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 Trang Bui, M.Ed. academic advisor for the School of Music, College of Fine Arts Advising Center.
  • Please note that graduation cords are available for fall 2021 first-gen graduates. Students should work through their college to obtain their cord, which is provided to them on behalf of the First-Gen Coordinating Council. Learn more by visiting the First-Gen Graduate Cords website.
  • Any administrator, faculty or staff member interested in representing their first-gen status at the fall 2021 commencement can purchase one by contacting Lydia Santiago at fgshockers@wichita.edu.
I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “Starting college as a first-generation student was overwhelming. I felt like I wasn’t meant to be in the classroom and that others were more deserving. However, I found many great mentors that helped me navigate feeling like an imposter and to help me see that I belonged. These experiences led me to a career where I can help other students feel empowered to reach for their dreams and complete college. I am now working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and this would have never been possible without support." Jacob Mendez, student engagement coordinator, College of Engineering MS, Student Affairs in Higher Education; BA, History. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

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 Jacob Mendez, student engagement coordinator, College of Engineering.
  • Graduation cords: Fall 2021 first-gen graduation cords are in route to the colleges. For more information, contact Lydia Santiago, FGShockers@wichita.edu.
  • Faculty and staff: If you are interested in being featured as a first-generation profile, contact Lydia Santiago at FGShockers@wichita.edu.
  • Thank you Wichita State colleagues and friends for your support during First-Gen Week. Enjoy one last look at the Identity Art Showcase at the Cadman Art Gallery.  The talent of the first-gen artists will remain on exhibit through today, Nov. 19.
I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “As a first-generation college student, I did not receive any resources prior to coming to Wichita State University. I had to do my own research and navigate my own path in getting the help I needed in college. I endured the challenges that other students did not have to face. Now that I am the first in my family to graduate with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, I hope to be able to share my experiences with other students who need it most — giving them the tools and resources in advance they need to succeed in college.” Quang Nguyen, communications and marketing specialist, Office of Diversity & Inclusion MBA, Marketing Concentration; BBA in Marketing, minors in Personal Selling and Entrepreneurship.

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 Quang Nguyen, Communications and Marketing specialist, Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
  • Faculty and staff: If you are interested in being featured as a first-generation profile, contact Lydia Santiago at FGShockers@wichita.edu.
  • Graduation cords: Fall 2021 First-Gen graduation cords are in route. For more information, Lydia Santiago, FGShockers@wichita.edu.

Shockers, celebrate First-Gen Week at the following events:

  • Visit the Cadman Art Gallery and enjoy “Identity,” a first-gen student art showcase. The exhibit will be on display Nov. 1-19.
  • Join the First-Gen Coordinating Council (FGCC) as they kick off their First-Gen Celebration Week Monday, Nov. 8. Why celebrate? FGCC wants to elevate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni at Wichita State University.
  • F1RST-GEN T-shirts are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store for $12.
I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “Because of my experience as a first-generation student, missing out on unknown opportunities, it is critical that the Division of Student Affairs and I strive to connect every student, so they have someone to turn to for assistance.” Dr. Teri Hall, vice president for Student Affairs. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

What is a first-gen student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree — a student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

  • The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence first-generation college students.
  • Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Teri Hall, vice president for Student Affairs.
  • First-gen T-shirts are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store for $12.
I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “I learned I was first-gen in grad school. This reframed my college experience. I wasn’t dumb for not knowing the processes around me. Suddenly, it was an impressive feat of perseverance and hard work that allowed me to get my degree.” Becca Johnson, residence life coordinator for Housing & Residence Life. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

What is a first-gen student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree — a student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

  • The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence first-generation college students.
  • Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Becca Johnson, residence life coordinator for Housing and Residence Life.
  • First-gen T-shirts are available at the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store Shocker Store for $12.
Image Alt Text I am FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “As a first-generation college student, I often felt like an imposter - like I didn’t belong here. It wasn’t until a professor pulled me aside and said, ‘You are meant to be here…’ then I began to think, WHY NOT ME?’” Alicia Martinez Newell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Assessment and Retention | Chair of CARE Team. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

What is a first-gen student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or legal guardians 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.

  • Faculty and staff help spread the word: There is an all-call for first-gen artists to apply for a chance to exhibit in the second annual first-gen showcase, “Identity.” Applications will be accepted through Oct. 9.
  • The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha), is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students.
  • Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Alicia Martinez Newell, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Assessment and Retention, chair of CARE Team.
  • First-gen T-shirts are available at the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store Shocker Store for $12.
I’m FIRST generation. Wichita State University. “First-generation means first in your family to go to college. Not that you don’t deserve a quality education, lessen your gifts and capabilities, or that you’ll be lucky to survive college. You dictate what being a Shocker means, not the title ‘first-generation.’” Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. F1RST GEN SHOCKERS.

What is a first-gen Student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents/legal guardians 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.

  • Faculty and staff help spread the word, there is an all-call for first-gen artists to apply for a chance to exhibit in the second annual First-Gen showcase, “Identity.” Applications will be accepted through Oct. 9.
  • The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students.
  • FOCUS ON FIRST-GEN: This week we highlight Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
  • F1RST-GEN T-Shirts are available in the RSC Shocker Store for $12.

What is a first-gen student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree and students who are the first person in their immediate families to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

  • Faculty and staff help spread the word, there is an all-call for first-gen artists to apply for a chance to exhibit in the second annual First-Gen showcase, “Identity.” Applications will be accepted through Oct. 9.  
  • The First-Generation Honor Society, Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State faculty, staff, alumni and students. The intent of membership is to build support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students. 
  • FOCUS ON FIRST-GEN: This week we highlight Dr. Gary Brooking, College of Engineering, Engineering Technology Chair and teaching professor.
  • F1RST-GEN T-Shirts are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store for $12.

What is a first-gen student? A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree and students who are the first person in their immediate families to attend a four-year college or university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

  • Faculty and staff help spread the word, the all-call for first-gen artist to apply for a chance to exhibit at the second annual First-Gen Showcase, “Identity.” Applications are now being accepted through Oct. 9. Apply at the link below.
  • The First-Generation Honor Society, the Tri-Alpha (Alpha Alpha Alpha) is now accepting applications from all first-gen Wichita State students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tri-Alpha membership is built to support and advocate for the academic excellence of first-generation college students.
  • FOCUS ON FIRST-GEN: This week we highlight Ana Guadalupe Lazarín, College of Engineering, director of Broadening Participation and Student Recruitment.
  • F1RST-GEN T-Shirts are available in the Rhatigan Student Center Shocker Store for $12.