Syracuse University Celebrates First-Generation Week November 4-8, 2024
National First-Generation College Celebration Week is November 4 – 8, 2024 and provides an opportunity to celebrate first-generation students whose parents have not attended a higher education institution. Around 20% of Syracuse University students identify as first-generation. The Syracuse University campus community is invited to participate in several events throughout the week, including:
- Monday, November 4 – Friday, November 8, Intercultural Collective in Schine Student Center: Celebrate your first-generation experience and leave your mark on SU history by signing your graduating class’s first-generation banner, which will be proudly displayed during graduation season. Participants can also get free first-generation stickers.
- Monday, November 4 – Friday, November 8, Bird Library 1st Floor: Poster Display “Exploring the First-Generation Syracuse University Experience” featuring campus community members. Learn about the history of the first-generation identity in higher education, the diverse definitions of "first-generation" and inspiring profiles of current first-generation campus members. A Library Research Guide will help first-generation community members discover a wide array of books and resources by and for first-generation individuals, covering themes such as cultural education, memoirs, celebrations and wellness.
- Monday, November 4, 1:30 – 3 pm, Tolley Room 104: Workshop offered by Career Services on “Crafting Your Pitch.” Tailored to the needs of first-generation students at Syracuse University, with a special emphasis on undergraduate students, participants will discover, practice and leave with branding and elevator pitch techniques to support their career journey. In partnership Syracuse University Career Services and the Kessler Scholars Program.
- Monday, November 4, 4 – 6 pm, Bird Library Room 114: “Lead the Way: A First-Generation Panel Discussion.” Faculty, staff, students and alumni will share their unique experiences, challenges and advice in navigating college and the professional environment with their first-generation identity. The discussion and Q&A session will include how to gather support and resources. Refreshments will be served. In partnership with SU Libraries and New Student Programs. Panelists, who are all first-generation, include:
- Elena Fernandez ’26, Kessler Scholars Peer Mentor and undergraduate student majoring in Forensic Science and Chemistry with a Spanish Minor
- Dr. Cassaundra Guzman G’ 21, G’ 24, alumnus and currently employed as McNair Scholars Program Coordinator at Cornell University. A first-generation Latina and triple graduate of Syracuse University’s School of Education, Guzman recently completed her PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education, studying voices of other first-generation Latine students to better understand how universities can provide more holistic forms of support.
- Thomas Hoang, Undergraduate Academic Advisor at the Whitman School of Management, received his bachelor’s degree in history and Master’s in Secondary Education from Syracuse University.
- Dr. Heather F. Lavender, Assistant Professor of Science Education. Born and raised in Shreveport, LA, she is passionate about the research of asking how, why and in what ways do young girls of color come to interact and identify or not with science.
- Carrie Ingersoll-Wood, Director of the Disability Cultural Center, will serve as moderator. Her research focuses on the motivation and educational identity formation of first-generation students, how students draw on forms of community cultural wealth to assist in building academic self-efficacy and positive educational identity to succeed in pursuit of a degree.
- Tuesday, November 5, 3:30 – 5:30 pm, Bird Library Lower Level: Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) Open House for first-generation students to explore the variety of individual and group academic support services available.
- Wednesday, November 6, 11 am – 1 pm, Intercultural Collective in Schine Student Center: Affinity and networking pop-up space for first-generation students, faculty and staff at Syracuse. Meet fellow first-generation peers, share your experiences, sign your class banner and enjoy some light refreshments while building a supportive community.
- Wednesday, November 6, 1:30 - 3 pm, Huntington Hall Room 103: "Thriving as a First-Generation Professional: Navigating the Workforce with Confidence," a trauma-informed workshop designed to empower first-generation college students as they prepare to enter the professional workforce. Participants will explore practical strategies for overcoming challenges unique to first-generation professionals, such as navigating workplace dynamics, developing self-advocacy and managing financial independence.
- Wednesday, November 6, 4 - 5 pm, Virtual: Build Your Professional Network by learning how to unlock life-changing conversations, mentorships, internships and jobs. Connect with members of our vast Orange community, supported by the undergraduate advising office in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell. Open to all undergraduate students, regardless of school/college affiliation. In partnership with the College of Arts & Sciences and Maxwell Office of Academic and Career Advising.
- Thursday, November 7, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Bowne Hall Room 208: Open House to learn about the research, fellowship and other resources and opportunities available for first-generation students with the Center for Fellowship & Scholarship Advising (CFSA), Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Engagement (SOURCE), Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) and the Lender Center for Social Justice.
- Friday, November 8, 10:30 - 11:30 am, Huntington Hall Jacquet Commons: First-Generation Resource Fair featuring programs such as SOURCE, SU Abroad, Blackstone Launchpad, the McNair Scholars Program, LSAMP and more.
- Friday, November 8, 11:30 am – 1 pm, Huntington Hall Jacquet Commons: First-Generation Celebration featuring “Living Between Worlds” with Tianna Faye Soto. Soto will center on empowering first-generation students to explore their identities, celebrate intersectionality and highlight the unique strength each person holds. Lunch will be served immediately following the keynote. Co-Sponsored by the Kessler Scholars Program, The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).
- Tianna Faye Soto is a keynote speaker and journalist based in New York City. With expertise in mental health and wellness, Tianna’s mission is to empower college students and professionals to face their journey with clarity and confidence. Her work has been featured by The United Nations Foundation, Cosmopolitan and Elite Daily. She currently is the Associate Health & Wellness Editor at Women’s Health. Tianna is a proud graduate of North Carolina State University. She earned her master’s degree in clinical & counseling psychology from Columbia University, where she specialized in spirit-mind-body wellness. She is also a certified yoga and mindfulness teacher and coach who helps people manage stress, boost creativity and chase their career dreams. Today, Tianna works across mental health, media and the arts to help others live in alignment with mind, body and soul. Her work is heart-centered, service-driven, culturally informed and rooted in empathy.
As one current Syracuse University first generation student, Alexus Argust, said, “It is important that us first-gen[eration] [students] are celebrated and supported, because it is a challenge that requires bravery and determination to go to college not knowing what to expect and navigate it without problems. I have been extremely fortunate to have found my community and friends on campus.”
National First-Generation College Celebration is celebrated annually on November 8 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The act provides equal opportunity for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. The legislation creates grants and loan programs, invests in higher education institutions and started the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) to facilitate the academic success of first-generation college students.
First-Generation College Celebration Week events are made possible by the collaboration and generous contributions of multiple individuals, offices and units on campus that believe in elevating and celebrating our first-generation community of students, faculty and staff. Special thanks to the work of the First-Generation Committee, the Division of Student Experience, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Student Support Services (SSS), the Kessler Scholars Program, the Intercultural Collective, First Year Seminar, New Student Programs and Syracuse University Libraries. Extended thanks to our academic partners: College of Arts and Sciences, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Whitman School of Management, and to campus support offices: Central Career Services, Office of Financial Literacy, CLASS, CFSA, SOURCE, WiSE and the Lender Center for Social Justice.
New Student Programs maintains the First-Generation Faculty and Staff List for those who self-identify as first-generation college students. The list serves a visual representation of faculty and staff dedication to helping current first-generation college students build their personal success networks and their eagerness to help grow a campus of support. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty and staff members who can share their personal journeys, insight and support throughout this unique student experience.