Celebrations will honor first-generation students

The University of North Georgia (UNG) will participate in the National First-Generation College Celebration week from Nov. 7-11. Each of the five UNG campuses will host festivities focused primarily on students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.

"Historically, being the first in your family to go to college has come with some stigma, and one of the things that we try to do within the UNG First Generation Student Initiatives is to make being the first to come to college and earn a degree a point of pride for our students," Jennifer Herring, special assistant to the vice president of regional campuses, said. "The designation is something to wear as a badge of honor. They're trailblazers."

Herring said 25% of UNG students self-identify as first-generation college students, based on tracking since 2018.

We know when a first-generation college student earns a degree, whether that is a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree, it not only changes the trajectory of their life, but it changes the trajectory of their family and ultimately their community, especially in our rural communities across the state of Georgia.

Jennifer Herring

special assistant to the UNG vice president of regional campuses

"As a first-generation student myself, I understand that many times students feel isolated as they navigate the path toward their academic goals, and this event will seek to nurture, support and encourage them," Dr. Ken Crowe, executive director of the Cumming Campus said.

The Gainesville Campus will celebrate first-generation students and veterans Nov. 11 on the Gainesville Campus Robinson Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The program will highlight veterans who are also first-generation college students, Herring said. Those interested in attending are asked to  Shannon.Shockley@ung.edu .

The Oconee Campus celebration will be held Nov. 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Student Resource Center, room 522, with Dr. Stephanie Rountree, assistant professor of English and also a first-generation college graduate, as keynote speaker.

"Many first-generation students just need someone that understands what they are feeling and going to whom they can ask questions and get the encouragement and support that they are sometimes missing from family and friends. We want them to know that they are not alone in their journey and that we are here to help them succeed," Dr. Gary Adcox, director of Campus Success and Strategic Initiatives and a first-generation college graduate, said.

Sandy Ott, executive director of UNG's Blue Ridge Campus said the celebration will be at noon Nov. 9 in the lobby commons.

"We are excited about this significant event to celebrate our first-gen students," Ott said.

Those wishing to attend the Blue Ridge celebration are asked to RSVP to Melanie.Cantrell@ung.edu .