SMCC's First-Generation Celebration!

South Mountain Community College’s first ever First-Generation College Celebration was met with excitement, angst about how it would be pulled all together and resulted in an awesome collaboration!

After learning about being named as one of the First-Generation College Celebration Grant recipients, Lorrie Shelton from the TRiO Department took the lead in reaching out to various departments across campus, which yielded the participation of various faculty (who agreed to wear the custom “I’m 1st” buttons the entire week), the Student Life and Leadership Department, the Phoenix Public Library and College Depot, Dean of Student Enrollment Services, the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University.

Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to share their first-generation experiences by writing it on a 5x7 note card, sharing it over the purchased portable sound system or playing a game called, “Life’s Firsts.” Participation in any of the three would earn a custom button with the grant purchased button maker that highlighted the message of, “I’m 1st.” With the earned button, participants could stop by the office of Student Life and Leadership and obtain a FREE bag of popcorn.

A total of 28 students earned their button by writing their first-generation experience on an index card. One student braved the crowd with his story of life as the first ever in his family to become a college student, and a newly graduated university transfer student supported the event by stopping in and sharing his experience as well. Three students braved the game called “Life’s First” where they were asked random questions such as who was their first absolutely amazing teacher, or when was their first fight ever! The game ultimately circled back to sharing their first-generation story with the crowd. Six faculty members took the mic and shared their stories as well. The rep from Grand Canyon University also shared an experience, and the college president, Dr. Shari Olson spoke about her experiences as a first-generation student as well!

Between stories, the “Life’s First” game and pinning cards to the portable black board, borrowed from the Student Life and Leadership Office, approximately 75-100 students came through the celebration! If the curious passing students identified as a first-generation student, they received a FREE t-shirt with a printed statement “#firstgen Dawn of a Legacy.” These t-shirts were generously provided by the Dean of Students. Students had the opportunity to receive information from both universities regarding resources for first-generation students also representatives were on hand from the Phoenix Public Library and the College Depot to provide additional resources including an amazing scholarship site where Arizona students could apply for many scholarships.

South Mountain Community College also participated in the 2019 #CelebrateFirstGen webinar, detailing their celebration. To register, click here.