A group of first-generation students gather with Lee professors for a photo at the first-generation student honors reception

First generation students pose in front of the reception backdrop

The Candy Cab stops at the Ped Mall to test students’ knowledge of first-generation student demographics

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Lee University hosted “First Generation Week,” a celebration dedicated to supporting and raising awareness of first generation students. This week-long series of events not only honored these students, but brought attention to the challenges they face in higher education.

“First Generation Week is an intentional and creative step toward recognizing and celebrating first-generation students who have entrusted Lee University as the place where they will create generational change,” said Dr. Kevin Ung, McNair Scholars Program Director. and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. “Countless studies show us that a four-year degree is the most significant predictor of sustained financial gains over a lifetime. We consider it a privilege to recognize these pioneers who are trying to end generational poverty and educational limitations by being the first in their families to receive a baccalaureate degree.”

The week kicked off its festivities on Monday with a Candy Cab, where staff from the HUB (Student Success Center), Residential Life, and the Offices of Commuter and Transfer offered candy rewards to students who answered trivia questions about student percentages and demographics from the first generation around the world. .

On Tuesday, the Lee freshmen participated in the annual Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Pack ‘n’ Stack service event, with the goal of filling as many shoebox-sized boxes as possible with Christmas gifts to distribute to needy children around the world .

In addition to activities and service opportunities, students were given the chance to find jobs and internships at a career fair held Wednesday afternoon. The event hosted a variety of companies in healthcare, insurance, marketing, religious work and more.

The university also hosted the “Worthy Now” conference, where women of all ages gathered to be reminded of their worth and inspired in their callings. Alumna Lee, staff advisors, and student speakers led the conversation and discussion during the event.

The week ended with the first-generation reception, which invited all first-generation staff, faculty, students and supporters to enjoy a time of fellowship over refreshments. Participants received first-generation clothing such as T-shirts, wristbands and buttons.

“First Gen Week is so important to me because I am reminded of the wonderful opportunity I have to be at Lee University, as well as the sacrifices my parents made for me,” said Keziah Sanchez, double majoring in intercultural studies with an emphasis on global transformation and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). “As a first-generation college student, it can be easy to think that I can’t complete my education because no one before me has. However, my Lee family, my classmates and my teachers encouraged me and constantly reminded me that I can go on because Christ is my strength.”

The week was organized by the McNair Scholars Office with support from Campus Ministries, HUB, LEAP, Financial Aid, Squires Library, Leonard Center, Office of Commuter and Transfer Services, and Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations. Sodexo and Physical Plant also helped organize and host several events.

For the first time, first-generation graduates will be honored with an “I’m the First” lapel pin during December’s commencement ceremonies to highlight their impressive milestone of being the first in their families to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

“We seek to identify and support first-generation students when they arrive on campus and fully celebrate their achievement upon graduation,” said Dr. Anoint

First Generation Week is celebrated nationally to raise awareness and increase advocacy for these students. By participating in the First Generation Week celebration, Lee hopes to highlight the resources available to and community of first generation students, faculty and staff at Lee.

The McNair Scholars Program, which began at Lee in 2017, is designed to provide first-generation and underrepresented students with academic, financial, cultural, and social support by cultivating an interdisciplinary community of scholars preparing for graduate school through seminars, workshops, campus . visits, research experience and academic conferences.

For more information on First Generation College Celebration Week, visit firstgen.naspa.org/.

For more information about the McNair Scholars program, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/mcnair/.