Neyder Fernandez and Joe Kennedy
Neyder Fernandez '23
Political Science

First-gen student Neyder Fernandez is president of the Student Government Association.

My parents would say, 鈥榊ou can do anything that you want to, and we have your back.鈥�
Read More 杏吧原创 Neyder Fernandez 
Emily Crespo sits at a table with a Jumpstart poster.
Emily Crespo '21
English & Music Composition

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

I learned not only that you can help others, but that they can help you on your journey, too.
Read More 杏吧原创 Emily Crespo 
Twins Jessica and Jennifer Dossantos
Jennifer Dossantos '23
Business

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

I wanted to have a major where I could have versatility, so business seemed like a good option.
Read More 杏吧原创 Jennifer Dossantos 
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 杏吧原创 Wonder Ahiatsi 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Sean Simonini poses in a white lab coat in a laboratory

    Biology and Political Science Student Wins National Scholarship

    Sean Simonini, who is double-majoring in biology and political science, wants to help find treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. He won a $7,500 Goldwater Scholarship to support that work.
    Featured Story
  • A woman in a gray blazer poses for a photo while standing near the reception desk in a college office.

    Alumna Returns to Lead First-Gen Success at UML

    English alumna Venus Israni has returned to her alma mater to lead the River Hawk Scholars Academy, UML鈥檚 support program for first-generation college students.
    Featured Story
  • UMass Lowell students line up on the South Campus lawn.

    Students Get a Head Start on Course Work and College Life

    A range of special summer programs offer a head start on college classes and campus connections for incoming first-year students, transfer students and high school students. Some even offer full scholarships.
    Featured Story
  • Two young women blow bubbles through a colorful hoop that another woman is holding

    Meet the Librarian Who is Focused on First-Year Students

    Yolanda Hood, the UMass Lowell Library鈥檚 new first-year experience and instruction coordinator, ensures that students know about the resources and services that are available to them to help them succeed.