Find Out What Our First-gen Students Are up To
KEVIN AKERS
Mechanical Engineering
As one of the university’s first DC-CAP Scholars, mechanical engineering major Kevin Akers is pursuing his dream of becoming an astronaut — while also continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.
CARLA GONZALEZ HIDALGO
Business
Carla Gonzalez Hidalgo is a full-time student and her family’s sole support. Yet she finds time to volunteer for causes she believes in.
ANDRE DIFILIPPO
Marketing & Management
After making his mark at UML as Student Government Association president, Manning School of Business senior Andre DiFilippo is excited to get started on a sales career.
FLORE STÉCIE NORCÉIDE
Computer Engineering
Flore Stécie Norcéide won an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship to study computer engineering here.
CHUMMENG SOUN
Asian Studies & Digital Media
Chummeng Soun is documenting the traditional dances of his native Cambodia with support from the Center for Asian American Studies and the Southeast Asian Digital Archive.
DARYLE LAMONICA
Biology
Marine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.
TWISHA MOHAPATRA
Business
Twisha Mohapatra says her experiences in the River Hawk Scholars Academy and the Honors College have boosted her confidence, taught her leadership skills and set her up for academic success.
EDWARD MORANTE
Education
During his freshman year at UMass Lowell, Edward gained confidence through hands-on teaching experience at an elementary school classroom.
CORAL GONZALEZ
Nursing
Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.
