THR1VE-ing at Scranton!

The University of Scranton joined the National First-Generation College Celebration to recognize our first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Nov. 8, 2020. The on-campus 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 sleeve “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, and the launch of GU1DE, our new peer-mentoring program.

Caitlin Gallagher ’21, one of the student co-coordinators of THR1VE, summed up the goal of the day’s events:

"We wanted to host this event to not only spread awareness of the program but to celebrate all of our first-gen students."

After a semester impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic where many of our offerings were virtual, it was important to the advisory group that we plan a safe, in-person gathering for students to get to know one another outside of the classroom. Ashley Walker, senior Occupational Therapy major, appreciated the in-person opportunity. "Attending the event was a great opportunity to see one another and know that I am not alone on campus."

Educating and forming those who are the first in their families to earn a college degree has been and will continue to be a special part of our mission.

The Reverend Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., university president, sent a letter to the campus community in honor of the day. In that letter, Fr. Pilarz noted how being the first in a family to graduate college can impact not only a student, but their entire community.

“As the first member of the Pilarz family to graduate from college, I know firsthand the ways that graduation can be particularly life-changing for students, their families, and future generations.”

“Since our founding as St. Thomas College, educating and forming those who are the first in their families to earn a college degree has been and will continue to be a special part of our mission.”

The event was organized by the University’s THR1VE Program. Launched in July 2019, THR1VE seeks to celebrate and support first-generation college students throughout their time at the University by bringing together existing supports, streamlining programming, and creating new supports for first-gen students.

"The THR1VE program is a valuable community for first-generation students to come together to meet one another, learn more about campus resources, and celebrate our shared success," said Jeffrey Colucci ’21, who serves as the President of the University of Scranton Student Government and is a first-gen senior accounting major.