "Proud to be F1rst" Swag and Snacks

Wednesday, Nov. 8
2-5 p.m. (and pick up on Nov. 6-10)
University Crossing, first floor
Students, faculty and staff can come by and get their first-gen swag in celebration of First-Gen Week @UMass Lowell. No registration required.

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

Thursday, Nov. 9 
11 a.m.-1:30 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 at the trivia corner and enjoy complimentary food with FAHSS! No registration required.

Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Celebrates First-Gen Students, Faculty and Staff

Thursday, Nov. 9 
3:30-4:30 p.m.
O’Leary Library Mezzanine
Join faculty, staff and students from the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences in celebrating first generation college students. A panel of faculty and staff who were first-generation students themselves will be there to talk about their experiences and answer your questions. Registration is required.

Let the Games Begin: An Evening of Games with Francis College of Engineering and RHSA

Thursday, Nov. 9 
5-7 p.m.
University Crossing, Second Floor, Club Hub
Join us in celebrating our first-gen students with a game night! We'll have game consoles, foosball, table soccer, and lots of space/tables for board games. Stay the entire time or pop-in/out as you'd like! Snacks and drinks will be provided. No registration required.

Manning School of Business Dinner with the Dean

Wednesday, Nov. 15
6-8 p.m.
Alumni Hall
Celebrate with first-generation business majors, Dean Greer, and your supportive faculty, staff and peer leaders from RHSA and your university! This night is all about you and is a great chance to network and learn more about opportunities in the college. Registration is required.
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, the Asian American Center for Excellence & Engagement and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

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