Wright State joins nation in celebrating first-generation students

Wright State University will join with other institutions of higher learning to celebrate students who are the first in their families to further their education.

National First Generation College Celebration Day is Friday, Nov. 8. Wright State will mark the day with a ceremony and events from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Atrium.

“This is the second year we’ve done the first-generation celebration,” said Marsha Henderson, Wright State’s program director for success programs. “We’ll be celebrating with colleges and universities all over the nation.”

Wright State’s celebration will include opening remarks from Kurt Holden, the university’s director of public safety who was a first-generation student; testimonials from alumni, graduates and first-generation supporters; music; refreshments; networking opportunities; and a photo booth.

“We’re inviting the entire campus to celebrate first-generation students, faculty and staff,” Henderson said. “We want everyone to attend and help celebrate.”

The date is significant: On Nov. 8, 1965, the federal Higher Education Act was signed. It authorized federal student aid programs to assist students and their families with financing postsecondary education and provided federal support to postsecondary institutions. The result was that people from families who previously could not afford college now had a way to further their education, becoming first-generation college students.

The national celebration of that day began in 2017. The national event encourages the understanding of the barriers to higher education and the continuing need to support “this critical and resilient population to continue thriving,” Henderson said.

“Sometimes I think students see it as a stigma that they don’t want others to know about,” Henderson said of the first-generation label. “But this makes it even more important to show that it’s not a stigma, but a reason to celebrate that you’re pursuing education and are the first in your family to do so and start a legacy. This acknowledges what an accomplishment it is to further your education and to let the faculty and staff see them and honor them.”

Henderson added, “It’s also helpful to students to see faculty and staff that were first-generation students and to let them know they have support.”

“One of the goals for us is to push the idea that it’s good to be celebrated and not to shy away from it or not have someone know,” Henderson said.

Henderson said 573, or 28%, of first-time undergraduate students from fall 2024 self-reported as first-generation students.

Wright State is already planning for next year.

“We’re looking to expand our celebration beyond a one-day event,” Henderson said. “Maybe a one-week event with more involvement across campus to enhance the experience for students.”