Early Bird

Celebrate National First-Generation Week

Join First-Generation Initiatives in the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion for a week of events to honor the students, graduates and employees who are among the first generation in their families to pursue higher education.

By Alyson Doty

November 3, 2021

Monday is National First-Generation College Student Day! At Metropolitan State University of Denver, this event is especially significant, as more than 51% of students are among the first generation in their families to pursue higher education. The First-Generation Initiatives team in the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion is honoring first-generation students who are paving the way for their families and friends.

What is National First-Generation Week?

Colleges and universities across the country on Monday will recognize first-generation students, faculty members and staff members. This date commemorates the 56^th anniversary of Congress’ approval of the Higher Education Act. The legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention and graduation of first-generation, low-income students.

Since the HEA’s passage and the creation of subsequent programs, millions of first-generation, low-income/underresourced students have been helped along their path to completing college degrees. At MSU Denver, one day is just not enough to honor our amazing first-generation students, faculty members and staff members, so the University is dedicating an entire week to celebrate these outstanding Roadrunners.

MSU Denver defines a first-generation college student as a student who comes from a family where neither of their parents or guardians obtained a four-year degree. Students whose siblings went to college are classified as first-generation.

During National First-Generation Week, MSU Denver’s First-Generation Initiatives will facilitate programs and events that highlight staff and faculty members who were first-generation students themselves, honor our 2021 first-generation graduates and recognize current first-generation students.

National First-Generation Week events:

Monday: First-Generation Virtual Takeover

On Instagram and Facebook – @msudenverfirstgen

MSU Denver has a large community of first-generation college students and staff members who study and/or work on campus. Keep an eye on the @msudenverfirstgen social-media platforms to see first-generation spotlights on staff members, faculty members and students.

Tuesday: First-Generation Breakfast and Coffee Celebration

Jordan Student Success Building mezzanine

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Enjoy breakfast and coffee while discussing the first-generation identity and what it means to be among the first generation in your family to go to college.

Wednesday: First-Generation Game Night

Jordan Student Success Building CMEI Lounge, Room 237

2-4 p.m.

Celebrate National First-Generation Week by playing tabletop games such as Monopoly, UNO, Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart.

Thursday: First-Generation Student Celebration

Tivoli Rooms 440 and 540

3-7 p.m.

To close out National First-Generation Week, fall 2021 first-generation graduates are invited to pick up their honor cords and take a picture with their family members.

For more information on National First-Generation Week, contact First-Generation Initiatives at firstgen@msudenver.edu or visit First-Generation Initiatives.