Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff. This year, First-Gen Week @ UMass Lowell is Nov. 2-9, leading up to the national First-Generation Celebration Day on Nov. 8.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

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 
to come
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

A 2011 tornado that ripped through her hometown got Jamie-Lyn Cavallon interested in meteorology.

When something like that happens outside your back door, you don’t forget it.
Read More About Jamie-Lyn Cavallon 
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 
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 
Karam Alafandi
Karam Alafandi '24
History, Pre-med

Karam Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.

I’m looking forward to having lifetime relationships with my patients.
Read More About Karam Alafandi 
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 

2022 First-Gen Week Events

Francis College of Engineering Dinner and Trivia Night

Wednesday, Nov. 2
5-7 p.m.
Alumni Hall
Join us for a fun night of trivia, dinner and celebration! All RHSA engineering students are invited! Registration is required.

College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences First-Generation Student Pop-In Parties

Thursday, Nov. 3
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Coburn Hall, first-floor lobby
Monday, Nov. 7 
10 a.m.-noon
Dugan Hall lobby
Stop by to grab some snacks and swag – and take a chance on winning some fun prizes. We want to recognize your efforts and accomplishments! No registration required.

First-Gen Visibility Campaign Tabling Event

Thursday, Nov. 3 and Monday, Nov. 7
11 a.m-1 p.m.
Cumnock Hall lobby, O’Leary Library lobby, University Crossing second floor 
Whether you’re a student or a member of the faculty or staff, come by to get your first-gen swag, demonstrate with pride your identity as either first-generation or a first-generation supporter and learn more about ways to be a supporter. No registration required.

Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Reception for First-Gen Students in Health Sciences

Thursday, Nov. 3 
3:30-5 p.m.
O’Leary Library mezzanine, second floor
Join faculty, staff and students 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.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 8 
4-5:30 p.m.
Olsen Hall 330
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. 

Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony

Wednesday, Nov. 9 
5-6 p.m.
Coburn Hall 255
Join us as we induct first-gen undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff, into UMass Lowell’s chapter of Tri-Alpha, the first-generation college student honors society. Chancellor Chen and other special guests will be speaking, too. No registration required.

Manning School of Business Dinner with the Dean

Wednesday, Nov. 9 
6:30-8 p.m.
Alumni Hall
Celebrate with other first-generation business majors, Dean Sandra Richtermeyer, faculty, staff and peer leaders from RHSA – and your college! This night is all about you, and it’s 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 First-Gen Working Group, the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Manning School of Business and the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

More News
  • UML biomedical engineering student Alex Hutchinson in Granada, Spain

    RHSA Expands with Study Abroad, First-Gen Student Conference

    The River Hawk Scholars Academy is expanding its programs for first-generation college students, including adding a study abroad course and a conference organized by students, thanks to federal aid and grants from nonprofits.
    Featured Story
  • A young man in glasses smiles while listening to someone talk in a conference room

    New Program Helps First-Gen Students Find Career Paths

    The River Hawk Scholars Academy’s new Pathways to Career program helps first-generation college students in their junior year take advantage of resources available to them in the Career and Co-op Center.
    Featured Story
  • U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, UML Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey hold a ceremonial check for $500,000 for the RHSA

    UMass Lowell Gets $500,000 to Support First-Gen Students

    U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey visited campus to announce $500,000 in federal funding for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, which serves first-generation college students at the university.
    Featured Story

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