Celebrating First-Generation Success: Catawba College's Commitment to Empowering Students

Introduction

Catawba College, a First-Generation Forward designated campus by NASPA, has made remarkable strides in supporting and celebrating first-generation college students. Led by President David P. Nelson, himself a first-generation college student, Catawba has been dedicated to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. In this blog post, we highlight our significant efforts in championing first-generation students and the recent celebration that marked a significant milestone in their journey.

A Milestone Celebration

On November 8, 2023, Catawba College hosted our first celebration to honor and recognize our commitment to first-generation students on Stanback Plaza in the center of campus. The event saw President Nelson and student body President, Miracle Etim-Andy, Class of 2023, take center stage to address a crowd of enthusiastic attendees. Together, they showcased the College's dedication to supporting first-generation students' unique needs and achievements.

Symbolic Recognition

As part of the celebration, Catawba College distributed special first-generation student pins to students, providing them with a tangible symbol of their accomplishment and identifying each of them as a trailblazer. Additionally, faculty and staff members were presented with first-generation graduate pins and office decals, acknowledging their personal achievements as first-generation college graduates and fostering a sense of solidarity throughout the campus community.

Looking Ahead

The event also served as a platform for announcing exciting plans for the future. In the academic year 2023-2024, Catawba College committed to establishing a first-generation living community specifically designed for first-year students. This living community will provide a supportive and nurturing environment for these students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Building a Strong Network

Recognizing the importance of mentorship, Catawba College is taking further steps to support first-generation students beyond their time on campus. The College will establish an alumni network exclusively for first-generation Catawba College graduates. This network will connect current students with successful alumni who can provide invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout their Catawba journey and beyond.

Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony

In April, Catawba College's Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society, the national honor society for first-generation college students, hosted their annual induction ceremony. The highlight of the event was a captivating keynote address by Darlene Landis Ball, a distinguished alumna from the Class of 1962. Mrs. Ball shared her inspiring personal journey as a first-generation student at Catawba College, highlighting her achievements as the first woman student body president, her leadership roles within the alumni board, and her groundbreaking position as the first woman to chair the College's Board of Trustees. Mrs. Ball's professional success as a vice president at Burlington Industries and her induction into the Ketner School of Business Hall of Fame further exemplifies the immense potential of first-generation students.

Conclusion

With nearly 40% of students identifying as first-generation, Catawba College's commitment to empowering first-generation students is felt daily on campus. Through our recent celebration and ongoing initiatives, the College is creating an environment where first-generation students can thrive, succeed, and become leaders in their chosen fields. By providing tangible recognition, establishing a first-generation living community, and fostering an alumni network for mentorship, Catawba College is transforming the lives of its students and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.

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For more information on Catawba College's approach, please visit their website here.