At MSU, we want to take time to recognize all our first-generation students. Join us for the First-Generation College Celebration, an annual celebration on Nov. 8 that commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. The HEA provided colleges and universities with the funds and resources to focus on retention, access and completion for first-generation students.
A first-generation college student is a student who neither parent nor guardian has earned a four-year degree. At MSU we celebrate the tenacity and dedication these students and their families bring to our community, and we recognize and celebrate the faculty and staff who are first-generation college graduates and the meaningful contributions they make to our campus every day.
Mark your calendars for the FGCC week, Nov. 4-8, 2024, and hold time for events recognizing the efforts and contributions of our first-gen students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
As a first-generation college student, it can feel isolating and lonely. First-Generation College Student Appreciation Week showed me that I am a part of a larger community that I can rely on and ask for help.”
– Alyssa K., (she/they), Class of 2024
The Vanderploeg First-Generation College Celebration is an annual event to celebrate students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to attend or graduate from a four-year institution. This event will allow for this community of scholars to come together to celebrate the strengths that they bring to MSU.
A networking reception will be hosted from 4:30PM-6PM followed by an awards and recognition ceremony from 6-7PM in the MSU Union Ballroom. Nominate first-gen students for their academic excellence and/or outstanding campus involvement. We are also accepting nominations for a faculty/staff member to be recognized for their incredible work and support of first-generation students at MSU. The nomination form will be due Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST.
We hope that you will come to share time with your fellow Spartans who share in the identity of being first-generation!