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First-Gen College Student Celebration set for Nov. 8

November 5, 2018 | Events, UToday, Alumni

By Anna Brogan-Knight

One in three students at The University of Toledo is a first-generation college student, or a student whose parent(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. This means that they and their siblings are the first in their family to attend a four-year university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

The First-Gen College Student Celebration will take place in the Thompson Student Union Ingman Room from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.

UT staff and faculty members who are first-generation college graduates posed for a photo last month outside the Thompson Student Union.

“This celebration is a space to connect with other first-gen students, get to know faculty and staff who are first-gen, and find out about the great resources and support services we have in place here at The University of Toledo,” Robin Stone, director of TRIO Student Support Services, said. “Connecting with people who can relate to the first-generation experience, plugging in to programs and services, and recognizing the challenges to first-gen students helps students feel connected and increases likelihood of success.”

The First in Family Office, TRIO Student Support Services, Academic Support Services, the Office of Multicultural Student Success, Residence Life, and others will be there to share information about academic and social opportunities to enrich the first-gen experience.

“We want students who are first to launch at UT to know that we are here to partner with them. We recognize the pressures of being a first-generation student and want to continue to celebrate and support their accomplishments,” Dr. Willie McKether, vice president for diversity and inclusion, said.

For more information, contact Stone at 419.530.3848 or robin.stone@utoledo.edu.