Let’s celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ First-Gen #UMLFirst students, faculty and staff.

Meet Some of Our First-Generation Students

ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ student Wonder Ahiatsi poses with economics Professor Tommaso Tempesti.
Wonder Ahiatsi '23
Quantitative Economics

Wonder Ahiatsi chose ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ for its B.S. in quantitative economics.

Issues of economic policy affect the well-being of countries.
Read More ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ 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 ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Karam Alafandi 
Finance student Heer Patel seated inside a ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ building
Heer Patel '23
Accounting, Finance

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

I wanted a college that I could afford, and that has diversity and inclusiveness and makes me feel welcome. ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ was perfect.
Read More ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Heer Patel 
Nadine Chamoun in front of Needham Bank
Nadine Chamoun '21
Business Administration

Business student Nadine Chamoun stepped out of her comfort zone for an IT internship. And she’s glad she did.

All of my professors have been great. ... It’s super cool to connect with them and learn how they got to where they are.
Read More ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Nadine Chamoun 
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 ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Justin Baez Peguero 
ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ 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 “aren’t really seen.â€

There’s a big African population here, and I wanted to go somewhere where I’d feel comfortable.
Read More ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Kristin Kihara 

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 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 @ ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ 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 ÐÓ°É´«Ã½.
    Featured Story