Elon University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2023 First-Generation College Celebration
With the theme of "To Be First", Elon University's First-Generation Student Support Services office plans to explore what it means to enter this uncharted territory of being a first-generation student. Events include a paint and sip night, a special lunch and learn for first-gen faculty and staff, a pop-up exhibit with University Archives to begin collecting stories of first-generation students, a faculty/staff mixer at our men's basketball home opener, a student celebration, and a joint coffee hour with our Global Education Center featuring a special performance by an acapella group.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration
This year, First-Generation Student Support Services (FGSSS) at Elon University will be hosting a four-day series of virtual events recognizing and celebrating the first-generation college identity across campus.
The series will kick off with an inaugural award ceremony recognizing members of the first-generation college community for their achievements and contributions. During this event, the recipient of the Robert and Ann Hamby First-Generation Student Experience Fund will be announced. Another special announcement regarding a new fund for first-generation college students will also be shared.
On the second day, the celebration will continue with a social media campaign focused on rebranding FGSSS. This all-day event will include food and first-gen swag giveaways for those engaging on FGSSS' social media platforms.
On the third day, FGSSS will host its first-ever first-generation college student panel. Student panelists will share their experiences navigating college, resources used, and talk about lessons learned.
This four-day series will come to a close with a campus-wide fireside chat featuring Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack, assistant professor of education at Harvard Graduate School and author of the highly acclaimed book, The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges are Failing Disadvantaged Students. Dr. Jack will discuss his book and issues facing higher education, with live audience Q&A to follow.
2019 First-Generation College Celebration
Elon hosted their first-ever First-Generation College Celebration, during which the entire campus was invited to Elon's student center to hang out and learn more about first-generation college students. Desserts were passed out and first-generation students who stopped by were offered a “First-Gen” T-shirt. Read more about this exciting event here.
For the latest updates on this celebration, visit our website, follow @ElonFirstGens on Facebook and Instagram, and use #FirstPhoenix to show your support!
