First-Generation College Students

Anahy Felipe De La Cruz ‘26 did not even know about college when she was growing up. Now a scholar in the Odyssey Program and president of the Latinx-Hispanic Union, she is becoming her definition of what it means to be “first gen.”

Throughout October and November, Elon University is celebrating first-generation student stories with the 2024 First Generation Celebration. Archie Tan ’25 came to the U.S. alone at age 13. Now a Lumen Scholar researching AI’s use in cancer diagnoses, he’s showing that being a first-generation student is a strength.

Miranda Tapia '17 prides himself on being able to make a space when there is none for the Latinx/Hispanic community.

Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley offers this weekly message to help students stay informed and prepare for the week ahead.

Elon was among the institutions selected by FirstGen Forward for its inaugural class of Network Champions.

Forty members of the Class of 2024 who are first-generation college students received special stoles during the May 22 ceremony held in McKinnon Hall.

The celebration was held in Alumni Gym on Wednesday, November 8, and offered a place for first-generation students to mingle, reflect and enjoy themselves.

Brown, the assistant director of first-generation student support services, writes about his journey as a first-generation student to supporting current first-gen students as a staff member.

For the week of Nov. 6 –11, the Center for Access and Success, First-Generation Student Support Services initiative will host its fifth annual celebration, honoring Elon students, faculty and staff who were the first in their family to attend college.

Elon hosted the third annual First-Generation Graduation Ceremony in honor of all the first-generation Class of 2023 graduates.