From tie-dye activities and student stories to campus-wide recognition, Southwest Minnesota State University is using a special event to celebrate students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.Being the first person in a family to attend college can be an exciting milestone, but it can also come with challenges. For students without a family member who has experienced university life, navigating admissions, academics, campus resources and career decisions can sometimes feel unfamiliar.Recognising this experience, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall, Minnesota, is setting aside an entire campus day to celebrate first-generation college students and recognise their journeys.The university will host its third annual First Gen Student Day on November 5, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm at the upper level of its Student Center. The event is designed to bring students, employees and alumni together to share experiences and celebrate the achievements of the first-generation community.
What will happen during First Gen Student Day?
Unlike a conventional university event centred on lectures or formal presentations, SMSU is planning a series of interactive activities to encourage participation and campus engagement.The programme will include tie-dye activities, student engagement events and poster presentations featuring students, university employees and alumni who are or were first-generation college students.The first 100 attendees will receive free T-shirts for the tie-dye activity. Participants will also be offered ‘I’m First’ stickers and cookies.The idea is to create a space where students can connect with others who share similar experiences, while recognising that being the first in a family to attend college is an achievement worth celebrating.
Why are first-generation students being recognised?
For many first-generation students, entering college involves more than adjusting to a new academic environment. They may also be learning how to access financial assistance, communicate with professors, understand university systems and make decisions about their future careers without having an immediate family member to guide them through the process.Events such as First Gen Student Day can help make these students feel recognised and connected to their campus community.The initiative also reflects a wider effort across American higher education institutions to highlight the experiences and contributions of first-generation college students.The National First-Generation College Celebration is observed annually around November 8. It was launched in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward, with the aim of promoting a positive narrative around first-generation students and recognising their achievements.
Who is organising the university event?
At SMSU, the initiative is being led by Dr Erin Kline, Assistant Vice President for Equity and Strategic Partnerships.Several university departments and student support organisations are sponsoring the event, including the Provost’s Office, Access Opportunity Success, TRiO/Upward Bound, Deeann Griebel Student Success Center, First Generation Student Club and the Office of Admission.The involvement of different campus units reflects the importance of creating a supportive environment for students throughout their college journey.
More than a celebration
For first-generation students, seeing others with similar backgrounds succeed can make a difference in how they view their own academic possibilities. Sharing personal experiences can also help build connections that extend beyond a single campus event.SMSU’s annual celebration is a reminder that the college experience is not the same for everyone. For some students, earning a university degree also means opening a door that no one in their family has walked through before.By dedicating a day to these students, the university is recognising not just their presence on campus, but also the determination and effort behind their decision to pursue higher education.
