National First-Generation College Celebration Day, observed annually on November 8, honors and supports first-generation college students—those who are the first in their families to attend or graduate from college. It recognizes their unique challenges, celebrates their achievements, and raises awareness of the resilience and determination required to navigate higher education without a family background in college. The day was inspired by the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded college access and support for underrepresented students.
The Student Success Center, the First Generation Initiaitve, and the Office of RISE come together to celebrate first gen faculty, staff, and students on the Winona campus this Friday, November 8th from 11:30am-1pm in Toner Student Center. The first 100 first generation students to stop by the table will recieve a free tshirt. Tshirts are only for first generation students.
Throughout the day, you will notice some faculty and staff wearing the National First Gen day 2024 tshirt proudly. Those faculty and staff members are first generation themselves and supporters of the first generation college experience.
What is a first generation student? A Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota student is considered a first-generation college student if neither parent / guardian completed a four-year college degree.
