Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of UMass Lowell First-Gen #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

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 
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 
Ashley Rose in a room with piles of newspapers behind her
Ashley Rose Rivera '23
English-Creative Writing

As student newspaper editor, Ashley Rivera helps other people tell stories.

English is an amazing department. It’s a hidden gem.
Read More About Ashley Rose Rivera 
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 
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 

First-Gen Week Events November 3-7, 2025

All Week

First-Gen Book Den
O'Leary Library, Suite 100

These books are a special collection from the River Hawks Scholars Academy (RHSA), sharing literary resources that speak to the first-gen experience. Borrowing is the same process. Check-out at the library counter, 4th floor in the O'Leary Library.

RHSA Open House

Monday, November 3
Noon-4 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100

Visit the new RHSA space on the first floor! Leave an inspirational message, play a board game, carve/paint a pumpkin or take a break between classes! Stop by for snacks!

Spud-tacular First-Gen Celebration

Tuesday, November 4
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coburn Hall, Room 255

Meet faculty and enjoy the potato bar with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Celebrate First-Gen Week at this drop in event! Come meet with RHSA peer leaders and faculty.

Please respond to attend Spud-tacular.

Fall-ing for First-Gen

Wednesday, November 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dugan Hall room 110B

Enjoy apple cider, sweet treats and more with the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. Join us for a fall-themed celebration. Drop-in for a bite to eat and grab some RHSA first-gen swag.

Please respond to Fall-ing for First-Gen to attend.

Color Me Science

Thursday, November 6
3-4 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium

Stop by for a coloring competition with the Kennedy College of Sciences and Francis College of Engineering Deans Offices and RHSA faculty. Bring your imagination and a friend! Pizza, soda and prizes await! This event is open to all RHSA students, prior RHSA students and friends of RHSA students.

Please respond to Color Me Science to attend.

Dining with the Dean

Thursday, November 6
5-7 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium

The Manning School of Business welcomes RHSA students to a dinner with the dean. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity.

Please respond to Dining with the Dean (via this RHSA spreadsheet) to attend.

RHSA Bingo!

Friday, November 7
Noon - 2 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100

Join RHSA staff and peers for a fun afternoon of Bingo and treats. Bring a friend!

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. Events and activities are open to all UML members.

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

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