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Incoming students and new Chancellor Julie Chen created what she called “a shared bond” Wednesday, as all experienced their first UMass Lowell Convocation, the official start of the academic year.

The ceremony, held at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, introduced first year and transfer students to the university and the Mill City, as Lowell City Manager Tom Golden, a UMass Lowell graduate, also attended the event. Classes begin Thursday, Sept. 1.

This fall, more than 2,500 new freshmen and transfer students have been enrolled as River Hawks. Some 780 of whom are joining UMass Lowell’s Honors College, while 400, the first in their families to attend college, will join the UMass Lowell River Hawk Scholars Academy. This program is a nationally acclaimed academic and support services program that enhances first-generation students’ educational, campus and community experiences.

Chen encouraged the Class of 2026 to use their time at UMass Lowell to seek experiences outside their comfort zone. She also asked them to say the words “I got it” as a signal to her whenever she meets them anywhere on campus, to let her know they’ve made new friends, completed a paid internship, aced an exam or joined a student club – all signs they are preparing to take flight on their own path to success.

“Your time here will be one of discovery. You’ll try new things – some you’ll like, others, not so much – but those are valuable lessons, too,” she said.

In July, after serving as the university’s vice chancellor of research and economic development, Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering, became UMass Lowell’s fourth leader. In her former role, she grew the university’s research franchise to a nearly $95 million annual enterprise.

Chen welcomed incoming students to the vibrant UMass Lowell community of faculty, staff, alumni and friends, letting them know all stand ready to offer support whenever they need it. Chen knows firsthand how valuable that can be.

“Growing up as one of the few Asian-Americans in a western New York suburb, and, later, often being one of the few women engineers and LGBTQ+ people in the room, I didn’t always feel that I fit in. It isn’t always easy. But know that here, at UMass Lowell, you will find a community that supports you.”

One UMass Lowell alumna who benefited from such support is Evana Gizzi, a Winchester native who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the university. The event’s keynote speaker, Gizzi now works for NASA using artificial intelligence to help diagnose issues that arise in satellites. She credits her UMass Lowell education in helping her develop confidence.

“You are embarking on the most transformative years of your life,” Gizzi told students. “I ask you to lean into this community as much as possible. If you lean into UMass Lowell, UMass Lowell will lean back and give you wings.”

Other event highlights included a welcome from Student Government Association President Neyder Fernandez, a political science major from Lowell, and Provost Joseph Hartman, who introduced the deans of the university’s colleges. UMass Lowell students involved in the university’s DifferenceMaker entrepreneurship program shared their experiences launching new products and startup businesses, encouraging new students to become involved in the university’s 200-plus student clubs.

UMass Lowell’s Air Force and Army ROTC units presented the colors. Performing under the direction of Daniel Lutz, director of university bands, the UMass Lowell Marching Band played a selection of Led Zepplin songs before the program started. The ensemble ended the event with the university’s fight song, “River Hawk Pride.”