First Generation Students

Psychology and Sociology major Debby Fernand serves on the university’s Student Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Clinical Assoc. Prof. Edgar Torres was the first in his family to go to college. Now, he’s a mentor to first-year, first-generation college students.

2021 Student Commencement Speaker Jamie Smorczewski knows what it means to persevere, over injury, health issues, the pandemic and life’s curveballs.

Business alum Karyn Puleo ’84, ’12 has served UML as a leader and educator, helping to guide Facilities Management while giving back to her community.

Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.

Wonder Ahiatsi chose UMass Lowell for its B.S. in quantitative economics.

Jonathan Aguilar ’21 started a 3D printing company as an undergrad that he now runs at the Haverhill Innovation Hub.

Lana Bashir fell in love with UMass Lowell when she toured the campus.

Student Government Association Vice President Nosagiegbon (Sai) Igiede takes advantage of leadership opportunities to develop his skills and support his classmates.

Honors transfer student Fidel Castro wants to make a name for himself in the field of nanotechnology manufacturing.

Veyli Ortiz Solis earned a B.S. in criminal justice in just three years – with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Jasmine Seng ’25 translated her passion for geoscience into real-world climate resilience work through a CELT Municipal Fellowship.

A staff accountant internship at Novogradac confirmed business major Heer Patel’s interest in auditing.

Big ambitions, combined with practical thinking, led Jessica Tran to UMass Lowell.

Emily Crespo came to UML for its affordability – and for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, now a supportive community for first-year, first-generation college students.

Mass Lowell offered another “bonus” says Neyder Fernandez: the River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA), a supportive program for first-generation college students.

Tariq Brathwaite’s superpowers — creativity and work ethic — have already taken him farther than he dreamed possible.

Entrepreneurship student Adolfo Gonzalez Mateo built Atlas, an AI platform to help immigrants navigate complex systems.

Becoming a Red Sox Scholar in middle school set Nicole Carrasco-Cruz on course for her UML degree.

Kevin Harrington’s love of the French language has translated into transformative academic research and a semester abroad in France.

Jamie-Lyn Cavallon won an NSF-funded meteorology internship.

Convocation speaker Dezanae Boston-Bernier ’16, ’21 embraced opportunities across campus, building a career dedicated to helping others discover their own potential.

After a successful recruiting and development career that has spanned the nonprofit, corporate and higher education worlds, political science alumna Sophan Smith ’02 has come full circle as the new executive director for EforAll Lowell, the nonprofit small business accelerator started at UMass Lowell.

Javier Palma is earning a teaching license along with his B.S. in electrical engineering.

Juana Guerrero came to UML with strong academic credentials. A support program helped boost her confidence and leadership skills, too.

Ralph Saint-Louis ’18, ’20 was recognized by Time Magazine as one of its 2022 Innovative Teachers.

As an aspiring broadcast meteorologist, Victoria Wisniewski was attracted to UML due to its bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, successful alumni and research opportunities.

Kristin Kihara started her own digital magazine, Black, highlighting creators who “aren’t really seen.”

A series of mentors helped Cleidir Mendes thrive at UML — and land a job at Fidelity Investments.

Political science major Nadia Eshun used her Immersive Scholar award to intern at the Safe Exit Initiative, a nonprofit that supports women leaving the sex trade.

Gabriella Monteiro found her community and career direction at UMass Lowell after receiving a scholarship that made it possible for her to stay in school and pursue her dreams.

Gifty Kessie takes advantage of opportunities to learn and grow – and then turns around and offers a helping hand to others.

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

A first-generation college student, Jeremy Duford was nervous about starting college. He says the River Hawk Scholars Academy was a tremendous support.

As she begins her career at Fidelity, Yeaharne Hout sees how transformative her UML experience has been.

Inspired by a summer program, Carolina Reyes is determined to become an English teacher at Lawrence High School.

Caroline Owusu lost an internship because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and found a passion for research.

As president of the student-run record label SevenSix, Sophia Cavalcante is preparing for a career managing recording artists.

Jacob Villeneuve was drawn to UML by its sound recording technology and Air Force ROTC programs.

From policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.

Twisha Mohapatra says her experiences in the River Hawk Scholars Academy and the Honors College have boosted her confidence, taught her leadership skills and set her up for academic success.

With the goal of becoming a lawyer, Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut double majored in philosophy and political science.

Jessica Dossantos chose UMass Lowell for its patient simulation labs – and because her twin sister liked the university, too.

Asst. Teaching Prof. Yahayra Michel, who was a first-generation college student, found her mentors at UMass Lowell.

Business administration major Keviana-Joy George transformed from a shy transfer student to an outgoing student leader who is on track for a career in human resources.

Haris Mukanga’s passion for computer science drew the praise of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.

Nazeli Acosta won a State Department Scholarship to study rural health care in the Dominican Republic.

The River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students, gave Monica Kong the confidence she needed to succeed – and lead.

Shirley Adubofour is putting her studies in political science and race and ethnic studies into practice as a student representative on UML’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

Stephanie Nicum found her place at UMass Lowell, taking on leadership roles as she excels in the field of public health.

Shakira Fedna came to UMass Lowell because of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students.

Janelle Christopher started studying at UMass Lowell at the same time as her mom, Lorraine.

Honors nursing major Emerson Tully discovered the power of grant writing as an intern for the Refuge Art School, a nonprofit in Lowell.

Douglas Correa Ospina plans to combine his studies in psychology and economics to help immigrants and others from marginalized groups become more financially secure.

The Moloney Student Fellowship Fund allowed Mathew D’Entremont to take an unpaid internship with a Lowell nonprofit.

As one of the university’s first DC-CAP Scholars, mechanical engineering major Kevin Akers is pursuing his dream of becoming an astronaut — while also continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Patricia Pham has been able to explore many interests beyond her accounting studies at UMass Lowell, from running the Book Club and Crochet Club to studying abroad and tutoring.

First-generation college student Xonyia Vang is pursuing a career in cybersecurity through hands-on coursework, internships and student leadership.

While Jennica Hamm may eventually become a physician, she says that the medical laboratory science option provides her with many different career possibilities.

Honors College student Jennifer Dossantos is majoring in business because she’s inspired by her mom.

Marine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.

For Nery Rodriguez, public health is the perfect major to combine science with helping people and communities.

Dana Ibrahim chose UMass Lowell for its peace and conflict studies program, which lets her combine classes across the social sciences and humanities to suit her goal: to become a diplomat and aid refugees.

Brandon Diaz turned his lifelong passion for boxing into both a campus club and a sports technology startup, FormMatch AI.

Valeria Saldana knew she had found a welcoming community from her first visit to campus.

Student trustee Abby Cooper is a lifelong advocate.

Valentina Munoz Roa ’25 turned her passion for writing and design into a publishing career with a social media internship at Boston’s Beacon Press.

Kavi Oeur decided to major in the pharmaceutical sciences, marketing and management option to pursue a more business-related job in the pharmaceutical industry.

Justin Baez Peguero is studying business, working three jobs and serving in student government.

Business student Nadine Chamoun stepped out of her comfort zone for an IT internship. And she’s glad she did.

Jack Callahan is pursuing a public health degree to improve the lives of as many people as possible.

Isabella De Souza has won two scholarships that will allow her to study Spanish abroad, so she can bring multiple languages to her future nursing career.

First-generation college student Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo serves on YMCA of the USA’s National Youth Advisory Council.

Accounting student Victor Souza knew all about hard work when he arrived at UMass Lowell. His focus was on getting involved during his undergraduate career — while also gaining valuable professional experience through internships.

Jeremiah Adames is building a future in trauma therapy and public service by combining psychology, language and hands-on medical experience.

Angel Disla has taken advantage of paid campus roles that strengthened his skills and supported his education.

Anir Dasgupta leveraged internships, leadership roles and networking opportunities to build a strong foundation in finance and real estate at UMass Lowell.

Student Government Association President Gavin Robillard balances advocating for students with preparing for a career in commercial real estate.