First-Generation College Stories
Through this project, the UWAA aims to share the personal stories that come with the first-generation college experience, and remind current students that they are not alone — they have a community of ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®alumni who are here to support and encourage them now and long after they earn their degree.

The National First-Generation College Celebration takes place each year on November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to acknowledge and celebrate the success of first generation college students past and present. Since 2021, the ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®Alumni Association has invited alumni who identify as first-generation college graduates to share their own stories about their college experiences: their motivations and support systems, triumphs and lessons learned.

Read the First-Generation College Stories
More than 70 ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®alumni have shared stories of their experiences as first-generation college students. From the Class of 1951 to the Class of 2024 (that’s eight decades of experience!), hear what being a First-Gen college grad means to each of them.
Share Your First-Generation College Story
ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® alumni who identify as First-Generation college students are invited to share their stories! We welcome everyone’s experiences — from all three ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®campuses, and from undergraduates and graduate students alike.
More Connections and Resources
These ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®alumni stories are just one part of the tri-campus activities around the National First-Generation College Celebration. See a full list of events and activities, read even more reflections from ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®students, faculty and staff, and get familiar with the resources available to first-generation undergraduate and graduate students on all three ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®campuses.