James McGonigle
Director, Employer Relations
Office Life
Jim first joined UMass Lowell in 2014. As the Director of Employer Relations & Development, Jim consults with employers to support brand awareness of organizations here at UML and provides practical advice to build a talented employee pipeline. Before coming to the Career & Co-op Center, Jim worked as a recruiter, where he gained a deep understanding of recruitment strategies and employment lifecycles that he applies here at UML.
Jim is passionate about cultivating high-quality employer-employee relationships, which motivates him to connect our office with employers who support students from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences. Jim truly believes there is a place for everyone, especially at UMass Lowell.
Out-of-Office Life
Jim is an active member of the Lowell community and the go-to guy for all things Lowell. When he is not spending time with his wife and 2 kids, he can be found hiking, playing basketball, and attending concerts.
Education
Rivier University, Nashua, NH
M.Ed. (Counseling)
Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH
B.S. in Sociology
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Alexandra Ryan
Employer Relations Specialist
Office Life
Alex joined the employer relations team in the Summer of 2025. Here at UMass Lowell, Alex builds and manages employer partnerships to offer our students hands-on career training through internships, co-ops, and other professional opportunities.
Before joining our office, Alex served as the Career and College Readiness Facilitator at Chelmsford High School, where she supported students career development by providing personalized career advising and leading a variety of college and career programming.
Out-of-Office Life
When she’s not at work, Alex enjoys spending time with her husband and their English Bulldog, Luna, as well as staying active through outdoor activities and regular visits to the gym.
Education
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
M.A. in Psychology
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
B.A. In Psychology
B.A. in Justice Studies
Minor in Forensic Science
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Greg Denon
Associate Dean, Career Services & Cooperative Education
Office Life
Greg began working at UMass Lowell in 2014 after working for nearly 20 years at Wentworth Institute of Technology and Emerson College, where he managed a co-op program, supported career advising services, and fostered a robust employer relations program. Today, as associate dean of the Career & Co-op Center, he does all that and more for our UMass Lowell community.
Greg knows the power of networking and being open to possibilities, as that exact premise is what brought Greg to learn about the field of training and development in HR at the age of 17. This serendipitous exchange at his summer job at a golf course not only changed his major but his future.
Being at a comprehensive research university, Greg loves the variety of the student experience at UMass Lowell. Students are preparing to launch their career in so many wonderful directions.
Leadership
In addition to oversight of the Career and Co-op Center, Greg provides strategic coordination of campus-wide career connected experiences.
Out-of-Office Life
When Greg isn’t spending time with his family, he can be found on endless walks with his Bernese Mountain Dog.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling,
Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY
B.S. in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Claire Hall
Recruiting Programs Manager, Operations
Office Life
Claire has been at UMass Lowell since the very beginning. She was born in a hospital that became UCC, lived in a home that became part of our university’s South Campus, and became a UMass Lowell alum herself in 2019 with a degree in American Studies!
Since 1983, Claire has worked with several UMass Lowell departments, including Psychology, Administration and Finance for the vice chancellor, Human Resources, and now the Career & Co-op Center.
With 41 years of experience, Claire is an expert in office administration, event management, operational logistics, and overseeing the training of students and staff. Few here at UMass Lowell possess the depth and breadth of UMass Lowell’s departments, traditions, and events like Claire. Above all, her passion is ensuring that each visitor to the Career & Co-op Center – employers, faculty, students, and staff – feel welcomed and valued.
Out-of-Office Life
She sings in the church choir with her husband who is also a UMass Lowell alum. Her favorite activities are knitting, working out at the gym, and reading.
Education
University of Massachusetts Lowell
B.A. in American Studies and Minor in Italian
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Karen O'Donnell
Associate Director, Business Operations
Office Life
Karen became a member of the Career & Co-op Center in 2010. As the Associate Director for Business Operations and Special Events, she works collaboratively with our entire team overseeing the department’s information and recruiting systems, budget administration, and career fairs. Through her past work, she had extensive experience in all aspects of data management and association management that she brought with her when joining UML.
Karen is an undeniable asset to this office and UMass Lowell overall. What she enjoys most about UML is the incredible, compassionate campus community with a student-first-focused vision.
Out-of-Office Life
She enjoys spending time with her husband and family, taking long walks with her beagle-mix Annie, traveling to Cape Cod, and playing Scrabble.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
B.S. in Health Information Management
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers