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Inaugural First-Generation College Celebration at App State
By Dr. Lamont Sellers & Dr. Shernita Lee
There was excitement in the air on Friday, November 8th, as the campus celebrated its inaugural First-Generation College Celebration Day. This celebration was created in 2017 with the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and the Council for Opportunity in Education. FirstGen Forward continues “to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes” (https://firstgen.naspa.org/engagement/first-generation-college-celebration).
The Plemmons Student Union's first floor buzzed with activity. The campus First Generation Student Support Advisory Board and partners from App State’s Academic Affairs and Student Affairs joined other institutions nationwide to acknowledge and celebrate our First-Generation College Students. We marked the occasion with flair with a photo booth, giveaways, message board, and food. First-Gen students participating in the December commencement ceremony picked up their graduation cords and wore them with pride at the recent ceremonies. Music was in the air, and Yosef's appearance for photos topped off the event.
Appalachian State University has always been committed to first-generation students. In recent years, we have observed a steady increase in identifying first-generation students. We aim to create a community for those students to feel inspired and motivated, as well as a sense of belonging and, most importantly, pride! Based on fall 2024 data from the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning, approximately 1 in every three students identify as first generation. Undergraduate students comprise 95.5% of our first-generation student population, and the remaining 4.5% are graduate students. With 6,449 First-Gen students, we know each has a story for why they chose App State, what they want to achieve during their time here, and the torch they carry in being the first in their family to obtain a degree.
This work resonates with our students and establishes an intentional culture of support for first-generation students. One student said, “I’m honored and excited to be a part of my graduating class as a first-generation student.” Another student said, “I truly appreciate the extra effort. It's hard to believe I'm a mom, 31, first generation, and graduating!” This reminds our students that they are not alone and that other first-generation students are aiming for the momentous goal of obtaining a degree from App State.
We look forward to continuing the celebration in the spring on April 3 and 4, 2025, to celebrate spring graduates and continue the momentum around first-gen student support.
