Celebrating National First-Gen Day

Meditations and Musings

— Chancellor's Blog —

Celebrating National First-Gen Day

Campuses across the country are recognizing First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a week filled with special events leading up to our own campus celebration on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Nebraska Union Crib.

I was the first in my family to attend college, and navigating university life as a freshman felt like I was walking into a completely different universe. I am proud UNL offers so much support to help first-generation students successfully navigate and thrive on our campus, especially during this exciting week:

  • First-Gen students, faculty and staff – I hope you have a chance to participate in the breakfast discussion, First-Gen story workshop, share-a-meal, and coffee and donut meetup. Details are listed at First Generation Nebraska.
  • First-Gen advocates – I encourage you to wear your “I Support First-Gen” pin this week. If you don't have one, stop by the celebration on November 8 to pick one up.
First Gen Pin

In addition, the NU Foundation has launched a first-generation crowdfunding page for folks who would like to provide additional support for ongoing First-Gen programs.

At UNL, creating lifelong opportunities through accessible higher education is a commitment we started 150 years ago and one that remains central and core to our mission.

I want to thank each and every one of you who work hard every day to provide first-generation students with the support they need to persist to graduation.

In Our Grit, Our Glory,