The University of Toledo

10/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2024 08:27

UToledo First-Generation College Celebration Day Faculty and Staff Photo is Oct. 30

UToledo First-Generation College Celebration Day Faculty and Staff Photo is Oct. 30

October 28, 2024 | News, UToday, Alumni, Student Affairs, University College
By Staff


One in three students at The University of Toledo is a first-generation college student, or a student whose parent(s) has/have not completed a bachelor's degree, meaning they and their siblings are the first in their families to attend a four-year university to attain a bachelor's degree.

To showcase the University-wide commitment to supporting first-gen students, faculty and staff who share this background are invited to participate in a group photo on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. on the Centennial Mall steps near Thompson Student Union.

Faculty and staff who are first-generation college students are invited to participate in a group photo on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 10:30 a.m. on the Centennial Mall steps near Thompson Student Union.

"Celebrating first-generation students honors their resilience, grit, determination and the paths they courageously trailblaze," said Kenny Brown, Director of TRIO Student Support Services. "By celebrating first-generation students, we honor their journeys, validate their experiences and reaffirm that student success is attainable. The faculty and staff photo symbolizes this celebration, reminding our students that they are not alone on this journey. Seeing others who have walked similar paths and achieved success can inspire and motivate them to keep pushing forward."

The University of Toledo will host its annual First-Generation College Celebration Day on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. Led by TRIO Student Support Services, collaborating with the Offices of Admissions and Multicultural Student Success and University College, it is dedicated to recognizing the perseverance and achievements of first-generation students while fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment to ensure their student success.

Students attending the celebration can enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring a DJ, free food, giveaways and networking opportunities. The event is connected to a nationwide initiative to celebrate first-generation students and the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It laid the foundation for federal TRIO programs designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds in their higher education journeys.

In addition to the photo, first-gen students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a social media campaign to highlight the stories of first-generation faculty and staff, graduates and current students. Words of wisdom, encouragement, and/or stories may be submitted through an online form.

To learn more about TRIO SSS's support for first-generation student success, visit their office in the lower level of Carlson Library Room 0300, or visit their website. For more information, call Kenny Brown at 419-530-3848 or email him at [email protected].