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NOVEMBER 4-8, 2024

Welcome to KU's week-long recognition of the National First-Generation College Celebration!

Monday, November 4

6th Annual I Am First Too Poster Reception 

KU Memorial Union Ballroom, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Join the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs for their 6th annual unveiling of the I Am First Too poster, which honors 12 individuals who are first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff who have excelled as role models, trailblazers, and advocates for first-generation student success. 

Link: https://ses-stem.ku.edu/IAmFirstToo

Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen  

Jayhawk Welcome Center, 4:45 PM – 6:45 PM 

Join the University Career Center and Alumni Association for an evening of appetizers, mocktails, and engaging conversations. This informal networking event is the perfect opportunity to connect with First-Generation working professionals and KU alumni from diverse sectors of industry. Join us to hear about their journeys from the classroom and graduation to their current careers and positions of influence. 

Link: https://calendar.ku.edu/event/mocktails-and-mingle-first-gen 

    Tuesday, November 5

    Food, Fidgets, and Fun 

    Summerfield Hall, Suite 130 – Hawk Link Nest, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM  

    Hawk Link is throwing a party in celebration of First-Generation Students! Swing by Summerfield Hall and grab some FREE food, play fun games, and take first-gen branded fidgets. Happy First-Gen Week! 

    Office Contact: hawklink@ku.edu 

     

      Wednesday, November 6

      Uplifting First-Gen Students

      Capitol Federal Hall, Atrium, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM  

      Stop by Capitol Federal Hall to meet the KU School of Business Impact Programs office who will be tabling in the Atrium. All are welcomed to stop by to learn about resources on campus, grab some candy, and share their own personal tips for success as a first-gen student or offer words of encouragement for first-gen students. 

      Office Contact: bschoolimpact@ku.edu

      Tri-Alpha First-Gen Honor Society Induction Ceremony 

      RSVP Event

      We are proud to announce the formation of the Lambda Eta chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation college students! This inaugural induction ceremony is open to invited students and their guests. 

      Office Contact: hawklink@ku.edu

        Thursday, November 7

        First Gen Relax & Recharge 

        Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center (1299 Oread Ave), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

        Drop in to relax and recharge with TRIO SES & STEM, McNair Scholars Program, Heartland CAMP, and the Student Engagement Center! Share your first-generation story, make arts & crafts, practice mindfulness skills, and be in community. Light refreshments will be provided. 

        Office Contacts: ses-stem@ku.edu

        I Am First-Gen, and I Am KU 

        Kansas Union, Parlors, 5th Floor, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM  

        Are you a first-gen student eager to make the most of your academic journey? Join us for an engaging time of connections and community at I am First-Gen, and I am KU. This special gathering is designed to help you navigate your way into our campus community. First-gen KU staff members will lead an insightful discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities first-gen students encounter. Whether you have questions about academics, campus involvement, or simply wish to make new friends, this event is perfect for you! 

        Office Contact: orientation@ku.edu

          Friday, November 8

          National First-Gen Student Celebration 

          Kansas Union, Ascher Plaza, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 

          November 8th is the National First-Gen College Celebration Day, and we want to celebrate with you! Join us at Ascher Plaza for cake, giveaways, and this year’s KU First-Gen T-Shirt! 

          Note – inclement weather location will be Watson 3 West and will be announced if needed. 

          Office Contact: hawklink@ku.edu

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            A Proud First-Gen Forward Network Member

            The University of Kansas is a First-Gen Forward Network Member Institution committed to building a foundational understanding of first-generation student success through participating in monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities, sharing knowledge and resources, and contributing to a peer community.

            In addition, campus partners collaborate to host the events for the First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) which is an annual opportunity celebrated nationally to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.

            LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRST-GEN FORWARD