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 
Asst. Teaching Prof. Matt Hurwitz helps students work with grade-schoolers
Matthew Hurwitz
English, River Hawk Scholars Academy

Asst. Teaching Prof. Matt Hurwitz helps first-year students in their transition to college by connecting them with the community. His dedication to service won him an advising award.

If a student comes to UMass Lowell, they’re ours – and we owe them everything we can do to help them succeed.
Read More About Matthew Hurwitz 
Neyder Fernandez and Joe Kennedy
Neyder Fernandez '23
Political Science

First-gen student Neyder Fernandez is president of the Student Government Association.

My parents would say, ‘You can do anything that you want to, and we have your back.’
Read More About Neyder Fernandez 
Jennica Hamm studying on her laptop in the sitting area of Cumnock Hall.
Jennica Hamm '26
Applied Biomedical Sciences

Jennica Hamm was mentored and is now a mentor herself, helping first-year students get acclimated to campus and academic life.

Read More About Jennica Hamm 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Two young women blow bubbles through a colorful hoop that another woman is holding

    Meet the Librarian Who is Focused on First-Year Students

    Yolanda Hood, the UMass Lowell Library’s new first-year experience and instruction coordinator, ensures that students know about the resources and services that are available to them to help them succeed.
    Featured Story
  • Kelley-Lawson at chemo with her sister

    This New Year, Kelley Lawson is Grateful for a Fresh Start

    In this new year, Kelley Lawson is grateful for second chances. One year after extensive surgery and chemotherapy for Stage 4 cancer, Lawson shares some of the ways she’s winning this battle, one day at a time.
    Featured Story
  • 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.