Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff. This year, First-Gen Week @ UMass Lowell is Nov. 6-10.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

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 
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon poses at the top of Mount Washington.
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

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

It was a great opportunity.
Read More About Jamie-Lyn Cavallon 
UMass Lowell business student Kristin Kihara holds a tablet displaying the cover of her magazine Black.
Kristin Kihara '24
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship

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

There’s a big African population here, and I wanted to go somewhere where I’d feel comfortable.
Read More About Kristin Kihara 
Javier Palma stands in front of a white board in a UMass Lowell classroom
Javier Palma '23
Electrical Engineering, UTeach

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

I want to be a teacher who can create a much more comfortable classroom environment.
Read More About Javier Palma 
Justin Baez Peguero stands in front of framed images of flags from around the world
Justin Baez Peguero '24
Business

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

If you work hard and take chances in life, that’s how you get opportunities.
Read More About Justin Baez Peguero 
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.

Issues of economic policy affect the well-being of countries.
Read More About Wonder Ahiatsi 

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 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 O'Leary Library.

RHSA Open House

Monday, Nov. 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, Nov. 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 and learn about interdisciplinary minors. Please respond to attend Spud-tacular.

Fall-ing for First Gen

Wednesday, Nov. 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dugan 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, Nov. 6
3-4 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies & Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium
Stop by for a coloring competition with the Kennedy College of Sciences Deans Office 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, Nov. 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 to attend.

RHSA Bingo!

Friday, Nov. 7
12 - 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.

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