FirstGen Initiatives invites the University community to help celebrate its FirstGen faculty, staff and students now through Friday (Nov. 8), as part of the National First-Generation College Celebration.
WVU defines first-generation as neither parent earning a four-year degree from a college or university in the United States.
The celebration kicks off today (Monday) in the Mountainlair to celebrate the FirstGen community and spread awareness about the support available for FirstGen students.
Other campus events throughout the week include those hosted by the Chambers College, Statler College, STEM Learning Center and WVU trivia with the Mountaineer in collaboration with Project 168.
The week culminates with First Friday in the REACH Lounge from 11 a.m. to 3 pm. Friday (Nov. 8) in the REACH Lounge, located at the Student Services Center, third floor, for food, fun and visit with Ruby, the therapy dog.
See the full schedule of events.
“I’m excited to see so many campus partners participating in our FirstGen celebration this year,” Michelle Paden, program coordinator for FirstGen Initiatives, said. “With close to 4,000 self-identified, first-gen students, it takes a campus to celebrate them and their accomplishments.”
The inaugural National First-Generation College Celebration launched on Nov. 8, 2017, to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure every individual has access to higher education, regardless of income or zip code.