Let鈥檚 celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of 小猪视频 First-Gen #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

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鈥檚 how you get opportunities.
Read More 小猪视频 Justin Baez Peguero 
小猪视频 business student Kristin Kihara holds a tablet displaying the cover of her magazine Black.
Kristin Kihara '24
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship

Kristin Kihara started her own digital magazine, Black, highlighting creators who 鈥渁ren鈥檛 really seen.鈥

There鈥檚 a big African population here, and I wanted to go somewhere where I鈥檇 feel comfortable.
Read More 小猪视频 Kristin Kihara 
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鈥檚 a hidden gem.
Read More 小猪视频 Ashley Rose Rivera 
Karam Alafandi
Karam Alafandi '24
History, Pre-med

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

I鈥檓 looking forward to having lifetime relationships with my patients.
Read More 小猪视频 Karam Alafandi 
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 小猪视频 Nicole Carrasco-Cruz 
Finance student Heer Patel seated inside a 小猪视频 building
Heer Patel '23
Accounting, Finance

A staff accountant internship at Novogradac confirmed business major Heer Patel鈥檚 interest in auditing.

I wanted a college that I could afford, and that has diversity and inclusiveness and makes me feel welcome. 小猪视频 was perfect.
Read More 小猪视频 Heer Patel 

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 the River Hawks Scholars Academy (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 the O'Leary Library.

RHSA Open House

Monday, November 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, November 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.

Fall-ing for First-Gen

Wednesday, November 5
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dugan Hall room 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, November 6
3-4 p.m., Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), Perry Atrium

Stop by for a coloring competition with the Kennedy College of Sciences and Francis College of Engineering聽Deans Offices 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, November 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, November 7
Noon - 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 @ 小猪视频 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 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 小猪视频.
    Featured Story