Our mission as a land-grant university calls us to prioritize access and pave the way for student success, especially for those who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

Four decades ago, CSU was the very first institution in the country to offer a First Generation Award. In the years leading up to creation of this special scholarship, our staff recognized that many of the students they supported had something in common: They were striving to be the first in their families to earn a college degree.

Offices across campus expanded the discussion about the first-generation student experience. Their pioneering work led to a new university initiative in 1984, when the visionary members of our State Board of Agriculture established the First Generation Scholarship Award.

In the 40 years since it began, the institutional scholarship program has awarded more than $20 million to about 2,500 Colorado students. The typical award is $7,500, which covers more than half of annual tuition and fees. This year, 274 students are attending CSU with first-generation scholarships. But that's not the only option: CSU also offers donor-funded scholarships specifically for first-generation students.

These student recipients will be honored this evening during the annual First Generation Award Celebration Dinner in the Lory Student Center. The event is held in conjunction with the National First Generation College Celebration Day, which is Friday, and it kicks off a week of first-generation events on our campus.

From its beginnings, the First Generation Award has been revolutionary. It embodies our land-grant mission by providing access to a world-class education, regardless of background or financial resources.

This was the promise at our founding, and it remains at the heart of our work. The last 40 years are testament to CSU's ongoing commitment to enrolling, embracing, mentoring, and graduating students who are first in their families to earn a college degree.

Our first-generation students have so much to gain and so much opportunity at stake. They are pursuing degrees not only for themselves, but for their families and communities. And there are many CSU first-generation alumni whose children have also attained degrees, demonstrating that "first generation" alumni launch a "second generation" and more to follow.

Our work with first-generation students has led the way as a model for institutions across the nation. When I reflect on this legacy of access and support, nothing makes me prouder of our university and prouder to be a CSU Ram.

We know there is still much to do to ensure more first-generation students enroll and graduate. CSU is committed to supporting these students, and our first-generation efforts will continue to be a central part of our institutional story and culture.

First-gen events this week

• First Generation Award CelebrationDinner starting 5 p.m. Monday in the Lory Student Center. President Amy Parsons and three standout first-gen students will speak at the event, which is open to FGA scholars.
• First-Gen Student and Alumni Mingle, sponsored by the First Generation Student Organization, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday in Canvas Stadium Room 1215. Alumni are invited to share their stories and advice with current first-gen students. Register.
• First-Gen Bingo, sponsored by the Community for Excellence, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in Canvas Stadium Room 1205. A night of community, games, prizes, and food for first-gen students. Register.
• National First Generation College Celebration Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday on the Lory Student Center Plaza. Find music, games, food, and prizes to honor the contributions and successes of first-gen students, faculty, and staff across campus.

Earning a degree is a way to give back

"Being a first-generation student means a lot. One of my goals was to get that college experience because no one in my family had ever set foot on a college campus. I'm standing here with my dad, my mom, my sisters, my grandfather. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here. My parents really pushed for higher education for me, and if I can do it, so many other students can, too. Earning a degree is a way of giving back. If I achieve my dreams of being successful and being a good man, that will be the best way to give back to my family for all their sacrifices for me."

-Marcos Altamirano, one of three student speakers at the First Generation Award Celebration Dinner on Monday.

Altamirano was born in Mexico, immigrated to the United States with his family, and grew up in Fort Morgan, on Colorado's Eastern Plains. He will graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in business administration, with concentrations in both finance and real estate. He is attending CSU with the First Generation Award, the Morgan County Alumni Association Scholarship, and a grant from El Centro, a cultural resource center on campus, among other scholarships. He also works as a mentor for rising first-generation students.

Photo at top: Marcos Altamirano meets with a friend at El Centro, a cultural resource center on campus.
Photography in this story by Matthew Staver.