Let鈥檚 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

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 杏吧原创 Javier Palma 
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鈥檚 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 杏吧原创 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 杏吧原创 Yeaharne Hout 
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 杏吧原创 Nicole Carrasco-Cruz 
Nadine Chamoun in front of Needham Bank
Nadine Chamoun '21
Business Administration

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

All of my professors have been great. ... It鈥檚 super cool to connect with them and learn how they got to where they are.
Read More 杏吧原创 Nadine Chamoun 
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鈥檚 how you get opportunities.
Read More 杏吧原创 Justin Baez Peguero 

2024 First-Gen Week Events

All Week:

First Gen Book Den
O'Leary Library, Room 300
These books are a special collection from RHSA, sharing literary resources that speak to the first-gen experience. Borrowing is the same as you would borrowing any other book in O'Leary or Lydon. Check-out at the library counter.

RHSA Pumpkin Painting

Monday, Nov. 4
2-5 p.m., O'Leary Library, Room 300
Turn your creativity into art. Join RHSA and other students for pumpkin painting! Everyone is welcome!

Fall-ing for First Gen with Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences

Wednesday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Health & Social Sciences, Room 107
Apple cider, sweet treats and chili....join us for a fall-themed celebration. Stella (Associate Dean Champagne's dog) may make an appearance! Drop-in!

First-Gen Fest: Food, Facts & Fun with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Thursday, Nov. 7聽聽
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coburn Hall, Room 255
Celebrate First-Gen Week at UMass Lowell at this drop in event! Come meet with RHSA peer leaders and faculty, win swag or enter the raffle, and enjoy complimentary food with FAHSS!

First-Gen Pizza & Conversation with Kennedy College of Sciences

Thursday, Nov. 7聽聽
3:30-4:30 p.m., Olsen 348
Stop by for pizza and soda and to meet your KCS first-gen community. Grab some swag and fun items!

Celebrate First-Gen with Francis College of Engineering

Thursday, Nov. 7聽聽
5:30-7 p.m., Southwick 256
Join us for a celebration of our first-gen students. Whether you stay for the whole event or just drop in, enjoy an atmosphere of creativity and community. Connect with your FCE community, get resources and fun swag.聽 Food and drinks will be provided.

RHSA Leaf Your Mark

Friday, Nov. 8
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., O'Leary Library, Room 300
Celebrate with First-Gen gratitude! Hang out in the RHSA lounge. Help draw, paint and craft our autumn tree by writing what you're grateful for, advice to other FG students, what a River Hawk means to you, or design your own leaf!
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.

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