Purdue University Northwest (PNW) kicked off a week of on-campus activities celebrating its first-generation students with First-Gen College Student Celebrations on Nov. 4 at its Hammond and Westville campuses.
The events, hosted by PNW’s TRIO and Educational Opportunity Programs offices, featured a range of different activities, including food, games hosted by student organizations, free t-shirts, music, tabling and resources by campus.
The university prides itself in holistically supporting first-generation students by recognizing their unique backgrounds and providing resources that augment their college experiences. First-generation students are defined as those who are the first in their families to obtain a comprehensive four-year college degree. Over half of PNW’s student population identifies as first-generation. PNW is also recognized nationally by the Center for First-Generation Student Success and by U.S. News & World Report for social mobility for first-generation scholars.
Assistant Director for First-Generation College Student Outreach Mayra Hernandez was a key member of the day’s event. Doing everything from handing out t-shirts to students to serving cake to attendees, she was heavily involved in the planning of the event, something that she described as her organization’s “Super Bowl.”
For Hernandez, she prides herself on serving first-generation students and celebrating their accomplishments.
“We’re serving them, and we have a large community on campus,” Hernandez said. “It’s very important to celebrate and acknowledge the strengths that first-generation students bring to our campus. That’s why we do a whole week because a day isn’t enough.”
PNW’s week of festivities also includes visiting guest speakers, such as CIA office member and Chief Stephanie La Rue, who will provide her own perspective on the strength needed to thrive as a first-generation student.
For Hernandez, it’s important to have conversations and provide a safe space for these students to navigate all the different aspects that come with being a first-generation college student, something she says has been overwhelmingly amazing.
“To see it in action and to see all these students come out and celebrate one another is really eye-opening,” she said.
Delanie Dodd, a programming co-chair at the campus, was also on hand, engaging with students by hosting one of the many activities throughout the day. For Dodd, it was incredibly rewarding to see students making connections with one another.
“It’s nice to see that everyone can come together, make connections and have a good time,” Dodd said. “The planning was very strategic. We put a lot of effort into making sure that everyone would have something to do and have a good time. It’s like creating a community and making sure there’s something for everyone. I love it.”
Ultimately, PNW’s First Generation Student Week kicked off in style. With hundreds of students being able to enjoy each other’s company, stories and refreshments, the event was nothing short of a success for Hernandez, Dodd and the other members throughout PNW who made it possible.
To learn more about PNW’s resources for first-generation college students, visit pnw.edu/first-generation.
