University to host First-Generation College Celebration Nov. 8

On Nov. 8, Ohio University will join college and university campuses around the nation as they hold rallies, panel discussions, listening sessions, celebrations, and more in recognition of their first-generation students, staff, and faculty.

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), in partnership with the Center for First-generation Student Success, celebrated the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, 2017, with an event on Capitol Hill. This date marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act (HEA), which has helped millions of first-generation, under-resourced students persist to degree completion. 

At Ohio University, First-Generation College Celebration activities will span several days.

We Are First, the first-generation student organization, will host a Pie a First-Gen Staff or Student fundraiser event Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. outside the fourth floor of Baker University Center.

First-generation students will receive recognition and giveaways at the football game in Peden Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

A panel of first-generation students, faculty and staff will share their stories and experiences at an event on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 1:30-3 p.m. in Alden Library’s Friends of the Library Room.

On Friday, Nov. 8, University community members can show their support for first-generation students by creating a First-Gen Pride Postcard at a table outside the fourth floor of Baker University Center between noon and 4 p.m.

According to Geonavin Hernandez, president of OHIO’s first-generation student organization We Are First, supporting first-generation students helps them attain their educational goals.

“It's important to support and celebrate first generation college students because college is a very challenging experience,” said Hernandez. “It's even more challenging when you're the first in your family to do it and have no familiarity with the campus, it's resources, and networks. Celebrating first-generation students creates an inclusive atmosphere which can inspire others to embrace their situation and identity.”

“First Generation students need to have a feeling of belonging and opportunities to celebrate their existence and contributions aid in their persistence to graduation,” said Tammy Tucker, director of Ohio University’s TRIO Student Support Services: College Achievement Program. “Supportive programing for our first-generation students creates positive change on our campus, in our communities and for our country.”

Within University College at OHIO two programs have support for first-generation students at the core of their mission. TRIO Student Support Services, also known as the College Achievement Program (CAP) at Ohio University, has provided specialized support services to first-generation and other select students for the past 40 years.

The OHIO First Scholars Program launched in 2015 with the mission to support the success, persistence and engagement of Ohio University’s first-generation college students, while also serving as a resource to the larger university community on first-generation students.

“At Ohio University we are working collaboratively to support the needs, and celebrate the successes, of our first-generation students,” said Angela Lash, director of the OHIO First Scholars Program. “We look forward to celebrating our first-generation students as part of a nationwide event, but more importantly we celebrate and support our first-generation students throughout the year with First Gen Fridays and other specialized programming.”

Through the OHIO First Scholars Program and the TRIO Student Support Services: College Achievement Program, first-generation students can access supplemental academic advising, mentoring, free tutoring, a dedicated student organization, a specialized seminar course, and more.