Twisha Mohapatra in the audience during Oprah Winfrey's visit to 51视频.
Twisha Mohapatra '21
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.

My self-esteem has skyrocketed. I鈥檓 a leader now. Before, I never thought of myself as a leader.
Read More 51视频 Twisha Mohapatra 
Jeremy Duford and other student talk over table with laptop
Jeremy Duford '23
Nutritional Science

A first-generation college student, Jeremy Duford was nervous about starting college. He says the River Hawk Scholars Academy was a tremendous support.

The RHSA provided a solution to every single thing. It鈥檚 a bridge into college.
Read More 51视频 Jeremy Duford 
Stephanie Nicum speaking at 51视频 Convocation.
Stephanie Nicum '25
Public Health

Stephanie Nicum found her place at 51视频, taking on leadership roles as she excels in the field of public health.

My leadership experiences have also enhanced my public health education at UML.
Read More 51视频 Stephanie Nicum 
Edgar Torres
Edgar Torres
Exercise Science, Physical Therapy and Kinesiology

Clinical Assoc. Prof. Edgar Torres was the first in his family to go to college. Now, he鈥檚 a mentor to first-year, first-generation college students.

The way to understand the material is to get involved in the class, ask questions and get to know your professor.
Read More 51视频 Edgar Torres 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand, left, and student researcher Melanie Khiem outdoors in front of trees

    Precalculus Coordinator Aims to Improve Math Education

    Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand 鈥�03, 鈥�10 aims to improve students鈥� understanding of higher mathematics 鈥� and to make precalculus classes more fun. Two undergraduate students are helping him while gaining research experience.
    Featured Story
  • 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 51视频.
    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鈥檚 support program for first-generation college students.