Marquette to host events for First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 7

Nov. 4, 2019

We are Marquette First Gen ButtonMILWAUKEE — In honor of National First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, which recognizes the date of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Marquette University will host a series of events to celebrate first-generation students one day prior on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Campus events will include pizza and trivia with Acting Provost Dr. Kimo Ah Yun at noon and “Do-Nut Stress First Gen Craft Night” at 9 p.m. — both events will be held in the Alumni Memorial Union. There will also be information sessions for students considering graduate school — one sponsored by the Graduate Student Organization from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and “But First, FAFSA,” sponsored by Marquette University Student Government and the Office of Financial Aid, from 8 a.m. until noon. Both sessions will be held in in Raynor Memorial Libraries.

 “As a university, we are thrilled to be celebrating our first-generation students,” said Dr. Xavier Cole, vice president for student affairs. “Marquette’s goal is to provide a transformative educational experience for its students and to make that education accessible to low-income, first-generation students. This week gives us the opportunity for the campus community members to recognize those students and to share their own experiences as first-gen students.”

A new student organization, I’m F1RST, will be active throughout the week. Started at the beginning of the semester, the purpose of I’m F1RST is to facilitate the transition into institutions of higher education for Marquette students who identify as first-generation. The aim of the organization is to create a safe space on campus and provide various mentoring workshops concerning financial, academic and community resources, as well as other seminars to help smooth the transition.

Marquette’s Educational Opportunity Program was recognized for its 50th anniversary with a proclamation from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. EOP has a graduation rate of 78 percent of first-generation, low-income college students over six years, well above the 11-percent national average.

The National First-Generation College Celebration is a product of a collaboration between the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success. The event is in its third year as a means to encourage colleges and universities to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff on campus.

Any media interested in covering any of the First-Generation College Celebration events should contact Kevin Conway at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.