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.
What does being first-generation mean?
A definition of being a first-generation college student is being the first person in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree. More formally, this means you are a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a four-year degree. But we understand these definitions may not fully account for the rich diversity of first-generation college students. Therefore, we at Susquehanna welcome students who self-identify as first-generation as it pertains to their own experience.
First-generation students are a vital part of the Susquehanna community, and reflect the university’s commitment of seeking a community that reflects the rich diversity of humanity with the full participation of people who represent the breadth of human differences.
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 trailblaze at Susquehanna!
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, college and universities celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff.
Susquehanna University will celebrate our first-generation students virtually through social media posts and challenges. Follow @susqufye on Instagram and Facebook to participate in celebrations throughout the week! Use the hashtag #FirstGenSU to engage with us!
#FIRSTGENSU
Represent your first-gen pride with social media stickers, a LinkedIn badge, Zoom meeting backgrounds and door posters!