SLU Celebrates First-Generation College Students

11/07/2019

Saint Louis University is holding its inaugural First-Generation College Student Celebration Day Friday, Nov. 8.

Among the first-year class that started at SLU in Fall 2019, 12.4% of SLU students are first-generation college students.

Mona Hicks, Ed.D., associate vice-president says there are hundreds of faculty and staff on campus who also were First-Gen college students.

“First-generation college students are an asset to our SLU community,” Hicks said. “This initiative’s goal is to help raise the visibility of the growing population in higher education.”

“It also celebrates the intersectionality among SLU students and advocates for student readiness and success through programs,” Hicks added.

What is a First-Generation College Student?

First Gen Students are the first in their immediate families to attend college. These students’ parents might have had some college, but did not complete a degree, or they may self-identify as not having prior knowledge of, or exposure to, higher education before attending college.

What is National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day?

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success selected Friday, Nov. 8, as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration Day to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. (HEA) during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.

Like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to expand opportunities that had historically disadvantaged Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education.

Additionally, HEA ushered in programs like the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates.

The SLU community is invited to celebrate together from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, inside the north entrance to Busch Student Center. First Gen buttons and free treats will be available.

For more information about the 1st Gen at SLU initiative, please go the 1st Gen at SLU webpage or email firstgen@slu.edu.