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K-State Today

Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University
128 Dole Hall
1525 Mid-Campus Drive North
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-2535
vpcm@k-state.edu

November 2, 2022

K-State joins National First-generation Student Celebration Day with week of events

Submitted by Rebeca Paz

Join the Office of First-generation Students in celebrating our first-generation community Nov. 7-11 during the National First-Generation Student Celebration. 

First-generation students are those whose neither parent or guardian completed a four-year college degree and they comprise more than 25% of K-State’s undergraduate students. 

The following are the week's events. 

Nov. 7-11:

  • Proud to Be First signature iced white mocha. Available at Cornerstone locations in Wefald Hall and Jardine Apartments. Upon request, the Proud to be First beverage is eligible for a free size upgrade. Just let the barista know that you are celebrating and supporting First-gen week. 
  • Download a Zoom virtual background
    Visit the website and pick from any of the following Zoom backgrounds that identify you as a first-gen student, graduate or ally, and/or backgrounds that market the first-gen week celebration. Take a picture of yourself with the background and tag us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook @kstateofgs #CelebrateFirstGen #ProudToBeFirst #FirstgenCats #FirstgenForward.

Tuesday, Nov. 8:

  • K-State Instagram takeover, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Check us out on @kansasstateuniversity Instagram stories for all the celebration fun. 
  • First-generation Student Celebration Day, 10 a.m. 2 p.m.
    Stop by the K-State Student Union courtyard to meet other first-gen students, faculty and staff. Get a Proud to be First T-shirt, grab some food at the nacho bar and take photos at the photo booth.
  • Proud to Be First scholarship awards, 1-2 p.m.
    Join us in awarding our Proud to be First Scholarship recipients. 

Wednesday, Nov. 9:

  • Teaching and Learning Center workshop: "Narratives from First-generation Students on their Challenges in College: Exploring Teaching and Learning Implications" from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
    We listen to students’ voices! Based on survey data from about 400 first-generation students at K-State, we will present how first-generation students experience challenges in college differently. Also, we will share the eight themes identified from students’ narratives on the challenges they are experiencing, with financial challenges being a significant theme. You will have an opportunity to discuss practical implications for teaching and learning to improve first-generation students’ success. Presenters: Jodi Kaus, director of Powercat Financial, Han Na Lim, assistant professor of personal financial planning, and Rebeca Paz, assistant director, Office of First-generation Students.
  • Tri-Alpha Honorary Society's induction ceremony, 4-5 p.m.
    Join us at Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union to celebrate our high-achieving first-generation students, and our faculty and alumni honorees: Gregory Eiselein, Karin Goldberg, Frank Tracz, Karina Moncayo-Michel and Anthony Ybarra. 

Friday, Nov. 11:

  • Flint Hills Veterans Day Parade, 9:30 a.m.
    Help us celebrate our First-gen veterans at the Veterans Day Parade. We will be handing out stickers and other First-gen swag. Parade starts at Poyntz Avenue and Third Street.

For more information about the events or about the Office of First-generation Students please contact Rebeca Paz at rpaz@k-state.edu or visit ksu.edu/firstgen

Thank you to the following departments for your collaboration and generous support: Academic Achievement Center​, Alumni and Diversity Programs​, Center for Student Involvement​, Center for Risk Management​, College of Agriculture​, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education​, College of Health and Human Sciences,​ Compliance and Conflict Resolution, Department of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs​, English Language Program, Office of Recruitment and Admissions​, the Physician Assistant Program​, KSU Foundation​, Staley School of Leadership​, TRIO Educational Supportive Services​ and Union Program Council​.