University of Michigan Celebrates First-Generation Students with Dedicated Week of Events
Over 4,000 first-generation students at the University of Michigan are set to be celebrated during the First-Generation Celebration Week, a key event aimed at acknowledging their unique experiences and contributions. This annual event, running from November 3-7, brings together the entire university community, including students, faculty, and staff, to engage in a variety of activities focused on the collective achievements and narratives of these students.
Orchestrated by the First-Gen Gateway, a prominent program under the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI), the week serves as a platform for promoting social, professional, and academic engagement among first-generation students. This initiative not only offers a physical meeting space within the OAMI office but also facilitates events throughout the academic year to foster a supportive community environment.
University resources provided by the Gateway are available to faculty and staff, aimed at enhancing their understanding and engagement with the first-generation student community.
“The first-generation experience adds tremendous depth to our university,” noted Terra Molengraff, program director of First-Generation Initiatives. “First-Gen Week is both a celebration and a call to action — to ensure these students are seen, heard and have access to the resources to support their success.”
The week features a schedule packed with workshops, panel discussions, community-building sessions, networking opportunities, and events led by various schools and colleges. It aims to highlight the achievements of first-generation students and the challenges they overcome, while also emphasizing the diverse viewpoints they bring to campus life.
The celebration commences with an open house at the First-Gen Gateway in OAMI from noon to 2 p.m. on November 3. As the week progresses, schools like the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and the School of Information will host their respective events to showcase available resources and opportunities.
Throughout the week, OAMI’s Instagram platform will serve as a medium to showcase stories and experiences from the first-generation community, encouraging others to share their journeys as well.
“We want to encourage first-generation alumni, faculty, staff and students with U-M connections to share their stories so that we can strengthen connections across generations,” said Hector Galvan, interim co-director of OAMI. “These stories will continue to play a role in fostering a sense of community and a sense of belonging.”
