November 2, 2022
K-State joins National First-generation Student Celebration Day with week of events
Join the Office of First-generation Students in celebrating our first-generation community Nov. 7-11 during the National First-Generation Student Celebration.
First-generation students are those whose neither parent or guardian completed a four-year college degree and they comprise more than 25% of K-State’s undergraduate students.
The following are the week's events.
Nov. 7-11:
- "First-Gen Stories": Podcast
Tune in to hear first-generation stories from current students, faculty and staff. See the website for more details.
- Proud to Be First signature iced white mocha. Available at Cornerstone locations in Wefald Hall and Jardine Apartments. Upon request, the Proud to be First beverage is eligible for a free size upgrade. Just let the barista know that you are celebrating and supporting First-gen week.
- Download a Zoom virtual background
Visit the website and pick from any of the following Zoom backgrounds that identify you as a first-gen student, graduate or ally, and/or backgrounds that market the first-gen week celebration. Take a picture of yourself with the background and tag us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @kstateofgs #CelebrateFirstGen #ProudToBeFirst #FirstgenCats #FirstgenForward.
Tuesday, Nov. 8:
- K-State Instagram takeover, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check us out on @kansasstateuniversity Instagram stories for all the celebration fun.
- First-generation Student Celebration Day, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
Stop by the K-State Student Union courtyard to meet other first-gen students, faculty and staff. Get a Proud to be First T-shirt, grab some food at the nacho bar and take photos at the photo booth.
- Proud to Be First scholarship awards, 1-2 p.m.
Join us in awarding our Proud to be First Scholarship recipients.
Wednesday, Nov. 9:
- Teaching and Learning Center workshop: "Narratives from First-generation Students on their Challenges in College: Exploring Teaching and Learning Implications" from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
We listen to students’ voices! Based on survey data from about 400 first-generation students at K-State, we will present how first-generation students experience challenges in college differently. Also, we will share the eight themes identified from students’ narratives on the challenges they are experiencing, with financial challenges being a significant theme. You will have an opportunity to discuss practical implications for teaching and learning to improve first-generation students’ success. Presenters: Jodi Kaus, director of Powercat Financial, Han Na Lim, assistant professor of personal financial planning, and Rebeca Paz, assistant director, Office of First-generation Students.
- Tri-Alpha Honorary Society's induction ceremony, 4-5 p.m.
Join us at Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union to celebrate our high-achieving first-generation students, and our faculty and alumni honorees: Gregory Eiselein, Karin Goldberg, Frank Tracz, Karina Moncayo-Michel and Anthony Ybarra.
Friday, Nov. 11:
- Flint Hills Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m.
Help us celebrate our First-gen veterans at the Veterans Day Parade. We will be handing out stickers and other First-gen swag. Parade starts at Poyntz Avenue and Third Street.
For more information about the events or about the Office of First-generation Students please contact Rebeca Paz at rpaz@k-state.edu or visit ksu.edu/firstgen.
Thank you to the following departments for your collaboration and generous support: Academic Achievement Center, Alumni and Diversity Programs, Center for Student Involvement, Center for Risk Management, College of Agriculture, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Health and Human Sciences, Compliance and Conflict Resolution, Department of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, English Language Program, Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the Physician Assistant Program, KSU Foundation, Staley School of Leadership, TRIO Educational Supportive Services and Union Program Council.