Record-setting. Historic. Memorable. Those are just some of the words that describe the kind of year 2018 was at UMass Lowell. From our largest-ever graduating class to the biggest crop of new students; from Oprah Winfrey’s visit to campus to the groundbreaking research taking place in our labs – it was another big year for River Hawk Nation. Here are some of the highlights. And here’s to 2019!

Oprah Visits Campus

Oprah brought in more than $3 million for student scholarships through "A Conversation with Oprah Winfrey" with Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and held a master class for students. Read more

Record-Setting Commencement

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham gave the keynote address at the morning Commencement ceremony. The university conferred degrees to a record 4,358 graduates this past May. Read more

A Class With the Master: Wyclef Jean

Grammy winner Wyclef Jean visited UMass Lowell as part of his "Wyclef Goes Back to School" project. In addition to a master class, he was also searching for new talent to be featured on his mix tape due out in 2019. Read more
Students visit the Cumnock Marketplace Image by Ed Brennen

Everything is New Again

Cumnock gets a second act as a place for students to dine, study and recharge, Pasteur gets a major refresher and is renamed Dandeneau Hall, and Coburn Hall goes back to the future in renovation.
Deirdre Hutchison and Mary Humble check out UMass Lowell Mom shirts while Georgina Hutchison looks at a UMass Lowell shirt Image by K. Webster

All in the Family

A media spotlight shined on three generations of family studying at UMass Lowell together — grandmother, mother, and daughter.
Allen House, also known historically as The Terraces, is an historic house at 2 Solomont Way on the South Campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts.  Built about 1854, it is one of the city's finest early examples of Italianate architecture. In the early 20th century, it was the home of Charles Herbert Allen, a prominent local politician.  Since 1957, it has been owned by the University of Massachusetts Lowell; restored in the 2000s, it houses a gallery and event space used for university programs. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Award Winning University

UML climbed to No. 22 in Sierra magazine’s annual “Cool Schools” ranking of North America’s greenest colleges and universities and ranked No. 7 among the 2018 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts.
Lab technicians test new super remover

Groundbreaking Research

A safer alternative to toxic painter strippers developed at UML went to market and a $1M grant is awarded to mechanical engineering Asst. Prof. Hunter Mack to turn sawdust waste to sustainable fuel additive.
UMass Lowell alumnus Brian Rist

125 and Rising

With the support of thousands of donors, UMass Lowell’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, 'Our Legacy, Our Place,' surpassed its $125 million goal 18 months ahead of schedule.
Noelle Lambert celebrates her goal with teammates Image by Bob Ellis

River Hawks Take Flight

Lacrosse player Noelle Lambert made an incredible comeback and with the athletic program’s DI transition complete, Athletic Director Dana Skinner passed the baton to Peter Casey.
Closeup picture of water droplets on a golden colored waterproof fabric

Raising the Curtain

The Fabric Discovery Center opens, reviving Lowell’s legacy as a textile innovator.
Claire Chamberlain, Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and Interim Dean Karen Devereaux Melillo at UMass Lowell Nursing 50th celebration

Happy Anniversary

The Solomont School of Nursing  celebrates its 50th anniversary along with the Kennedy College of Sciences and the Center for Women and Work turns 20.