The Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) welcome you to participate in the Joint Virtual First-Generation College Celebration!

This joint celebration will kick-off with opening remarks from Sarah E. Whitley, Ph.D., assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success and Maureen Hoyler, J.D., president, Council for Opportunity in Education, as well as feature a panel discussion about the history of the first-generation student definition, utilizing an asset-based lens. You do not want to miss this virtual celebration. 

To successfully register for this event, you must possess a NASPA profile. If you do not have one, simply select "Don't have an account" below the login credential fields and follow the steps to create one. We look forward to celebrating with you on Friday, November 6, 2020!

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Sarah E. Whitley, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President, Center for First-generation Student Success

Maureen Hoyler, J.D., President, Council for Opportunity in Education

Featured Panelist

A spoken word artist sharing her experience as a 1st gen student through her poetry. She will share/guide the audience on how to use their voice to create their own poetry. 

Topics covered – 1st gen student, the importance of speaking to our authentic experiences.  (education, gentrification, assimilation, and civic engagement)  

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Mercy Marrujo, Program Assistant, Catholic Charities

Bbarriers to completion for low-income and first-generation college students and the positive impact of TRIO programs in accessing higher education and the completion rates for these students.

This event has been cancelled.

Kyle Ethelbah, Director of TRiO Programs, University of Utah

Who loves a good trivia night? We certainly do! Join us for a Kahoot trivia night: the First Generation to College Edition! Test your knowledge and/or learn more about the first generation to college experience during this interactive activity.

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Brenda Ramirez, Student Success Specialist, High School Equivalency Program (UNM - Main) 

Brittany Tabor, Director, Upward Bound (UNM - Gallup)

Ivan Olay, Director, HEP & CAMP (UNM - Main)

Join us, as we learn about the journey of a First Gen college student on their pather to becoming a doctoral student.

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Michelle Lee, Student Success Manager, University of New Mexico - Gallup

Faculty, join us for a conversation with Dr. Tim Alvarez, President of Otero Junipo College on his journey as a first-generation student to professional supporting first-generation students succeed.

Sponsored by the Center for Teaching & Learning.  

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Tim Alvarez, Ph.D., President, Otero Junior College

Throughout November, we are reminding students that they are not alone by celebrating the success of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff on our campuses! 

By creating awareness, sharing stories, and highlighting resources, we hope to create a culture that encourages students to ask for help and remind them that there are thousands of Lobos just like them!

Ways to get involved!

• Share YOUR story
  • Teaching a class or advising a student? Take a minute or two to share your journey of being a first-generation student! You never know who needs to hear to it!

• Display a First-Gen Proud Virtual Background
  • No classroom/office, no problem! Displaying a virtual background while you're in a meeting or teaching your class can indicate to a first-generation student that you understand their perspective and committed to their success. 

• Write a Dear First-Gen Letter!
  • We are asking first-generation faculty and staff to share their words of encouragement, support, and/or advice to current first-generation Lobos in a letter. We will be relaying messages to students who have requested a letter.

• Participate in the celebration!
  • Attend and invite your students and colleagues to one of the many events that are being offered. We hope to see you there!

Download Zoom Backgrounds!

Request or Write a 'Dear First Gen' letter!