Author: Jaci Ignudo

Summer 2022 course schedules are now available online. Students are encouraged to choose their classes before registration begins on Monday, April 4. 

Why should students take summer classes? 

• Summer classes are a great way to catch up on credits and graduate sooner. 
• Financial aid is available for those who qualify. 
• Courses are available in two-, four-, or eight-week schedules with online or in-person formats.

For more information or before scheduling summer courses, reach out to your academic advisor.

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight John Perry, Barton School of Business associate dean.

• Sign up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers -This group is designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals, build a group that offers professional development and networking opportunities. It’s also meant to foster an environment where common experiences can be shared while addressing the needs of first-gen professionals at Wichita State University webpage.

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Tmori Wright, who is majoring in computer science:

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?
Honestly, it feels like I’m living in a dream every day that I wake up. I feel so humbled and motivated to fulfill the goals that I’ve established for myself.

What piece of advice would you share with an incoming first-generation college student?
Time doesn’t stop so why should you. In the midst of this experience always walk with your head up and never be afraid to ask for help.

Any advice you would share with the Wichita State community working with first-generation students?
You are about to be a part of something special and your presence is valuable. Those words of encouragement from a faculty member fill our hearts with joy.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?
I plan to pursue my dreams of playing in the NBA. I also hope to establish a great career in the Tech world by creating video games and designing software that improves day-to-day life.

Signup to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers — Sign up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers (FGAS)—This group is designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals, build a group that offers professional development and networking opportunities. It is also meant to foster an environment where common experiences can be shared while addressing the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University. 

This week as TRIO celebrates, National TRIO Week, the First-Gen Coordinating Council (FGCC) is honored to feature Deltha Q. Colvin, associate vice president for the Office of Special Programs in the Division of Strategic Engagement and Planning. Colvin was a graduate of the Upward Bound program at WSU— the first TRIO program established at Wichita State — 55 years ago. She is an example of the TRIO experience, starting as a first-generation college student who dedicated her entire career to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Colvin has been professionally involved with the TRIO Programs at WSU for 49 years. She remains steadfast in her work and dedicates her time and energies toward providing opportunities to students engaged with the TRIO programs at WSU. She now oversees three TRIO college programs, eight pre-college programs and two of the GEAR-UP programs which all cater to the educational, financial, social, and emotional needs of first-gen students.

For more information about TRIO programs, visit WSU’s Office of Special Programs website.

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Francisco Medina III, who is majoring in political science and minoring in philosophy.

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college? (¿Cómo se siente ser el primer miembro de su familia en ir al colegio?)

Es un gran orgullo ser el primero en mi familia en ir al colegio (It is with great pride to be the first in my family to go to college). Estoy orgulloso de tener la oportunidad de avanzar mi carrera educativa y romper los estereotipos tradicionales (I’m proud to have the opportunity to advance my education career and break traditional stereotypes).

What piece of advice would you share with an incoming first-generation college student?

The path of a first-gen student is not easy compared to some other students you will meet. However, the ambition that exists within us is just as strong if not stronger than theirs, so never doubt your abilities.

Any advice you would share with the Wichita State community working with first-generation students?

To take in consideration that not all first-gen students will have the same resources as other students do. Each student comes from a different background and going to a college is an experience that is new to them and their families.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?

After graduation, the plan is to go law school to obtain a Juris Doctor degree to become a lawyer.

Signup to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers — Designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals to build a group that offered professional development and networking opportunities where common experiences could be shared and address the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

• Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Cheyla Clawson, director, School of Performing Arts, assistant professor of dance.
• Sign-up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers—Designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals to build a group that offered professional development and networking opportunities where common experiences could be shared and address the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

First-gen students are encouraged to sign up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers. The group is designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals to build a group that offered professional development and networking opportunities where common experiences could be shared and address the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Natanya Ordoñez, majoring in pre-dentistry.

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?

It is very exciting and overwhelming as I have a lot to learn, not only for my degree but about myself. Overall, I am proud of all my achievements and hard work to get me to this point in my life.

What piece of advice would you share with an incoming first-generation college student?

Be curious and open-minded. Allow space for growth and experience. Most importantly, give yourself grace. You are your biggest critic but also your biggest cheerleader.

Any advice you would share with the Wichita State community working with first-generation students?

Every interaction matters when it comes to dealing with students, especially those who identify as first-generation. No matter how big or how small the interaction is, let it leave a positive and lasting impact on their journey here at WSU.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?

I plan to attend dental school I hope to specialize in endodontics. I want to be able to give people a smile worth smiling.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

• Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Marco Hernandez, assistant professor, School of Art, Design and Creative Industries.
• Sign-up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers: The group fosters a community of first-generation professionals and offers professional development and networking opportunities for first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

• Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Dan Close, associate professor, Elliott School of Communication.
• Sign-up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers: The group fosters a community of first-generation professionals and offers professional development and networking opportunities for first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.

What is a first-gen student?

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. A student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

• Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Jaci Ignudo, digital specialist, Strategic Communications.
• The efforts of the First-Gen Coordinating Council were recently recognized American Association of Colleges and Universities News Watch
• Congratulations to the 454 December F1rst-Gen grads that walk on Saturday, Dec.12.