DePaul's Generation Success initiative is one of the reasons NASPA recognized the university as a First-gen Forward Institution in 2020. This November, the Division of Student Affairs will host events in celebration of National First-Generation College Celebration Day. (Image courtesy of Student Affairs)
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education declared Nov. 8 as National First-Generation College Celebration Day. To commemorate the designation, the Division of Student Affairs will host a number of events throughout the week.Approximately one-third of DePaul students identify as the first person in their family to attend college. The university recognizes how critical it is to support these students in their academic journeys, as they blaze new trails for themselves and their families. DePaul strives to ensure its first-gen students have exactly what they need to succeed, from scholarships to academic support, career services and social engagement.
In honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day, the Office of Advancement invites all members of the campus community to make a gift to support first-gen DePaul students. Your donation will help the university continue to provide the programs and resources students need to achieve their educational dreams.
Additionally, the Office of Alumni Relations created a virtual kudosboard to share insights and words of wisdom from the alumni community. Volunteers, faculty and staff alumni are welcome to join DePaul in celebrating the accomplishments of past and present first-generation students. Alumni Relations will collect notes about past experiences of alumni who also were first-generation students, as well as words of encouragement from faculty and staff alumni who understand the first-gen experience.
Student Affairs will host events throughout the week:
Affirmation tabling
Monday, Nov. 8
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lincoln Park Student Center, suite 105
First-gen students, faculty and staff can stop by the Office of Multicultural Student Success to write an affirmation celebrating their first-gen experience. Affirmations will be collected throughout the day and posted on the OMSS windows.
Student virtual meditation
Tuesday, Nov. 9
12 p.m.
Zoom
Join fellow first-gen students for a virtual lunch break guided meditation to center gratitude and celebrate the unique first-gen experience.
Study Jam
Wednesday, Nov. 10
4 – 6 p.m.
Lincoln Park Student Center, room 325
Join fellow first-gen students for a study session to hold each other accountable for finals week. Students can share tips, have some snacks, and study.
Aromatherapy at the Ray
Thursday, Nov. 11
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ray Meyer Fitness Center, room 134
Take a lunch break for some self-care and fun to create your own aromatherapy spray. Add your own intentions, affirmations, or anything you want to manifest - “I am my ancestors wildest dream."
First Gen celebration
Friday, Nov. 12
12 – 3 p.m.
O'Connell Hall, third floor
Stop by OMSS' Cultural and Resource Centers for food and activities to close out First-Gen Week. Activities include games and making your own tote bag and sugar scrub.
Rachel Wojnicki is an editor of Newsline and the internal communications manager for University Marketing and Communications.