University to Celebrate First-Generation College Students

Flagship First-Gen has organized multiple events around the National First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8.

"As Mississippi's flagship university, we play an essential role in opening doors to higher education, and that includes supporting our many wonderful students who are the first in their families to attend college," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said.

"As a first-generation college graduate, and I deeply admire the sense of community embodied by the First-Generation College Student Celebration events."

The week's events include:

• Wednesday – Pastries on the Plaza, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Union Plaza
• Wednesday – First-Gen Student Network celebration games, 5 p.m., Student Union, Room 321
• Friday – Giveaways at the Grad House, noon, Graduate School
• Nov. 9 – First-Gen Student Network and Associated Student Body tailgate, the Grove
• Nov. 14 – First-Gen Networking Session/Coffee Hour, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Bryant Hall entryway

First-generation tailgating stickers will be available for students at noon Friday (Nov. 8) at the Graduate School during the giveaway.

The events provide an opportunity for the university to celebrate the contributions of students who are the first in their families to earn a college education, said Ashleen Williams, instructional assistant professor in the Office of the Provost and faculty adviser to the First-Generation Student Network.

"It's a week of events celebrating students," Williams said. "For too long, colleges and universities neglected to recognize the contributions of first-generation students. Now there is a national movement focused on celebrating those contributions.

"The students bring different perspectives to the table. They challenge us to constantly think about, 'How are we serving our communities?'"

Flagship First-Gen offers resources, opportunities and a community to students through the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honors Society, the First-Generation Student Network and events and speakers throughout the year.

"Being a first-generation college student, completing my degrees will mean so much to me and my family," said Jerrika Pardubsky, a junior from Amory majoring in classics, psychology and anthropology.

"For my family, I hope they see that my degrees are all in credit to them. Had they not pushed me even at younger ages to do well and implement the importance of learning, I would not be where I am today."

Top: Ole Miss students play games during the university's 2023 First-Generation Student Week celebration. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services