There’s Something Special About Being First

What does being first-generation mean?

Being a first-generation college student is being the first person in your family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree. More formally, this means you are a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a four-year degree. We understand these definitions may not fully account for the rich diversity of first-generation college students. At Susquehanna, we welcome students who self-identify as first-generation as it pertains to their own experience.

The first-generation identity is one to be proud of — you are part of a group of trailblazers at Susquehanna including faculty, staff, students and alumni who were also the first in their family to go to college. We are excited to celebrate the different ways that first-generation students trail-blaze at Susquehanna.


National First-Generation College Celebration Day, November 8

In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration! On November 8, colleges and universities celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff. Additionally, First-Generation College Celebration Week is November 8–12.

Connect with us!

Follow @susqufye on Instagram and Facebook to participate in celebrations throughout the week! Use the hashtag #FirstGenSU to engage with us!

Celebrating Our First-Generation Graduates 

Susquehanna held its inaugural First-Generation Pinning Ceremony, where students who are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree were recognized.

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Image of pins distributed during first-generation pinning ceremony.
Image of audience during first-generation pinning ceremony.

For Students, Families and Supporters

For Faculty and Staff

#FIRSTGENSU

Represent your first-gen pride with social media stickers, a LinkedIn badge, Zoom meeting backgrounds and door posters!

Our Team


Contact Us

Inclusive Excellence

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

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Location

Degenstein Campus Center, Lower Level

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Director of First-Year Experience
570-372-4753
proffitt@susqu.edu