This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Higher Education Act. Institutions around the country including New Mexico State University will be celebrating the presence and experiences of first-generation college students, faculty and staff Nov. 8.
NMSU’s fourth annual first-generation celebration will spotlight first-generation college students and graduates systemwide throughout November and feature a tabling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Corbett Center Student Union, first floor lobby.
“Many of our faculty and staff are first-generation college students who are deeply committed to supporting the first-generation college students that we serve at NMSU,” said Renay Scott, vice president for Student Success. “We continue to strive to improve our services and processes in making college more navigable for our students.”
Several departments from across campus will be participating in the celebration, which will include first-generation information, flyers, buttons and cookies.
“New Mexico State is thrilled to celebrate our fourth year of participating in the National First Generation College Student Celebration,” said Tony Marin, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. “Our first-generation Aggies are part of a unique and resilient cohort of future entrepreneurs, social workers, engineers, nurses, physicians, teachers and leaders who are destined to contribute significantly to our state and nation. We are proud to honor their contributions to New Mexico State University and their vital role in achieving the teaching, research and service mission of New Mexico’s land-grant institution.”
Also in November, NMSU first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni will be featured in NMSU’s Hotline and Student Hotline newsletters and on NMSU’s social media channels. To share a first-generation story, complete the “I Am A First Gen Aggie” form at https://nmsu.link/firstgen.
“Being a first-generation student, myself, I know how scary and intimidating the very idea of going to college can be,” said Dacia Sedillo, university registrar. “The perseverance and commitment of our first-generation students is commendable. I am a true believer in the value of education, be it a traditional academic degree or a workforce certification. Those credentials give the student a tool to change the trajectory of not just their future, but the economic and social prospects of their entire family for generations to come.”
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NMSU photo by Josh Bachman