Syracuse University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2023 First-Generation College Celebration
The Syracuse University campus community is hosting several events on November 8, including a drop-in affinity space for first year and transfer students, a live audience podcast recording, and a panel discussion featuring first-gen students, faculty, and alumni.
“We are excited to continue a long-standing tradition of celebrating not only our first generation undergraduate and graduate students on campus,” said Carlota Deseda-Coon, Director of the Kessler Scholars Program and the First Gen Day planning committee chair, “but those who completed their higher education aspirations and are now Syracuse University staff, faculty and alumni. The committee’s goal is to uplift and celebrate the voices and experiences of our first-generation community, provide space and a forum to make connections.”
Syracuse University’s First-Generation College Celebration Day is being organized by the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Student Support Services (SSS), the Kessler Scholars Program, Intercultural Collective, First Year Seminar, New Student Programs, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Syracuse University Libraries.
2022 First-Generation College Celebration
Syracuse University is excited to celebrate first-generation college students on Nov. 8, 2022! Giving a keynote speech and facilitating a fireside chat and Q&A is Evingerlean D.B. Hudson, known as “Dr. Eve,” who has dedicated her career to empowering first-generation students by paving the way for social mobility and fighting against generational poverty. The night will close with a reception and giveaway items.
“We are looking forward to hosting an engaging event with Dr. Eve for this year’s National First-Generation College Celebration,” says Huey Hsiao, associate director of Multicultural Affairs and the Kessler Scholars Program. “We know she will help amplify the work that we are doing on campus to support first-generation college students and truly uplift our students’ voices and experiences.”
2021 First-Generation College Celebration
At Syracuse University, we are hosting an event for first-generation college students to mix and mingle with fellow first-generation students, share stories and advice, participate in fun activities, and enjoy light refreshments. The event is co-sponsored by the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Intercultural Collective (Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center, and Office of Multicultural Affairs), Kessler Presidential Scholars Program, New Student and Family Programs, Posse Leadership Program, and Student Support Services (SSS). You can review our full press release here.
2017 First-Generation College Celebration
In 2017, Syracuse University’s Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs (currently known as Office of New Students and Family Programs) participated in the first National First-Generation College Celebration. All faculty, staff and students identifying as first-generation college students were invited to sign a banner and pick up “Proud to be First” stickers in the student center. First-generation faculty and staff members were also encouraged to share their contact information to receive updates on first-generation programming on campus.
For the latest updates on this celebration, visit our website and use #CuseFirst and #KesslerScholars to show your support!
