91̽»¨

Dear first-generation college students, faculty, and staff,Ìý

You bring immense value to the 91̽»¨ (UW), and we are deeply grateful that you chose to be here. Your journey toÌýUWÌýreflects 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.Ìý

Education changes lives. It has certainly changed mine.ÌýAs a first-generation student, collegeÌýtransformed not only my own life but also the lives of my immediateÌýfamily, whether they pursued college themselves or not. I am proud to haveÌýassistedÌýinÌýopeningÌýdoors to opportunities and experiences that have uplifted all of us.ÌýWe’veÌýseen many powerful examples of first-generation students inspiring older siblings,Ìýor even parents,Ìýto pursue higher education. This is the ripple effect of education. It touches generations and builds brighter futures.Ìý

I encourage you to think about how you will carry that impact forward. In theseÌýuncertainÌýtimes, how will you ensure the doorÌýremainsÌýopen behind you? How will you help make sure you are the first, but not the last, in your family or community toÌýattendÌýcollege? Through mentorship, advocacy, and collective action, we can ensure that the UWÌýremainsÌýaccessible to all who seek the opportunity.Ìý

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.ÌýÌý

OnÌýNovember 8, we will join the Council for Opportunity in Education, NASPA’s Center for First-Generation Student Success, and institutions across the country to celebrateÌýNational First-Generation College Celebration Day. This date marks the signing of theÌýHigher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for countless students, including first-generation pioneers. Each year, we hostÌýevents and activitiesÌýandÌýshare storiesÌýto honor your achievements andÌýtoÌýconnectÌýyouÌýwith other first-generation students, faculty, and staff. I look forward toÌýcelebrating withÌýyou.Ìý

Together, we will continue to uplift, support, and celebrate every first-generation student so thatÌýall have the opportunity toÌýreachÌýtheirÌýfull potential.Ìý

In Community,

 

 

 

 

Rickey Hall
91̽»¨
University Diversity Officer

HCDE alumnus John Fowler (PhD ’23), now a Research Scientist and Engineer in the 91̽»¨School of Social Work, and HCDE Professor Mark Zachry have developed VizCare, are advancing access to visualizations of foster care data.

Omari Amili, 2023-24 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and new Husky Post Prison Pathways program director, shares his vision for welcoming and supporting previously incarcerated people like himself.

Catalina Velasquez heads Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, which is the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington, alongsideÌýBrenda Rodriguez Lopez. A refugee from Colombia herself, Velasquez was the first transgender Latina appointed as a Commissioner for the D.C. Office of Latino Affairs.

Through its eras and across its varied disciplines, countless extraordinary women have defined and redefined the UW, advancing equity through their actions and their examples. Here are a few of their stories.