Yahayra Michel in front of a white board with words on it
Yahayra Michel ’07, ’09
Psychology and Criminal Justice

Asst. Teaching Prof. Yahayra Michel, who was a first-generation college student, found her mentors at UMass Lowell.

UMass Lowell just feels like home.
Read More About Yahayra Michel 
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 
Asst. Teaching Prof. Matt Hurwitz helps students work with grade-schoolers
Matthew Hurwitz
English, River Hawk Scholars Academy

Asst. Teaching Prof. Matt Hurwitz helps first-year students in their transition to college by connecting them with the community. His dedication to service won him an advising award.

If a student comes to UMass Lowell, they’re ours – and we owe them everything we can do to help them succeed.
Read More About Matthew Hurwitz 
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 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • 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
  • 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’s 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