Nov. 4 – 8: WSU Tri-Cities celebrates first-generation students

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of students who are the first in their family to attend college this week as part of a range activities Nov. 4 – 8.

National First Generation Day occurs each year on Nov. 8, which is the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that strengthens educational resources of colleges and universities and provides financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education.

WSU Tri-Cities has a large population of first-generation students – they make up 42 percent of campus enrollment. The university holds activities each year to highlight first-generation students as a way to support and recognize experiences of first-generation college students and the hurdles they overcome.

“The WSU Tri-Cities events honor first-generation students in their journey of navigating college for the first time and all students who have also been the first to step out of their comfort zone on this journey,” said Stassia Feltes, program director of TRIO Student Support Services at WSU Tri-Cities. “These events are for the entire campus and community to participate and to recognize students, staff and faculty for their accomplishments.”

Campus and Tri-Cities regional community members are invited to attend the festivities.

Monday, Nov. 4

Festivities will kick off Monday with a “First Generation” movie and popcorn from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the East Auditorium. The movie starts at 1 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 7

Thursday, Nov. 7, students will enjoy first-generation student stories and slime making from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., with a student panel beginning at noon – all in Student Union Building room 120. Snacks will also be provided.

Friday, Nov. 8 – National First Generation Day

Friday, the campus will celebrate National First-Generation day in the Student Union Building. Presentations in the style of a TEDx format of first-generation community members and TRIO Alumni will begin at 1:30 p.m. Students, faculty and staff can also stop by anytime to make a print of their hand as a first-generation student as part of an art piece from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The art piece will be donated to the MOSAIC Inclusion Center. Appetizers and cupackes will be served.

For more information about the WSU Tri-Cities first-generation events, contact Feltes at 509-372-7389 and stassia.feltes@wsu.edu.

The festivities this week are led by WSU Tri-Cities TRIO Student Support Services, the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities and the WSU Tri-Cities Office of Student Affairs.

Media contacts:

Stassia Feltes, WSU Tri-Cities TRIO Student Support Services program director, 509-372-7389, stassia.feltes@wsu.edu

Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333 (office), 619-403-3617 (cell), maegan_murray@wsu.edu