Notable Alumni of the University of Massachusetts Lowell: A Legacy of Achievement

Introduction

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell or UML), a public research university with campuses in Lowell and Haverhill, Massachusetts, has a rich history dating back to the 1890s. From its origins as Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute, UMass Lowell has grown into a leading institution offering a wide array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. With nationally recognized programs in engineering, criminal justice, education, music, science, and technology, UMass Lowell has produced a diverse group of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. This article highlights some of the university's notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and lasting impact.

A Foundation Built on Education and Innovation

UMass Lowell owes its origins to two institutions founded in the 1890s: Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute. Lowell State College, which started as the Lowell Normal School in 1894, was dedicated to teacher training for women. Lowell Technological Institute, established in 1895 as the Lowell Textile School, trained technicians and managers for the textile industry. The merger of these two institutions in 1975 created the University of Lowell, which was later renamed the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This foundation in education and innovation has shaped the university's commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Alumni in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

UMass Lowell's College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences has produced alumni who have excelled in various fields.

Beth Donaghey, a 1982 English graduate, initially took a temporary job as a secretary at the university but found her calling there.
David Moloney chose UMass Lowell to study creative writing with award-winning author Andre Dubus III, demonstrating the university's strength in fostering creative talent.
Mary Everett combined her interest in environmental science with a love of writing, utilizing an honors fellowship to craft a collection of short stories that earned her admission to a top-ranked M.F.A. program.
Matthew Olson, dean of humanities and social science at Middlesex Community College, credits his doctorate in Leadership in Schooling for his career trajectory.
Peace and Conflict Studies major Jenna Kapp has actively engaged in numerous campus opportunities, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals.
Valentina Munoz Roa turned her passion for writing and design into a publishing career through a social media internship at Boston’s Beacon Press.
John Pinette was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and Broadway performer.
Thelma Todd was an American actress and businesswoman who appeared in about 120 feature films and shorts between 1926 and 1935.
Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Khalid Karman is a Yemeni journalist, politician, and human rights activist and a co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
Barry Rothbart is an American comedian, actor and writer.
Paul Sullivan was an accomplished radio talk-show host of "The Paul Sullivan Show" on WBZ radio.

Alumni in Engineering and Technology

The Francis College of Engineering at UMass Lowell, named after hydraulic engineer James B. Francis, has a long history of producing innovative engineers and technologists.

Deepak Bhimani's passion for chemistry led him to pursue a degree in chemical textiles at Lowell Textile Institute.
Katherine Moses came to Lowell to pursue a master's degree in energy engineering.
Kraig Scharn discovered his aptitude for sales through internship and co-op experiences as a plastics engineering major.
Leo Montagna Jr. credits his plastics engineering education at UMass Lowell for his professional success.
Mark Lalli, a Commonwealth Scholar, completed his B.S. in chemical engineering in just three years. Research opportunities at the university enabled him to pursue a Ph.D.
Mark Micire designs robotics systems for search and rescue sites, leveraging his unique work experience and education to assist people in crisis.
Richard Asirifi turned his early interest in fashion into a growing business, Lief Kultuur, with the help of EforAll and the DifferenceMaker program.
Pakistan native Ramsha Farooq, came to UMass Lowell for her master’s degree in electrical engineering.
Rich Miner is an investment partner on the GV team. He has a doctorate in computer science from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The Richard A. Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences at UMass Lowell was named after Miner in 2022.
Terrence Masson is a computer graphics educator, producer, and lecturer, specializing in animation, storytelling and executive leadership.

Alumni in Health Sciences

The Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences at UMass Lowell is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Alex Sarazen, an exercise science alumnus, pursued chiropractic school and now treats athletes at his own clinic.
Haylee Dussault was among the first graduates of the Master of Public Health Dietetics program. She quickly passed the registered dietitian exam and secured her ideal job.
Isaura Jimenez overcame language barriers and a challenging curriculum to earn a nursing degree.
Margaret Fitzgerald decided to focus on preventative care after 16 years in an intensive care unit.
Michelle Palladino discovered her passion for nutrition and dietetics as an undergraduate.
Mindasari Daniar's Indonesian upbringing inspired her to study nutrition.
Nicolas Troisi gained extensive experience from his clinical lab rotations and obtained a full-time position as a medical laboratory scientist at Winchester Hospital.
Suparlan Lingga came to UMass Lowell to further his education in public health.
Susan Mullaney, who earned a doctorate in nursing practice, is a vice president at UnitedHealth Group, focusing on senior health.

Alumni in Education

The School of Education at UMass Lowell has a long-standing commitment to preparing educators who are passionate about teaching and learning.

Biology teacher Morgan Tierno’s student teaching and first year on the job were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and major social issues.
**A Lowell elementary school is named for Gertrude M.

Alumni in Business

The Manning School of Business at UMass Lowell is committed to developing future business leaders who are innovative, ethical, and socially responsible.

Andrew Farkas, chief operating officer at Boston MedFlight, returned to college after 35 years to complete his M.S.
Angela King Lines is a manager at Walmart, working on the front lines of fighting crime.
Coming from a family of small business owners, entrepreneurship is Gianni Falzone's blood.
Louis Cirignano, a born entrepreneur, maximized his opportunities at UMass Lowell.
Mark Saab's UMass Lowell education provided the foundation for a successful career.
Christopher J. Coyne Graduated with bachelor's degree in business administration. He is an American Catholic prelate who has served as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford in Connecticut since May 2024.
Joe Gambardella attended the University of Massachusetts-Lowell where he played college ice hockey and was a business major.

Alumni in Government, Law and Public Affairs

UMass Lowell has produced numerous alumni who have dedicated their careers to public service.

Daniel Barros believed that law could be a powerful tool for helping people.
Daniel Howell dedicated several years to addressing the opioid epidemic in Lowell.
Deborah Friedl broke barriers for women at the Lowell Police Department.
Denia Taylor overcame numerous obstacles to pursue a degree in political science.
Dic Donohue, a retired MBTA Transit Police Sgt., completed his master’s degree and was later shot during the Boston Marathon bombing firefight.
Gerrit Boldt secured an internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, focusing on improving conditions for low-income residents.
Jessica Kergo has held impressive jobs and internships, including one with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.
Jose Molina’s life was transformed by volunteering and community involvement in high school and college.
Corey R. Lewandowski is an American political operative, lobbyist, political commentator and author who was the first campaign manager of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
James Costos is an American diplomat who was the United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra from 2013 to 2017.
Robert B. Kennedy was an American politician from Lowell, Massachusetts.
Thomas M. McGee is a former mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts, and current chair of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board of directors.
Donna Fournier Cuomo is an American politician who represented the 14th Essex district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999.
Sean Garballey is the current Massachusetts State Representative for the 23rd Middlesex District representing Arlington and West Medford.
Thomas Golden, Jr is an American politician who is the city manager of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Paul Allan Schneider is a former United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

Alumni in Athletics

UMass Lowell's athletic program has a rich history, with numerous alumni achieving success in professional sports.

Danny Mendick's rise to the big leagues was significantly influenced by UMass Lowell.
Six former University of Massachusetts Lowell ballplayers have made it to the major leagues.
Craig MacTavish is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player.
Connor Charles Hellebuyck is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Ron Hainsey is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman.
Dwayne Roloson is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and former goaltending coach of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Carter John Hutton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender.
Scott Wilson is a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
Chad James Ruhwedel is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Carl Christian Folin is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Kevin Boyle is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender.
Normand M. Bazin is the current head coach of the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks men's ice hockey team.
Benjamin Scott Holmstrom is an American former professional ice hockey center.
Andrew Pera Wozniewski is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman.
Michael Steven Kapla is an American professional ice hockey defenseman.

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