Recapping the 2020 First-Generation College Celebration
The Center / April 08, 2020
On November 8, 2020, hundreds of colleges and universities across the country joined the Center for First-generation Student Success (Center) and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) to #CelebrateFirstGen during the fourth annual First-Generation College Celebration.
While we always encourage campuses to get creative in celebrating the achievements of the first-gen community, a contentious presidential election and restrictions necessitated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic pushed practitioners to reimagine their events on an unprecedented scale. Nevertheless, institutions rose to the occasion: establishing robust social media campaigns, creating first-gen student, staff, and faculty video spotlights, and hosting hybrid or entirely virtual events that engaged an unparalleled number of campus community members on and around November 8. This year, the Center and COE even joined the fun: co-hosting two virtual events which engaged students, faculty, and staff at 2,500+ sites around the country.
Over 200 institutions embraced this opportunity to highlight first-gen success in a (mostly) virtual space, hosting sometimes week-long, campus-wide celebrations featuring keynote speakers, Zoom-based lunch and learn events, and plenty of “drive-by” first-gen swag pickups. Some campuses even used the event as an opportunity to augment their first-gen-specific offerings, collaborating with senior leadership to launch mentoring programs and new strategic plans aimed at addressing inequities and social disconnects augmented by the pandemic. Ultimately, these celebrations generated 16,000,000+ impressions and 170,000+ engagements across social media platforms: significantly raising awareness of the first-gen identity.
As the Center and COE prepare for the 2021 Celebration, we wanted to take a moment to share the exceptional work of the 31 recipients of the 2020 First-Generation College Celebration Grant Opportunity.
Arkansas Tech University: Celebration & Sharing Your First-gen Story
Arkansas Tech’s celebration sought to empower and engage first-gen students in experiences that helped them tell their stories. Their campaign relied on a robust social media toolkit, the new First to Shine Learning Community, the “Greetings of Gratitude” program, and pop-up tables. Students shared their experiences with peers, high school teachers, coaches, faculty members, administrators, and others who have positively influenced their educational journeys. Learn more about this deeply personal celebration of student success on both Twitter and Instagram.
F.I.R.S.T. @ BCC
Berkshire Community College (BCC) hosted a week of daily online panels, speakers, and a first-gen fair for students, staff, and faculty, while featuring daily student stories on social media, alumni relations, and BCC websites. Events featured new strategic directions for supporting equity and access at BCC, including initiatives and scholarships for first-gen students; an online first-gen fair with virtual tabling by over seven student support offices; a panel of first-gen students and alumni; and a celebration of 20 years of service by the TRIO Center at BCC. Throughout the week, first-gen students had the opportunity to record their stories, celebrating their talents, challenges, and accomplishments at BCC. You can view some celebration highlights here.
Drexel Celebrates Those Who Go First
Drexel University celebrated remotely via Zoom, with events taking place from November 2-9. The week kicked off with a virtual mixer hosted by Alumni Relations. Towards the end of the week, the College of Medicine hosted a panel for students interested in medical school. Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs hosted a research session allowing students to showcase their research. The final event, a student panel featuring veterans and civilians sharing their classroom experiences, was co-hosted with the Office of Veteran Student Services. You can view the event recordings here.
For a first-generation learner, going to college means challenge, hope, achieving goals, confidence, and discovery.
Elon University’s 2020 First-Generation College Celebration
Elon University hosted a four-day series of virtual events recognizing and celebrating the first-gen identity across campus. The week kicked off with an inaugural award ceremony recognizing members of the first-gen community for their achievements, during which a new rainy-day fund to support first-gen students was announced. The celebration continued with a social media campaign focused on rebranding Student Support Services (SSS), which included food and first-gen swag giveaways for those engaging on SSS’ social media platforms. Elon also hosted an inaugural first-gen student panel that was followed by a campus-wide fireside chat featuring Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack, author of the highly acclaimed book, The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges are Failing Disadvantaged Students.
Project RISE Proudly Celebrates First-generation College Students at HCC!
Heartland Community College offered a variety of ways to make sure students felt affirmed, encouraged, and inspired. They kicked off this year’s celebration by spotlighting the journeys of two students on their institution’s podcast and highlighting famous first-gen graduates via Facebook and an institution-wide email. Peer mentors and other staff members, including President Keith Cornille, recorded special messages to share with students, as well. Students participated in a self-care bag giveaway, during which they filled out a writing prompt about how it feels to be the first. Those who completed the prompt were entered into a raffle to win a self-care journal and relaxing candle. You can view some student responses to the prompt and other celebration highlights here.
First-gen at Ivy Tech
As a student, I often doubted that I belonged here. With the help of faculty, friends, and family, I learned I belong. You do, too!
Jackson State University: Creating Thee First-gen Box at Thee I Love
Jackson State University’s celebration consisted of collaborations across departments and units on campus and a partnership with Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA. Events, designed to move first-gen students beyond “thinking outside of the box” were held virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live. The celebration began with a scholarship campaign in which first-gen students told their stories and stressed the importance of supporting others who shared their identities. Following this, first-gen students, faculty, staff, and administrators were highlighted on Twitter each day, and students had the opportunity to participate in two stress-relieving JiggAerobics sessions and a first-generation student panel featuring individuals from both institutions. The celebration concluded with a virtual informational session for prospective first-gen students and a socially distant “Patio Paint Kickback,” during which participants listened to music and created images depicting their futures.
Kingsborough Community College’s Proud to be First Conversations
Kingsborough Community College’s event consisted of two in-depth conversations among students, faculty, and staff. The first conversation, “#ImFirstGen,” was an interactive talk with first-gen students on their triumphs, challenges, and experiences. The second conversation, “First Gen to First Gem,” allowed participants to learn from faculty and staff about best practices for welcoming, nurturing, and encouraging first-gen students. This conversion concluded with an open discussion of additional ways to support this diverse population.
Loyola University New Orleans Celebrates First-generation Students
Marian University Hosts First-Generation College Celebration Week to Celebrate its Incredible Students!
Marian University of Wisconsin hosted its First-Generation College Celebration with a week of events from November 2nd through the 6th, highlighting the first-gen identity and pride among its faculty, staff, and students. The TRIO-Student Support Services program hosted a panel of its alumni; social media campaigns around "I'm First! #TRIOworks" led by student leaders; a workshop on “Lift[ing] Your Voice;” a radio interview with its two TRIO program directors and the new university president; and reflective engagement around the first-gen identity in classrooms and sidewalks across campus. Student leaders also directly engaged university leadership for participation via personal invitations and dialogue on the unique experiences, needs, and strengths of the institution's first-gen students.
I'm proud to be first-gen because I am more than my struggles, and there are great things ahead!
First to Fly at MCPHS University
MCPHS University launched a robust social media campaign on Instagram, during which four first-gen students shared their stories, complete with reflections on hurdles they’ve overcome and advice for fellow first-gen students. Brief highlights featuring resources available during remote instruction accompanied these narratives. This campaign culminated in a Zoom-based event featuring a workshop on intersectionality, on-campus and virtual resources, tips for first-generation student success, and an interactive activity on creating a first-generation action plan. Several participants received University bookstore and/or local grocery store gift cards for their participation. The university plans to host another event in Spring 2021, during which current first-gen students and alumni will answer questions and share their experiences.
New Mexico State University’s First-Generation College Celebration
New Mexico State University’s (NMSU’s) First-Generation Celebration planning committee created and shared #FirstGenAggie virtual Zoom backgrounds for NMSU faculty, staff, alumni, and students to use as a way of showing first-gen pride. The committee also delivered an outstanding, one-hour long forum centered around first-generation college students through a panel at the virtual NMSU campus-wide Town Hall event, which included a four-minute testimonial video filled with first-gen Aggies, their struggles, successes, and advice. The diverse panel consisted of first-gen faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and staff, which included NMSU's president. You can check out NMSU’s social media campaign here!
North Carolina Central University: First to Soar
North Carolina Central University’s “First to Soar” event provided students with the opportunity to meet first-generation alumni, faculty, and staff and to hear stories from the current student body. During this kick-off, students were able to watch pre-recorded videos from first-generation faculty, staff, and students. These videos allowed program participants to view the individual journeys of those interviewed for the program. As the event concluded, students were able to engage during the live Q&A session that provided more information about campus resources. Though the event is over, you can join in the celebration by learning about first-gen student Jelani Wendt’s experience here and by hearing Vice Chancellor Angela Coleman’s advice for first-gen students here!
While the [First-Generation College Celebration Grant] funds allowed us to provide students with academic, community service, and socio-emotional support, this experience also facilitated increased collaboration and support across our institution.
The First-gen Takeover at Owens Community College
Owens Community College’s highly collaborative, week-long celebration began with a visibility campaign, during which first-gen faculty and staff displayed an identifier in their email signatures and had their names, positions, and emails published on the institution’s first-gen advocate webpage. Each day, a first-gen member of the campus community was highlighted across social media alongside infographics featuring national and institution-specific first-gen data (you can review several of these highlights below). This campaign complemented a series of events focused on mental health, impostor syndrome, veterans services, career development and planning, and first-gen advocacy (specific to faculty and staff). This series concluded with a virtual session entitled, “The Takeover Continues–Recruiting, Supporting, Empowering, and Advocating for First-gen Students.” Students who attended these events and completed a program evaluation received a “First-gen Express” kit, which included a first-gen student T-shirt , a first-gen student folder, a first-gen student drawstring backpack, and additional Owens Community College items.
Prince George’s Community College’s First-Generation College Celebration
The Prince George’s Community College Foundation amplified the student voice by inviting participants to share how they persevered through various obstacles and challenges, including the shift to virtual learning platforms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Students posted videos, engaged on social media, and participated in events throughout the week. This year’s celebration featured several in-person and virtual events, including the “Empowered Mindset” workshop, which highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being, and a food distribution community service event. Participants received electronic copies of His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope, which was intended to provide encouragement during this time. You can view highlights of this celebration here.
Salt Lake Community College: Tell Your Story
Salt Lake Community College’s first-gen students engaged in an evening of developing their own digital stories thanks to a unique collaboration with StoryCenter and the First in our Families project. In sharing their space, time, experiences, and voices, these students were able to build community while benefiting from the expertise of master storytellers during one-on-one mentoring sessions spanning November and December. The First-Gen Committee capitalized on the success of this initiative during a robust social media campaign, during which they encouraged students to share pictures of their first-gen swag on Microsoft Teams and Instagram and to share videos about what their first-gen identity means to them. Participants were entered into a raffle to win exciting prizes! You can view highlights from this celebration here.
St. Edward’s University: Inaugural First-generation Scholars Celebration
St. Edward’s University’s celebration began with remarks from the institution’s provost, a first-gen panel, and a “We Celebrate You” resource fair. This event was followed by a week-long social media campaign featuring accomplished first-gen alumni. You can check out key celebration highlights, including social media posts, pictures, and videos, here!
I support first-gen students because I see myself in them and know they are resilient, smart, and strong students that can accomplish challenging things no matter what the circumstances.
Texas A&M University’s First-Generation College Celebration
Texas A&M University’s celebration included a number of activities for faculty and staff to show their first-generation pride including virtual backgrounds, thank you letters, and video messages. This year's celebration also featured a number of virtual events with recent graduates, faculty, and staff at multiple campus sites. You can learn more about their celebration (the first coordinated by the Routh First-Generation Center) here.
The Australian National University’s First-Generation College Celebration
Because the first-gen identity is not as visible in Australia as it is in the United States, The Australian National University’s inaugural celebration serves as the foundation for future initiatives that seek to establish an enduring culture of first-gen pride. This celebration began with a live recording session of the institution’s podcast (Flourishing and Floundering), during which staff interviewed the institution’s chancellor, a proud, first-gen graduate and prominent public figure. This session was followed by an evening networking event, supported by the institution’s Advancement and Careers teams, that allowed first-gen students the chance to speak with first-gen alumni. Throughout this week-long celebration, staff highlighted the stories of first-gen staff and students across social media, and students had the opportunity to write and mail postcards to those who supported them during their educational journeys. Perhaps most importantly, students had the chance to design a first-gen-specific logo that will be used during future events; a crucial step in raising awareness of the first-gen identity in the years to come.
Students Take Flight at The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America’s “Take Flight Celebration” gathered first- and second-year students, faculty, staff, and community partners in a hybrid event featuring student testimonies. These powerful narratives demonstrated that while COVID-19 significantly altered campus life, the pandemic did little to diminish the resilience of first-gen students. Those who spoke about their experiences were recognized for their unique contributions to the campus community. You can learn more about these proud, first-gen students by viewing this video.
As the first member of [my] family to graduate from college, I know firsthand the ways that graduation can be particularly life-changing for students, their families, and future generations.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration at The College of St. Scholastica
The College of St. Scholastica’s week-long celebration focused on families. This institution created opportunities for students and their support systems to attend three Zoom meetings related to student success facilitated by content area experts in the domains of financial aid, careers, and college success. Staff provided students with postcards to send to their loved ones in anticipation of the week’s culminating event: a virtual Tri-Alpha Honor Society induction ceremony. You can learn more about this celebration by reviewing the associated Twitter moment here.
THR1VE-ing at Scranton!
The University of Scranton’s second National First-Generation College Celebration included trivia about famous first-gen students and the THR1VE program, interactive (socially distant) booths staffed by members of the THR1VE program advisory board, giveaways, self-care tips and tricks for students as they approach final exams, and long-sleeved “I’M F1RST” T-shirts. First-gen students were also celebrated during a week of events which included a special edition of the THR1VE digital newsletter; social media campaigns on Instagram; the launch of GU1DE, their new peer mentoring program; and a campus-wide letter from The Reverend Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., university president and proud, first-gen graduate.
Truman State University’s First-Generation College Celebration
Truman State University’s First Gen United student organization and First Gen Advisory Committee hosted a series of events that included a library display, a banner on the campus mall, tabling on the campus mall to distribute laptop stickers and wristbands, and a virtual panel discussion aimed at helping first-gen students advocate for themselves. You can see some additional highlights from this celebration by viewing this Twitter moment.
I'm proud to be first-gen because I can show my children that you can go far if you work hard. Anything is possible!
Tulsa Community College Celebrates First-generation Students
Tulsa Community College virtual celebration was a joint initiative of the institution’s Career Services office and TRIO program. Emphasizing career preparation, this event featured a presentation on career competencies and a local first-gen professionals panel. This part of the celebration was supported by a robust social media campaign, during which students, faculty, and staff submitted videos detailing the ways in which they make meaning out of their first-gen identities. These videos were compiled into a brief celebration recap video, which you can view here. Participants in the career events received branded earbuds, and those who participated in a first-gen trivia game and submitted content for the celebration video received a variety of Tulsa Community College prizes.
Moving Online: Celebrating in a Virtual Environment at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
This year, the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS) shifted its successful in-person celebration to a highly engaging celebration website! This robust virtual offering featured stories submitted by students, faculty, and staff (including the institution’s chancellor, provost, and dean of students: all of whom are proud, first-gen graduates) and a place for participants to share gratitude with individuals who have positively influenced their educational journeys. You can hear why UAFS students are proud to be first here.
Claiming our Mo’olelo: First-generation Narratives from UH Mānoa
The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa’s inaugural First-Generation College Celebration drew upon the ancestral knowledge, cultural, and history of Kanaka ʻŌiwi [Native Hawaiian] to encourage faculty, staff, and students to share their personal moʻolelo [stories] of navigating higher education as first-gen students. This celebration accompanied the launch of the institution’s first-gen instagram account, and the campaign needed to be extended due to a robust participant response! Respondents received “PROUD FIRST GEN UH Mānoa” T-shirts for their contributions to the greater campus community.
UMBC’s First-gen College Celebration Day 2020
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC’s) inaugural celebration emphasized connection and community. Students, faculty, and staff sporting black and gold participated in a Zoom-based networking event, during which participants engaged in a facilitated discussion about the first-gen identity’s meaning. After this discussion, 24 first-gen professionals representing five campus departments shared insights into their own lived experiences, and then participants entered smaller breakout rooms to dig into their educational journeys further.
My ancestors...worked incredibly hard...and sacrificed so much so that I could have a better life. I am eternally grateful to them for rising me up so that I could have access to advantages that they never had.
Providing Support to First-generation College Students Through Advocacy and Programming at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s celebration included a first-generation exhibit in Newman Library; the Virginia Tech First-Generation Digital Photo Project; a Life at Deloitte panel featuring Virginia Tech first-generation alumni; student advocacy training for faculty and staff; a virtual dinner and talk for first-gen students; a first-generation alumni panel on interviewing from an alumni perspective; and an advancing student affairs presentation. You can view highlights from this week-long celebration in this Twitter moment.
VOA Educational Talent Search’s First-Gen X Appreciation Week
The Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) hosted a three-day virtual event to celebrate the success of TRIO alumni first-generation students. This celebration consisted of three panels consisting of seven current first-gen students, four recent first-gen graduates, and six TRIO professionals. Panelists discussed a variety of topics including motivation and success strategies. Participants were entered into raffles for a variety of prizes including apparel, notebooks, and gift cards. This event was preceded by a contest, during which participants were asked to submit media addressing the meaning of the first-gen identity and/or the importance of attending college. The winner’s submission was shared during the event’s closing ceremony.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
We were delighted by these and other robust and creative celebrations, and we hope that even more colleges and universities will join us 2021!
Be sure to follow us @FirstgenCenter and @COEtalk for updates on the 2021 First-Generation College Celebration, including the link to our upcoming grant opportunity.
