The University of Rochester's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8

2017 First-Generation College Celebration

The David T. Kearns Center: Academic Home to First-Generation College Students, the Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections, the Office of Minority Student Affairs, and the First-Generation Students and Families Committee hosted the following events:

• 1ST ONE Tabling (1ST ONE is a campaign initiated by the First-Generation Students and Families Committee where students, faculty, and staff can show support to first-generation college students by displaying 1ST ONE decals/stickers);
• OMSA Reception where students were able to mix and mingle with other first-generation students and staff as well as learn about all the resources available to UR students;
• Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections Resume Workshop/Drop-Off, students consulted with peer advisors to review their resume or just drop it off to be reviewed and returned; and
• David T. Kearns Center Multimedia Messaging where students recorded a message that highlighted their experiences as a first-generation student.

2018 First-Generation College Celebration

The David T. Kearns Center: Academic Home for First-Generation College Students in collaboration with the 1st Gen Society (a student organization committed to providing a brave and welcoming environment to all first-generation students and allies) along with a host of other co-sponsors (Office of Minority Student Affairs, Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education & Connections, and the First-Generation Students and Families Committee, Office of Undergraduate Research) will be hosting a First-Gen Week to celebrate the successes of first-generation college students with a series of events.

Events tentatively include:

• First-Generation Fall Fun Day, a fun social event to kick-off first-generation week. Students, staff, and faculty will be invited to attend a pumpkin gourd decorating session and enjoy cider and doughnuts;
• First-Generation Research Focus, an event in collaboration with the Office for Undergraduate Research will present research opportunities with the goal of getting first-generation students involved early and often;
• First-Generation Resource Speed Networking, colleagues will identify how they are considering first-generation students in their programs and services. Participating offices and student organizations will be invited to a Resource Speed Networking event to highlight these programs and services, with the goal of connecting first-generation students to a wider network of support; and
• National First-Generation Day of Celebration Mentoring Reception, in collaboration with the 1st Gen Society, the Kearns Center will host a reception recognizing faculty mentors and student mentees involved in the 1st Gen Society Mentoring Program. Additionally, the Kearns Center and 1st Gen Society will invite first-generation high school students, some enrolled in TRiO programs like Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, and Educational Talent Search, to represent the importance of vertical mentoring and celebrate TRiO working at every step of the educational pipeline.