51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× is set to celebrate the achievements of first-generation college students with on Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. Highlighting the event will be President Gonzales, who is scheduled to deliver opening remarks around 5:15 p.m.

The event will feature a host of resource tables including CPS, Basic Needs, The LGBT Center, The Womenā€™s Center, Experiential Learning, Global Opportunities, and The Academic Achievement Center. Notably, the newly established student organization F1rst, which supports first-generation students, will be partaking in its first major event. They are at a pivotal stage of recruiting and are eager to engage with attendees.

Haven Horton-Kunce, a senior in environmental studies and the president of F1rst, will welcome participants. Guest speaker Genie Bettencourt, known for her research on first-generation and low-income students, will deliver an interactive talk to students. Attendees can enjoy complimentary snacks and desserts and will have the chance to share their own first-gen stories through postcards.

The Academic Achievement Center, which houses the First-Generation Student Success Program, will also be present to promote academic support services to students.

The event is part of a national observance championed by NASPAā€™s Center for First-Generation Student Success. This annual event, aimed at raising awareness and fostering an asset-based narrative of first-generation studentsā€™ experiences, presents a unique opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to connect and share their identities.