Karam Alafandi
Karam Alafandi '24
History, Pre-med

Karam Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.

I’m looking forward to having lifetime relationships with my patients.
Read More About Karam Alafandi 
Nosagiegbon (Sai) Igiede sits between two students while playing a game.
Nosagiegbon Igiede '26
Public Health

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

Showcasing empathy towards people who look up to me gives me a sense of belonging, which is one of the many reasons I love UMass Lowell.
Read More About Nosagiegbon Igiede 
Monica Kong headshot
Monica Kong '22
Public Health

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

The RHSA empowered me not only as a student, but as a leader and a person who wants to serve the community.
Read More About Monica Kong 
Marilyn Saha works on her laptop outside of Starbucks on South Campus
Marilyn Saha '20
Electrical Engineering & Engineering Management

Her experiences in the Honors College and in a college readiness program, Let’s Get Ready, helped Marilyn Saha get a job at Raytheon Technologies.

Engineers don’t just have to do technical things to have a positive impact on society.
Read More About Marilyn Saha 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • 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’s 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.
    Featured Story
  • Kelley-Lawson at chemo with her sister

    This New Year, Kelley Lawson is Grateful for a Fresh Start

    In this new year, Kelley Lawson is grateful for second chances. One year after extensive surgery and chemotherapy for Stage 4 cancer, Lawson shares some of the ways she’s winning this battle, one day at a time.
    Featured Story
  • UML biomedical engineering student Alex Hutchinson in Granada, Spain

    RHSA Expands with Study Abroad, First-Gen Student Conference

    The River Hawk Scholars Academy is expanding its programs for first-generation college students, including adding a study abroad course and a conference organized by students, thanks to federal aid and grants from nonprofits.