2024 First-Generation College Celebration

The story of the first-generation community is diverse and dynamic. Our community includes leaders, scholars, activists, storytellers, artists, creators, thinkers, writers, athletes, and many more. When we support students, it’s more than the resources we can offer but often about how we can help shepherd their growth in the collective story we are writing together. Our celebration this year will honor the wonder first-generation students bring to our community while leaving space for the dreams we have. Here is our 2024 Celebration Lineup:

First-Gen & Me – Wednesday, Oct. 16th at 6 PM – Irazú Coffee (in collaboration with the Odyssey Program)

Held in collaboration with the Odyssey Scholars Program, participants will reflect on their first-generation story through art. The Center for Access and Success will have an open tab for participants.

Trailblazers and Transformers Exhibit  – Tuesday, Oct. 29th from 11 am – 1 pm – Moseley Student Center (in collaboration with University Archives)

First-generation students are often trailblazers and transformers in their personal lives. We see this theme throughout Elon’s history. Stop by our pop-up exhibit with University Archives and learn about some of the people who have transformed Elon’s history.

International Coffee Hour – Thursday, Nov. 7th at 9:30 am – 3rd floor of GEC (in collaboration with Internation Student Support Services)

Join us as we foster community and celebrate our first-gen and international students with International Student Services. Food and good vibes will be on hand- Also, a special performance from Melanated Melodies.

First-Generation Student Celebration – Friday, Nov. 8th –

The First-Gen Student Society will be throwing a party! Join the first-generation community as we celebrate the gifts and talents that students bring. More details forthcoming

First-Generation Movie Night – Friday, Nov. 8th – 8 PM (in partnership with SUBCinema)

Get ready for a night of fun with SUBCinema! Join us for snacks, good vibes, and a special movie night. The movie will spotlight a powerful first-generation story you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends, relax, and enjoy a night of inspiration and entertainment

Other Opportunities

Late October – Mid-November – Take a First-Gen Student to Lunch

This is an opportunity for first-generation students to have lunch with first-generation faculty and/or staff members. First-generation faculty, staff, and students will receive an email.

First-Gen Narratives Book Display – Belk Library – November 4th – 15th

Discover the powerful voices of the first-gen experience! In collaboration with Belk Library, explore a special collection of books that celebrate the journeys and stories of first-generation students. From inspiring characters to real-life narratives, these titles are a must-read!

 

– About National First-Generation Celebration Day –

November 8th was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Since 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration. To honor this day, colleges and universities around the country host events related to the first-generation identity. Elon has hosted celebration events since 2019.

Elon to host weeklong fifth annual First-Generation Celebration

Fifth annual First-Generation celebration honors Elon faculty, students, staff