Winthrop University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8

2020 First-Generation College Celebration

Winthrop University, member of the First-gen Forward 20-21 Cohort, hosted an entire week of first-gen events and activities to highlight first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and administrators. The week included a First-generation Student Experience Panel, first-gen swag giveaways, and participation in professional development opportunities to better support first-gen students. Faculty, staff, and administrators also recorded inspirational messages that were shared throughout the week on social media. First-generation college students, representing diverse identities and backgrounds, were also highlighted on social media. Additionally, our Dining Services partner, Sodexo, co-sponsored a First-gen Networking Lunch complete with festive decorations and a specially designed celebration cake with our first-gen logo on it! The week concluded with our annual first-gen community photo taken by our friends in University Communications. A few Board of Trustee members also joined in the fun and snagged their own first-gen swag!

2019 First-Generation College Celebration

In November 2019, Winthrop University celebrated and recognized first-generation college students with week-long events beginning Nov. 4th. The week began with a kick off video from the Vice President of Student Affairs, Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Engagement, & Inclusive Excellence, Kinyata Adams Brown. Students, faculty, and staff dropped in the Campus Center for first-gen swag and participated in a photo campaign with our specially designed first-gen signs (Proud first-gen, I am first-gen, Ask me about my first-gen experience). Administrators, faculty, and student leaders also recorded words of wisdom and inspirational video messages to our first-generation college students that were posted throughout the week on the Vice President of Student Affairs social media platforms. The week concluded with a First-gen Community Photo taken by our Department of University, Communications, and Marketing.