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Through the Communications Fellows, Odyssey Program and the First Phoenix Society, Gabriela Alvarez '28 has embraced her identity as a first-generation student while pursuing opportunities that support both her academic goals and personal growth.

As a student leader, Kenneth Brown Jr. ’19 built meaningful connections with mentors who invested in his success. Today, as assistant director of first-generation student support services, he provides that same guidance to the next generation of students.

The annual Relationship Rich Expo engaged more than 40 students to reflect on their meaningful relationships and the role they play in student success.

What began as an uncertain start on a pre-med track turned into a journey of creative discovery for Delaney Guidi ’26, who found her purpose and her people through ������Ƶ’s School of Communications, with the help of her scholarship.

First-Generation Student Support Services announces the 2025 First-Generation Celebration theme and events.

Award-winning author Alejandra Campoverdi turned the 2025-26 Common Reading Lecture into a conversation, taking questions from ������Ƶ students about her life of “extreme contradictions" detailed in her memoir "First-Gen."

The A.J. Fletcher Foundation made a meaningful investment in ������Ƶ’s First-Generation services, now led by their former fellow, Kenneth Brown Jr. ’19.

Celebrations such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the achievements of students who embraced, and were embraced by, communities of support throughout their college experience.

������Ƶ celebrated over 60 first-generation students, the largest to date, during an inspiring stole ceremony on May 21 that highlighted the strength, support and achievement of the first-gen community.

Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley offers a special graduation edition message to help the Class of 2025 stay informed and prepare for senior week.