Every year, institutions across the country come together to celebrate National First-Generation College Student Day—a day dedicated to honoring the grit, resilience, and accomplishments of students who are the first in their families to attend college. These students are pioneers, often navigating higher education without the benefit of familial experience, but with determination, pride, and purpose.
First Generation College Celebration (FGCC) celebrates and recognizes the achievements of students who are the first in their families to attend college. FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8th to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities.
Fresno State First Generation Celebration Event
The Educational Opportunity Program will host the campus celebration on October 30th. The event features a lineup of inspiring first-generation professionals who continue to uplift and empower students within their communities. Through storytelling, shared experiences, and dialogue, this event aims to both celebrate and advocate by highlighting the triumphs and the challenges first-generation students face as they break new ground in higher education.
Rigoberto (Rigo) Flores, a first-generation graduate of San José State University, who currently serves as the Tutoring Assistant Coordinator at Fresno State’s Learning Center, will guide the tone of the day below.
Event Schedule
11AM – 12:30PM
Arts & Crafts, Pictures with Victor E. Bulldog, and IV Resource Fair
Explore campus resources, get creative, and capture a memory with Fresno State’s favorite mascot while celebrating the first-gen community.
12:30PM – 1PM
Living the First-Gen Legacy Activity and Food Service (while supplies last)
Enjoy free food while supplies last and take part in the Living the First-Gen Legacy celebration activity with other students.
Sponsored by Southeast Asian Student Success Center
1PM – 1:30PM
Event Keynote: Jerry Gomez
With a Master’s in Student Affairs and College Counseling from Fresno State, Jerry Gomez is dedicated his career to supporting underserved students. Starting out as a Peer Mentor he continues to support students in his current role as the AgTEC Outreach Counselor at Reedley College. Through his work, he empowers first-generation adult learners in agriculture to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.
1:30PM – 2:45PM
Alumni Panel
The event will feature a panel of first-generation alumni who will share their personal journeys, discuss their challenges/triumphs, and offer insights on how to build supportive spaces for first generation students.
– Jerry Gomez – AgTEC Outreach Counselor, Reedley College
– Ximena Guzman – Health Educator, Fresno EOC
– Lisa Xiong – Student Success Project Coordinator, AANAPISI Program
– JanNessa Williams – Program Manager, Live Again Fresno
2:45PM – 3PM
Closing Remarks
The celebration event will end at 3PM.
* National First Generation College Day is open to all who are interested in participating, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Understanding First-Generation Status
The term “first-generation” typically refers to students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree, but its definition varies widely among institutions. While some define it based on whether a student’s biological parents attended any post-secondary education, others consider whether degrees were completed or where they were earned. This variation leads to discrepancies in how first-generation students are identified, with numbers ranging significantly depending on the criteria used. First-generation students may face challenges due to a lack of cultural capital in navigating college systems, which can affect their confidence and success. As such, institutions are encouraged to define and support these students carefully to better track their progress and provide necessary resources.
Though the definition may vary, being a first-gen student generally means your parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree. Some schools may use a different definition, so it’s a good idea to ask your institution.
If your parents took a few college classes or even completed community college, you will still be considered first-gen. Check in with a campus resource in admissions, academic advising, or student services to learn more!
Yes. Being a first-gen student means that your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education.
Many colleges and universities are beginning to consider students with parents who attended international universities as first-gen.
Bottom Line? Ask your academic advisor as it varies per institution, especially if you’re applying for grad school.
Even if you don’t count as a first-generation student, it’s still important to recognize barriers that may set you apart from other students. For example, coming from a low-income family or being a former foster-youth student may still qualify you for aid. It does not invalidate your experiences and need for additional resources.
First Generation Staff on Campus
Many members of the campus staff are first-generation college graduates, and they have gone on to excel in their respective roles! These individuals serve as an inspiration to both students and colleagues alike, demonstrating the heights that can be reached through perseverance and dedication. Here are just a few examples of the first-generation staff who are making a significant impact on campus today:
Dr. Rashanda Booker
Community Experts
Dr. Shimel Her Saychou
Community ExpertsFor more information and spotlight stories, visit our First Generation resources page.
