Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of UMass Lowell First-Gen #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

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 
Nicole Carrasco-Cruz inside the Red Sox Fenway Park
Nicole Carrasco-Cruz '22
Criminal Justice

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

I fell in love with the school, the staff and the people. I knew this was the right environment for me.
Read More About Nicole Carrasco-Cruz 
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.

I was interested in something that would allow me to make a data analysis and then explain it clearly, so it can have an impact on policy decisions.
Read More About Wonder Ahiatsi 
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 
Finance student Heer Patel seated inside a UMass Lowell building
Heer Patel '23
Accounting, Finance

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

I wanted a college that I could afford, and that has diversity and inclusiveness and makes me feel welcome. UMass Lowell was perfect.
Read More About Heer Patel 
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 

First-Gen Week Events November 3-7, 2025

All Week

First-Gen Book Den
O'Leary Library, Suite 100

These books are a special collection from the River Hawks Scholars Academy (RHSA), sharing literary resources that speak to the first-gen experience. Borrowing is the same process. Check-out at the library counter, 4th floor in the O'Leary Library.

RHSA Open House

Monday, November 3
Noon-4 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100

Visit the new RHSA space on the first floor! Leave an inspirational message, play a board game, carve/paint a pumpkin or take a break between classes! Stop by for snacks!

Spud-tacular First-Gen Celebration

Tuesday, November 4
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coburn Hall, Room 255

Meet faculty and enjoy the potato bar with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Celebrate First-Gen Week at this drop in event! Come meet with RHSA peer leaders and faculty.

Please respond to attend Spud-tacular.

Fall-ing for First-Gen

Wednesday, November 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dugan Hall room 110B

Enjoy apple cider, sweet treats and more with the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. Join us for a fall-themed celebration. Drop-in for a bite to eat and grab some RHSA first-gen swag.

Please respond to Fall-ing for First-Gen to attend.

Color Me Science

Thursday, November 6
3-4 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium

Stop by for a coloring competition with the Kennedy College of Sciences and Francis College of Engineering Deans Offices and RHSA faculty. Bring your imagination and a friend! Pizza, soda and prizes await! This event is open to all RHSA students, prior RHSA students and friends of RHSA students.

Please respond to Color Me Science to attend.

Dining with the Dean

Thursday, November 6
5-7 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium

The Manning School of Business welcomes RHSA students to a dinner with the dean. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity.

Please respond to Dining with the Dean (via this RHSA spreadsheet) to attend.

RHSA Bingo!

Friday, November 7
Noon - 2 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100

Join RHSA staff and peers for a fun afternoon of Bingo and treats. Bring a friend!

First-Gen Week @ UMass Lowell is sponsored by the River Hawk Scholars Academy, the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Manning School of Business, the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. Events and activities are open to all UML members.

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand, left, and student researcher Melanie Khiem outdoors in front of trees

    Precalculus Coordinator Aims to Improve Math Education

    Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand ’03, ’10 aims to improve students’ understanding of higher mathematics – and to make precalculus classes more fun. Two undergraduate students are helping him while gaining research experience.
    Featured Story
  • Four panelists sit in chairs in front of a screen at the front of a room, talking to college students.

    Peer Leaders Get a Boost from UKG

    Peer leaders from the Office of Multicultural Affairs are now supported with scholarships and mentorship from workforce management software company UKG, a longtime industry partner of UMass Lowell.
    Featured Story