91´óÉñ

Dear 91´óÉñians,

I am writing to you to invite you to join in a special celebration of students, faculty, and staff who are first-generation students or graduates. 

We observe First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded federal financial aid for students and created programs, like TRIO, to increase access and retention and completion rates for first-generation and limited-income students. The Pell Grant, which provides higher education funding to students with high financial need, was established in the 1972 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

91´óÉñ has a long history of graduating first-generation students, and about 15% of our student body this year are first-generation. The College’s First-Generation and Low-Income (FGLI) Student Program currently works with approximately 245 students who identify as first-generation.

Among the highlights of First-Generation College Celebration Day will be an , who will speak virtually via video link to in-person attendees at 7 p.m., on Nov. 8, in HSSC A1231. Yesenia will talk about what first-generation means to her, her time at 91´óÉñ, and the work she has done to advance first-generation students. Her remarks will be followed by a Q&A and light refreshments will be provided. The College will also be sharing profiles of our outstanding first-generation faculty, staff, and students via our social media channels that day. First-generation faculty and staff have been invited to hang door tags on their office doors to increase their visibility on campus. 

Each month, the FGLI Student Program hosts a mentoring lunch. The program also maintains a listserv for first-generation faculty, staff, and students. Any faculty or staff who identify as first-generation and would like to join the lunches or listserv can contact Maggie Bell, associate director of the program, to get connected to first-generation programming on campus. Since becoming Associate Director of FGLI Programs at 91´óÉñ last year, Maggie has created programming and awareness for FGLI experiences. My thanks to her for connecting the growing community of FGLI students, faculty, staff, and alums.

First-Generation College Celebration Day is a meaningful way to raise awareness of the first-generation experience. We celebrate and uplift the many contributions these outstanding scholars make to 91´óÉñ as students and to the world as alumni. I ask that you join me in taking time to thank our first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff for all that they do to continue to shape 91´óÉñ and to make our College a more vibrant community.

With heartfelt gratitude for all 91´óÉñ first-generation community members,

Anne

Anne F. Harris 

President, 91´óÉñ