We are pleased to participate in the National First-Generation College Celebration. Join us for events during the week of November 4-8, 2024 to learn more about first-generation student experiences and celebrate their achievements at St. Olaf.
All Week
First-Gen Stories Shared via Social Media #CelebrateFirstGen
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Complete the survey to share reflections of what it means to you to be a first-generation college student. First 50 entries will receive an I’m First t-shirt! (Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate.)
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Wear your t-shirt throughout the week to show you are first-gen proud! Spark conversations around what it means to you to be first-generation.
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Complete the First-Gen Challenge by participating in the week’s events to receive a $20 gift card!
Monday, November 4
10:10-10:40am
First-Gen Chapel Speakers – Boe Chapel or via live stream.
Paola Diaz ‘25, George Yang ‘24 & Diane LeBlanc (Associate Dean of the First Year Experience and Sophomore Thriving; Professor and Writer in Residence)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Piper Center Open House for First-Generation Students – TOH 270
Stop by anytime to enjoy refreshments and conversation with peers, Piper Center coaches, and peer advisors about your interests, strengths, and career questions!
4:30-7:30pm
Tabling Outside of the Cage – “Obstacles and Benefits of Voting as a First-Gen Student” – Academic Civic Engagement & TRIO Volunteers
Tuesday, November 5 Election Day! VOTE
Thursday, November 7
4:00pm-5:00pm
First-Gen Oles: Student-Alum VIRTUAL Meet Up
Register today! Join us in this online “speed networking” event connecting with First-Gen alumni and students. You’ll be matched with other attendees for a series of 8-10 minute video calls. Conversations are intentionally brief! After the event you can choose to follow up if you’d like to continue the conversation with a specific attendee.
Friday, November 8
National First-Generation College Celebration Day!
10am-11am & 5-6pm
Tabling Outside of the Cage – First-Gen Trivia
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Stop by to play first-gen trivia with the TRIO Student Support Services students and take a chance at winning a prize!
OTHER FIRST-GEN EVENTS
Friday, November 15
10am-11am
Coffee with Lazarus Letcher ’14 (2024 St. Olaf Alumni Achievement Awardee) – Taylor Center
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Join Lazarus to discuss their experiences after St. Olaf. Lazarus is a TRIO McNair alum and first-gen college student who received their Master’s and is completing a PhD in American Studies at UNM. Their MA Thesis was on “Transgender Murder Memorials: A Call for Intersectionality and Trans Livability” and PhD is focused on folk-lore, Black liberation, and queer and trans studies.
Events are sponsored by:
Academic Civic Engagement, Academic Success Center, Alumni and Family Career Engagement, Piper Center for Vocation & Career, Taylor Center for Equity & Inclusion, TRIO McNair Scholars Program, TRIO Student Support Services and SSS Board of Leaders, and TRIO SSS for Students with Disabilities.
The following link provides data on first-generation enrollment at St. Olaf College. As a First-Generation Forward Institution, the College strives to provide the resources necessary for first-generation students to thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Share Your First Gen Pride
Download a dorm room sign, Zoom background, Instagram stickers, etc. to share your pride and support of First-Generation college students.
View ➤
First-Generation Leaders
St. Olaf College is proudly home to many students, staff, and faculty who were the first in their families to attend or complete college.
Read ➤
Share Your Story
An opportunity for First-Generation college students, faculty, and staff at St. Olaf to share their story.
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