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From Colombia to Corning:
Alejandro Montoya's Biotech Journey
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Meet Alejandro Montoya,
Originally from Colombia, Alejandro Montoya moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, at age 14, where he immersed himself in the city's vibrant community and public schools, overcoming language and cultural barriers to build a foundation for success.
A Lowell High School alumnus influenced by biology teacher Mrs. Jamie, Mr. Santana, and his guidance counselors, Alejandro embraced a "don't limit yourself" mindset, progressing to Middlesex Community College for an Associate’s in biotechnology, then Boston University for a Bachelor’s in biomedical sciences, and finally UMass Lowell for a Master’s where a partnership with Corning Life Sciences fueled his thesis.
Today, as a biomedical scientist turned business leader at Corning, Alejandro connects researchers with innovative cell culture solutions for personalized and regenerative medicine, championing hands-on learning, diversity, and step-by-step opportunity pursuit to inspire Lowell's next generation in biotech.
This month, Alejandro sat down with fellow alumni, Tiana Nhem (c/o '23) to talk more about her story and how his time at Lowell High continues to shape his mission today. Click the link below to learn more about Alejandro!
| | Where Past Meets Present: A Tour to Remember | | |
It was a vibrant and memorable Saturday at Lowell High School on April 11th as alumni, friends, and community members gathered for the Lowell High School Alumni & Friends of LPS Tour.
Guests had the chance to experience the energy of the newly transformed campus, exploring spaces like the Riddick Athletic Center, JROTC wing, Courtyard Restaurant, Irish Auditorium, and Little Theater, along with a nostalgic stop at the 1826 School Store.
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Along the way, student ambassadors brought the experience to life, leading tours with confidence, sharing their stories, and offering a powerful glimpse into the student experience today.
The program also featured remarks from Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner,Lowell High Head of School Mike Fiato, Former Lowell High Head of School & Founder of Project LEARN Brian Martin, and Project LEARN Interim Execuive Director Shamir Rivera-Quintal. Together, their reflections highlighted the school’s evolution, its enduring legacy, and the collective commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Lowell’s young people.
If you weren’t able to join us this time, stay tuned, more opportunities to experience Lowell High School are on the horizon later this year.
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Lead, Inspire & Connect:
Join the Alumni Ambassador Network
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Become a Lowell High Alumni Ambassador!
Once a Raider, always a Raider—and your story still has the power to shape what comes next. Lowell High alumni are invited to stay connected and give back by becoming Alumni Ambassadors, helping current students see what’s possible beyond graduation through real-world insight and guidance.
As an Ambassador, you’ll share your college and career journey, support student programs and initiatives, and help strengthen a growing Lowell High alumni network. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the school that helped shape you, expand your own professional connections, and inspire the next generation of Raiders.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to Autumn Kleiner at alumni@projectlearninc.org
| | Celebrating 50 Years, Class of 1976 Reunion! | | |
Get ready to reconnect with your classmates and have a night fun!
On Saturday, October 17th from 6-10pm the Lowell High School Class of 1976 is hosting their 50th class reunion at the Longmeadow Country Club.
We’re excited to help spread the word as your fellow alumni come together and organize an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re local or across the country, now’s the time to start making plans, and encouraging your friends to do the same!
For more information or to grab your ticket, please contact your class ambassadors using the information below:
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Patty Vigeant Locke
pattylocke@comcast.net
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Bob Kilmartin
colkilmartin@gmail.com
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Paul Pearsall
pppearsall@comcast.net
| | Alumni Spotlight: Ann Sweeney Augustyn | | |
Ann Sweeney Augustyn, a member of Lowell High School’s Class of 1974, went on to attend Boston College and earn her law degree from Boston College Law School.
She began her legal career working for law firms in Houston, Texas, and Washington, DC before transitioning to public service. Ann dedicated 38 years to the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, DC, where she served in a variety of roles including Attorney, Administrative Judge, and Senior Executive. In her leadership positions, she oversaw the agency’s Office of Civil Rights as well as Minority Education and Business programs, and also served as the agency’s Diversity and Inclusion Official.
A proud Lowell High alumna, Ann fondly remembers traveling to Italy and Spain during her junior and senior years with classmates and teachers. She credits her French teacher, Mrs. Flanagan, as a favorite and influential mentor. Ann encourages current students to believe in themselves, emphasizing that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
We'd love to feature more alumni like Ann! Share your story to be featured in future Alumni Spotlight by submitting a brief profile here. Your path could inspire the next generation of students.
| | Share Your News with Other Alumni Here! | | You may have noticed the Lowell High Alumni E-News will be delivered to your inboxes every month! If you or your organization has any upcoming events or news to share with Lowell High Alumni, please submit by the 20th of each month for publishing in the following month's E-News. You can share events with us at alumni@projectlearninc.org. | | |
ABOUT US
From mentors, advisors, guest speakers, tutors and more, Lowell High Alumni are valuable resources for current students. The Lowell High Alumni Association is a collaboration between Project LEARN and the Lowell Public School district. The mission of the Alumni Association is to help alumni connect with each other, to engage with the school, community and to inspire future generations of Lowell High students through mentoring, advising and tutoring. We invite alumni to connect and find ways to work on new and existing programs within the schools to better the academics and the lives of all Lowell Public School students.
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