Dear first-generation college students, faculty, and staff,听
You bring immense value to the 91探花 (UW), and we are deeply grateful that you chose to be here. Your journey to听UW听reflects resilience, determination, and strength. We are committed to ensuring that you thrive, and that you always feel the support of a community cheering you on.听
Education changes lives. It has certainly changed mine.听As a first-generation student, college听transformed not only my own life but also the lives of my immediate听family, whether they pursued college themselves or not. I am proud to have听assisted听in听opening听doors to opportunities and experiences that have uplifted all of us.听We鈥檝e听seen many powerful examples of first-generation students inspiring older siblings,听or even parents,听to pursue higher education. This is the ripple effect of education. It touches generations and builds brighter futures.听
I encourage you to think about how you will carry that impact forward. In these听uncertain听times, how will you ensure the door听remains听open behind you? How will you help make sure you are the first, but not the last, in your family or community to听attend听college? Through mentorship, advocacy, and collective action, we can ensure that the UW听remains听accessible to all who seek the opportunity.听
The National First-Generation College Celebration is a powerful moment to share our stories. By telling them, we challenge the misconception that higher education is out of reach for first-generation students, and we help others find their path.听听
On听November 8, we will join the Council for Opportunity in Education, NASPA鈥檚 Center for First-Generation Student Success, and institutions across the country to celebrate听National First-Generation College Celebration Day. This date marks the signing of the听Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for countless students, including first-generation pioneers. Each year, we host听events and activities听and听share stories听to honor your achievements and听to听connect听you听with other first-generation students, faculty, and staff. I look forward to听celebrating with听you.听
Together, we will continue to uplift, support, and celebrate every first-generation student so that听all have the opportunity to听reach听their听full potential.听
In Community,
Rickey Hall
91探花
University Diversity Officer