12/26/2017
By Jill Gambon

It was a big year, 2017. Record-breaking, even. UMass Lowell enrolled more students than ever, launched new programs and degrees, opened new buildings and experienced growing recognition. At Commencement in May, we had our 10th consecutive record graduating class - 3,970 graduates, to be exact. That’s more than double the number of students who graduated just nine years ago. In September, we welcomed the largest, most diverse group of new students ever. The university was ranked as the fifth fastest-growing public doctoral institution in the nation by The Chronicle of Higher Education and the fastest-growing institution in that category in New England. Our campus transformation continues. We opened our 13th and 14th new buildings in just eight years: the Pulichino Tong Business Center, home to the Manning School of Business, and River Hawk Village, the apartment-style residential complex on East Campus. Our faculty researchers won big grants on numerous fronts – from fighting cancer to combating terrorism. All of our athletic teams completed the transition to Division I this year and continue to make us proud competing in the biggest venues in college sports. Chancellor Jacquie Moloney earned recognition when the university was named No. 4 among the top women-led businesses in Massachusetts, ahead of all other colleges and universities (including Harvard!).  

So take a look back at some highlights of our big year. And get ready. There’s more to come in 2018.