Correction: The Honors College Newsletter - Issue 2

Note: The previous article about the RHED program carried the incorrect headline: "Understanding the FYSH Badge." It has been corrected to "Here’s What’s Up With RHED." 

Welcome to the second issue of Honorable Mentions for the '25-26 school year! Honorable Mentions is our monthly newsletter that will catch you up on some of the important developments within the Honors College.

This newsletter is written by honors fellow Abby Comstock.

So...Who Killed Charles Allen?

The Allen House’s annual murder mystery was a smashing success! Deirdre Hutchison sums it up in a word: “Epic.” Student investigators across disciplines worked together to crack the code with a variety of puzzles, trivia, and a mind-bending final clue. They uncovered Allen House and Honors College history as they gathered evidence from characters within the building. Enthusiastic Honors College staff comprised all actors. Mystery-fans or not, all students ended the event knowing more faces than they had before. “It’s a very nice way to connect with other students,” Deirdre says.

The night was filled with fun, friends, and facts, fostering the Honors College’s core values of community and engagement. As for the murderer…? Well, detective, you’ll just have to stop by next October.

Discover Your Next Big Idea with Honors Signature Seminars

Honors Signature Seminars are one of the most exciting opportunities available to Honors College students. They are unique, faculty-designed courses that invite you to explore compelling questions, global issues, and creative perspectives, oftentimes outside the boundaries of your major. These seminars are small, discussion-driven, and built to challenge you in the best ways while connecting you with passionate peers and expert faculty.

This year’s offerings include several standout Signature Seminars you won’t want to miss. Dive into strategy and culture through Game Gambit, examine global development in Science & Tech in the Developing World, or explore artistry and embodiment in Exploring Dance Movement & History. If you’re looking to expand your understanding of the human experience, consider Gender, Work & Peace (Online) or investigate dictatorship and memory through Salazar Regime.

These 3-credit seminars satisfy honors and AH/SS/STEM requirements, depending on the course number.

No matter your major, Honors Signature Seminars offer the chance to stretch yourself intellectually, build community, and engage with topics that spark curiosity. Explore the options and register early to make the most of this Honors-exclusive experience!

Honor Yourself Week Recap

Engagement is up all around in the Honors College, with more students than ever participating in Honor Yourself Week. The community workshop and alumni panels were extremely popular, showcasing the lasting impact of Honors as well as uniting past and present students.

During this week, students focused on their needs, whether connective, physical, or in terms of growth. They gave back to others, put a pause on the year, and took time for self-reflection. In Erin Jenkins’ words, “During this time of a lot of uncertainty and turmoil, it’s nice to come together. Weeks of offering space to care for ourselves and others are so important.”

San Sebastian: Study Abroad Reunion

Students from the San Sebastian trip this past summer got together to relive memories, answer questions from prospective applicants, and discuss how the international experience benefited them. Despite pre-departure anxiety, the whole group had a blast.

The students enthusiastically described the independence and life skills they gained throughout the 21-day program. “The you who gets on that plane is different from the you who did not,” said Julian Zabalbeascoa, who leads the program. Saying yes opens doors: the point is to take the leap of faith into the unknown, the fear is purposeful. Alexis Sylvain sums it up: “Great experience, would definitely recommend.”

During the informational session, students asked about the logistics of the trip: the program fee includes housing, breakfasts, health insurance, daily Spanish classes, in-country transportation, airport transfer, and excursions. Students purchase plane tickets individually, and a group flight is identified so that students can travel together. Navigation is simple using Google Maps. Buses, walking, and biking are the best forms of transportation, and driving is not necessary. For most Honors students, there are between $300 - $1,000 in scholarships available.

Moral Courage on Campus

The Honors College was proud to host a Communication Workshop led by Allison Gerrard examining Moral Courage on November 12th. The panel offered both awareness and practical skills for communication, with tools that could be used in daily life. “We had a fantastic turnout of students, staff, and faculty from across campus,” Erin Jenkins said. “A special thank you to Allison Gerrard from Moral Courage for leading such an engaging and impactful workshop.”

Allison’s workshop offered powerful awareness and practical tools for communicating across differences. Attendees had the opportunity to draw from their own experiences as they explored the challenge of understanding and being understood during times of tension or deep division. According to Erin Jenkins, “Everyone left with a concrete tool they can immediately apply, not only in their work on campus but also in their personal lives. These skills are needed now more than ever, and the Honors College was proud to offer a workshop for the entire community to take part in.”

 Here’s What’s Up With RHED

The River Hawk Experience Distinction (RHED) is a signature program at UMass Lowell. Founded in 2019,  it offers 5 distinctions: leadership, entrepreneurship, global engagement, community engagement, and sustainability.

RHED graduates receive a red cord as well as formal recognition on their diploma and transcript during an end-of-the-school-year ceremony celebrating their accomplishment. The program is free, open to all, and can manageably be completed throughout your time in college!

Students must apply, complete 2 pre-approved courses, 2 approved experiences, and write a reflection for each respective course and experience. Yes, it’s really that simple. With the range of opportunities and classes offered in the Honors College, you likely have fulfilled certain requirements without even realizing it.

Wendy Hyatt, who oversees the program, wants all students to be aware of RHED. “The best thing about the program is that you have a RHED story when you’re done,” she says. “The world pops open.”

Check out the RHED social media for additional information.

   Honors Informational Peers Spotlights

The Honors Informational Peers (HIPs) lead enrichment activities for fellow honors students, answer questions about course scheduling and honors requirements, and help create a stronger sense of community for the nearly 2,000 honors undergraduates currently enrolled at UMass Lowell. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the HIPs.

HIPs also host events in the Allen House on Monday through Thursday from 5–9 p.m. During these events, students can meet with HIPs to ask questions about honors classes, schedules, and more. HIPs also work to bring new programs to the Allen House and build connections.

In each issue we will spotlight several of our HIPs. 

Tiffany Chau

Hometown: North Grafton, MA

Year: Sophomore

Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hobbies: Playing sports, climbing, and hanging out with friends.

Favorite thing about UML: The close community I’ve built here feels like a second family.

Clubs: Marketing chair of IEEE, RHSA, and Delta Kappa Pi

Favorite thing about Honors: How helpful it is for getting internships and future job opportunities.

Future Goals: To get a job I can do remote while I travel.

Fun Fact: I just got back from a backpacking solo trip around Europe.

Maria Ganoza

Hometown: Malden, MA

Year: Junior

Major: Applied Biomedical Science (Medical Laboratory Science)

Minor: Public Health

Hobbies: Reading, photography, baking, gaming

Favorite thing about UML: The staff and students who make the community and campus more lively and welcoming

Clubs: Public Health Club, OMA / STEP peer leader, Association of Clinical Laboratory Students

Favorite thing about Honors: Resume building and opportunities like scholarships and study abroad for students

Future Goals: My future goal is to use my knowledge in health science and public health to help advance healthcare and make a difference in others lives

Zach Giuliana

Hometown: Melrose, MA

Year: Junior

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hobbies: Board games, music, physical media, biking

Favorite thing about UML: The people you meet

Clubs: VP of the TTRPG Club (Tabletop Roleplaying Game)

Favorite thing about Honors: The unique opportunities it gives you access to

Future Goals: Make and self-host a kickin website, and get a pet frog named Rupert

Fun Fact: I know a lot about elevators

Stacey Reyes

Hometown: Lowell, MA

Year: Junior

Major: Nursing and Spanish

Hobbies: Sleeping, watching Netflix, going out, shopping

Favorite thing about UML: The atmosphere - the opportunities and people

Clubs: Student Nursing Association, LASA (Latin American Student Association), CSF (Christian Student Fellowship)

Favorite thing about Honors: Study abroad and the community

Future Goals: To work in a Spanish-speaking country as a nurse

Fun Fact: I have three dogs and I am bilingual!

Tristin Henson

Hometown: South Hadley, MA

Year: Junior

Major: Biology

Hobbies: Walking, drawing, gardening, writing

Favorite thing about UML: The opportunities offered and the people I’ve met here!

Clubs: GW Lab

Favorite thing about Honors: Honors seminar classes! I took an Honors Seminar class around Game of Thrones with Professor Fogle that I loved!

Future Goals: Graduating UML with a Bachelor’s in Biology, future career in marine biology

Fun Fact: I’ve taken a roadtrip across the country to Oregon.