It has been many years since I was the first in my family go to college and earn my bachelor鈥檚 degree. And to this day, I am still awed by the transformative power of a college degree to change lives. In fact, my college acceptance letter hangs on the wall above my desk as a reminder of this. Higher education opened doors to a career I never knew existed and set me on a path I couldn鈥檛 have imagined.听
Friday, Nov. 8, our three campuses will celebrate the success and presence of first-generation college students, faculty and staff through the National First-Generation College Celebration. As University Diversity Officer and first-gen graduate Rickey Hall notes, 鈥渢his day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, a pivotal moment that expanded access to higher education for many, including first-generation college students.鈥�听
I encourage you to participate in first-gen events this week and read a collection of stories 鈥� or 鈥� from 91探花students, faculty and staff on their experiences as the 鈥渇irst.鈥� We are proud that more than one-third of our students are first in their families to attend and graduate from college and honored that they are pursuing this opportunity at the 91探花because we know the value of a college education to individuals, families and their communities.听