At New Mexico State University, first-generation students account for approximately one in three of the student population, and NMSU campuses across the system will be celebrating first-generation college students, faculty, staff and families in November.
On the Las Cruces campus, NMSU’s fifth annual first-generation celebration will spotlight first-generation college students and graduates throughout November and feature a tabling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Corbett Center Student Union, first floor lobby.
Several departments from across campus will be participating in the celebration, which will include first-generation information, flyers, buttons, photo props and cookies.
“As the first person in your family to attend college, there is a lot of excitement, pressures and expectations that all first-generation college students experience,” said Rosa De La Torre-Burmeister, Advising Technology assistant director. “The motivation to excel while dealing with pressures at home and school, having trouble relating to non-first-generation peers, learning the unspoken cultural norms, navigating university life, and constantly explaining yourself. These challenges are what makes first gens stronger and bolder and drives them to prove themselves by overcoming every barrier and celebrating successes every step of the way towards graduation.”
At Doña Ana Community College, the first-generation celebration will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the common area at the DACC Gadsden campus. Students, staff, community members and their families are welcome to attend. The event will include a meet-and-greet with other first-gen students, testimonials, games, food, dancing and free swag.
At NMSU Alamogordo, the first-generation celebration from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Student Union Building. The event will include a cookout and first-gen students, faculty and staff sharing personal stories. Family and friends of first-gen students also are invited to attend.
“Celebrating and supporting first-generation college students at NMSU Alamogordo is vital for fostering a vibrant, inclusive community,” said Sofia Ugarte, Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions project director at NMSU Alamogordo. “Through our Title V DHSI Grant, titled RC3, we accompany these students, often facing unique challenges, with resources, mentorship and guidance. Supporting first-generation students enriches our campus diversity, fosters a sense of belonging, and promotes equal opportunities. Together, we build a supportive network that uplifts individuals, transforms lives and contributes to the collective success of NMSU Alamogordo and its Title V Grant initiatives.”
At NMSU Grants, the first-generation celebrations will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Cyber Café in Martinez Hall. The event will include a meet-and-greet with other first-gen students, first-gen information, cookies and photo opportunities as well as learning about the Associated Student Government. ASG will serve Frito pies from 12 to 2 p.m.
“First-generation students bring a wealth of strengths and unique perspectives to the academic setting,” said Lisa Whitmore, academic adviser at NMSU Grants. “Celebrating and supporting these students not only benefits them individually but also enriches the entire educational community.”
Additionally, 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 in November. To share a first-generation story, complete the “I Am A First Gen Aggie” form at https://nmsu.link/firstgen.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University Extension Specialist Nancy Flores (from left), Advising Technology Assistant Director Rosa De La Torre-Burmeister and Vice President for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Teresa Maria Linda Scholz pose for a photo during NMSU’s first-generation celebration in 2022. Campuses across the NMSU system will host first-generation celebrations in November. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)