Alumnus serves as example for other first-gen students
What is First-Gen?
A first-generation university student is someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree. You are still first-gen if you have siblings who have attended college.
If this sounds like you, you are among nearly half of °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ students who are First-Gen Proud!
Being a first-generation student comes with particular challenges, but °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ is ready to match your ambition and support you through your college experience.
°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Celebrates First-Gen Day
National First-Gen Celebration Day is observed annually on November 8, commemorating the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ annually recognizes First-Gen Day to celebrate all of our first-gen students, staff, faculty, and librarians.
In 2025, °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ hosted its first annual First-Gen Celebration Lunch. First-gen students had the opportunity to connect over lunch with a small peer group and a member of the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ faculty, staff, and librarians who are first-gen students.
Graduation Stole and Gratitude Pins
Every Graduating Senior who is a first-generation college student is eligible to pick up a first-gen stole to wear on graduation day to celebrate their achievement!
In May 2025, a new tradition of the Gratitude Pin was started. Each student receives up to two pins to give to a person who has impacted their academic journey.
Join the Gen. One Club on Campus
is a student group devoted to exploring issues of social class and the first-generation college student identity in higher education through activities on the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ campus and beyond. This organization offers students and prospective students the unique opportunity to collaborate with faculty, staff, and peers on ways to ease their transition and promote their success in a college setting. Gen. One is a resource that offers opportunities for students to engage in learning beyond the university setting, enrich the educational experience, and open post-graduate opportunities.
Questions about First Generation? Come by Boyden 106, email us at firstgen@bridgew.edu or call us at 508-531-1276.
