Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff. This year, First-Gen Week @ 51ÊÓÆµ is Nov. 6-10.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

Nicole Carrasco-Cruz inside the Red Sox Fenway Park
Nicole Carrasco-Cruz '22
Criminal Justice

Becoming a Red Sox Scholar in middle school set Nicole Carrasco-Cruz on course for her UML degree.

I fell in love with the school, the staff and the people. I knew this was the right environment for me.
Read More 51ÊÓÆµ Nicole Carrasco-Cruz 
Ashley Rose in a room with piles of newspapers behind her
Ashley Rose Rivera '23
English-Creative Writing

As student newspaper editor, Ashley Rivera helps other people tell stories.

English is an amazing department. It’s a hidden gem.
Read More 51ÊÓÆµ Ashley Rose Rivera 
51ÊÓÆµ student Wonder Ahiatsi poses with economics Professor Tommaso Tempesti.
Wonder Ahiatsi '23
Quantitative Economics

Wonder Ahiatsi chose 51ÊÓÆµ for its B.S. in quantitative economics.

Issues of economic policy affect the well-being of countries.
Read More 51ÊÓÆµ Wonder Ahiatsi 
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 51ÊÓÆµ Karam Alafandi 
Business student Yeaharne Hout talks with another student next to a sign that says RIST Difference Maker Institute.
Yeaharne Hout '21
Business Administration

As she begins her career at Fidelity, Yeaharne Hout sees how transformative her UML experience has been.

I gained so many experiences and connections that made me a more well-rounded person.
Read More 51ÊÓÆµ Yeaharne Hout 
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon poses at the top of Mount Washington.
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

Jamie-Lyn Cavallon won an NSF-funded meteorology internship.

It was a great opportunity.
Read More 51ÊÓÆµ Jamie-Lyn Cavallon 

First-Gen Week Events November 3-7, 2025

All Week

First Gen Book Den
O'Leary Library, Suite 100
These books are a special collection from RHSA, sharing literary resources that speak to the first-gen experience. Borrowing is the same process. Check-out at the library counter, 4th floor in O'Leary Library.

RHSA Open House

Monday, Nov. 3
Noon-4 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100
Visit the new RHSA space on the first floor! Leave an inspirational message, play a board game, carve/paint a pumpkin or take a break between classes! Stop by for snacks!

Spud-tacular First-Gen Celebration

Tuesday, Nov. 4
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coburn Hall, Room 255
Meet faculty and enjoy the potato bar with the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Celebrate First-Gen Week at this drop in event! Come meet with RHSA peer leaders and faculty and learn about interdisciplinary minors. 

Fall-ing for First Gen

Wednesday, Nov. 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dugan 110B
Enjoy apple cider, sweet treats and more with the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. Join us for a fall-themed celebration. Drop-in for a bite to eat and grab some RHSA first-gen swag. .

Color Me Science

Thursday, Nov. 6
3-4 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies & Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium
Stop by for a coloring competition with the Kennedy College of Sciences Deans Office and RHSA faculty. Bring your imagination and a friend! Pizza, soda and prizes await! This event is open to all RHSA students, prior RHSA students and friends of RHSA students. .

Dining with the Dean

Thursday, Nov. 6   
5 - 7 p.m.
Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium
The Manning School of Business welcomes RHSA students to a dinner with the dean. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity. .

RHSA Bingo!

Friday, Nov. 7
12 - 2 p.m., O'Leary Library, Suite 100
Join RHSA staff and peers for a fun afternoon of Bingo and treats. Bring a friend!

First-Gen Week @ 51ÊÓÆµ is sponsored by the River Hawk Scholars Academy, the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Francis College of Engineering, the Kennedy College of Sciences, the Manning School of Business, the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. Events and activities are open to all UML members.

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 ’03, ’10 aims to improve students’ understanding of higher mathematics – 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 51ÊÓÆµ.
    Featured Story