Texas State University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2021 First-Generation College Celebration
Texas State University will be joining universities and colleges across the country to present National First-Generation Celebration on Monday, Nov. 8, followed by First-Gen Week events running through Nov. 12. The week kicks off with First Gen Fest, an opportunity for students to pick up their first gen gear, meet with campus resources and services, and participate in a First Gen Student Success Workshop. Students can select from any of the 18 events occurring during the week including the @TXSTCE Insight Series livestream event, "Michelle Obama in Conversation," at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 9. and Taking Care of your Mental Health on Wednesday, Nov. 10th at 1:30 p.m.
This is Texas State's fourth year in participating in the celebration and first year to celebrate at the Round Rock Campus.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration
Texas State University will be recognizing our first-generation community with numerous events planned during a week-long celebration, November 9 through November 13. This year, we are commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Higher Education Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Texas State’s campus in 1965.
Texas State’s First-Gen Week activities kick off with a special event presented by the LBJ Distinguished Lecture Series. Honoring the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States and Texas State alumnus, the series provides opportunities for students to hear directly from the world's leading voices. This year’s LBJ Distinguished Lecture event will be a moderated online conversation featuring expectational first-gen graduates, whose lives were changed by programs initiated by LBJ and the Higher Education Act. The event will be streamed to a national audience via YouTube Live.
In collaboration with campus partners, the week’s celebration includes a first-gen alumni panel, graduate school and internship preparation, health and wellness activities, faculty/staff development on supporting first-gen students, and a special first-gen recognition day.
At Texas State, we are always First-Gen Proud.
2019 First-Generation College Celebration
Texas State First-Gen Proud will be joining colleges and universities across the nation participating in National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Friday, November 8, 2019. Today, 46% of Texas State students identify as first-generation college students. To help acknowledge their accomplishments and promote their successes, TXST will host multiple events from November 5 - November 11, 2019. These celebrations recognize the successes of the university’s first-generation faculty, staff, and students.
In addition, everyone is welcome to join us on November 8 at the UAC arch for brief remarks at 11:15 a.m., and a First-Gen family photo at the UAC arch at 11:30 a.m. T-shirts will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 10 a.m.
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act of 1965 on November 8, on the TXST campus. The Higher Education Act (HEA) made it possible for more students to attend and earn a college degree. The HEA included Pell Grants, work-study, and low-interest student loans. Inspired by President Johnson’s experiences as a teacher in Cotulla, TX, and as a student at then Southwest Texas State College, this legislation became central to his legacy in education.
For more information on the First-Gen Proud Initiative, please this website.
For the latest updates on this celebration, follow @TXSTFirstGen on Twitter and Instagram, use #txstfirstgen, and visit their website to show your support!
