The Celebration
The concept of "first-generation" students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Yet, even today, campuses and communities are too often unaware of the academic capabilities and gifts so many first-generation students possess.
Last November, the Council for Opportunity in Education's Board, in partnership with the Center for First-Generation Student Success of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, asked college access and success professionals to join with TRIO programs across the country for the First Annual First-Generation College Celebration on November 8, 2017 — the Anniversary of the Higher Education Act.
The 2017 First-Generation College Celebration was such a success, it is now an annual event.
The Wichita State faculty, administrators and support programs are eager to host this annual celebration. We are working to make this a campus-wide event and involve the academic colleges in week-long activities. Each college is has agreed to host an event to celebrate and highlight first-generation students in their academic programs, beginning Monday, November 5 through Wednesday, November 7. The activities will culminate with an information fair of offices and departments that offer support to the 4,000 plus first-generation students on our campus. Students will receive a t-shirt, participate in a group photo and are invited to attend a reception hosted in their honor.
An important component of YOUR First-Generation College Celebration is sharing THIS event with others!
Please use #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing photos and information on social media to engage in a national conversation and celebrate not only students on your campus but across the country!
Wichita State is proud to celebrate our first-generation college students.