I AM FIRST Week of Celebration

 

November 3rd-7th, 2025

I AM FIRST celebration took place between November 3rd and 7th of 2025. Throughout the week, there were a number of programs celebrating students who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree. In addition to recognizing first-generation students, staff, faculty, and advocates were also celebrated for their accomplishments and support of the First-generation student journey. During the I AM FIRST award's ceremony on November 7th, participants signed the I AM FIRST promise banner and heard First-generation student testimonials. 

 

See all the Previous Kent Campus 2025 Events Below
2026 Events Will Be Announced Closer to Next Year's Celebration

Monday, November 3rd, 2025

Institutionalizing I AM FIRST Update

Description: A progress update with the campus community about where I AM FIRST is to date with First Gen Forward goals.
Time: 12pm-1pm
Location: Virtual
Contacts: Kelly Cichy and Melanie Jones
Audience: Staff/Faculty
Teams Link

Building Classrooms Where First-Generation Students Belong

Description: Creating communities in our classroom for all students starts with thinking about what first generation students need to know to succeed. This workshop will focus on how to destigmatize resource sharing and self-efficacy for help seeking, while offering strategies for belonging and community building for everyone that will emphasize thriving and belonging.
Time: 12pm-1:30pm
Location: Virtual
Contacts: LeighAnn Tomaswick, Jenny Marcinkiewicz and Nicole Willey
Audience: Staff/Faculty, Graduate Students
Registration Link

First-Gen Fuel Up

Description: Join us for the First-Gen Fuel Up, a high-energy event designed to recharge your spirit, connect you with powerful campus resources, and celebrate your strength as a first-generation college student and advocate. Whether you're a first-gen student or a proud supporter, this is your space to refuel emotionally, socially, and mentally. Meet the Division of Student Life First-Gen Staff and Advocates who are here to walk alongside you. Explore resources for mental wellness, belonging, and success. Earn a free t-shirt and wear your story with pride. Enjoy music, snacks, and good vibes in a welcoming space. Let’s build community, share stories, and remind each other: you don’t have to do college alone.
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Kent Student Center, Room 218
Contacts: Mavis Sugden and Yvonna Washington-Greer
Audience: Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students

 
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Beyond the Dorm: Life Skills Challenge

Description: Join us for an interactive event designed to help students build essential skills for independent living, from cooking basics to navigating housing and community resources. Through hands-on activities and challenges, students gain practical knowledge to thrive beyond campus life. Students who participate in this trivia will also be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to the Kent State Barnes and Nobles Bookstore.
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Kent Student Center (KSC) 106
Contacts: Janda Roberts
Audience: Undergraduate Students

It's Sweet to Be First Gen

Description: First-gen students/faculty are invited to enjoy free Insomnia Cookies, soda floats, receive SWAG, take a picture with Flash, and celebrate being first-generation
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Integrated Sciences Building Atrium (off main entrance)
Contacts: Kris Braxton
Audience: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Staff/Faculty

First-Generation Graduate Student Affinity Group Discussion

Description: This meeting will provide an opportunity for first-generation graduate students to talk about their experiences as first-generation graduate students.
Time: 3pm-4:30pm
Location: Virtual and In-person. Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Conference Room 141
Contacts: Sekhar Mamidi
Audience: Graduate Students

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

Buttons, Bracelets & Belonging

Description: Join us at any time between 11am-2pm for a fun, pop-in style event! Come create a bracelet, button, and connect with other first-generation students and advocates. Bring a friend or come on your own!
Time: 11am-2pm
Location: Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Room 143
Contacts: Celeste Dawson, Morgan Robinson, Pamela Jones, and Melanie Jones
Audience: Undergraduate Students

Thursday, November 6th, 2025

Reflect, Refocus, and Reinvest: Setting Personal Goals and Maximizing Your Tuition Benefits

Description: This brief, interactive workshop provides faculty and staff with dedicated time to revisit their personal and professional goals while exploring university resources —particularly the tuition waiver benefit for themselves and their family members. Through reflection, resource sharing, and peer discussion, participants will be equipped with a practical plan to use educational resources to support lifelong learning and growth.
Time: 9am-10:15am
Location: Virtual
Contacts: Shaunte Rouse and Jumarie Figueroa
Audience: Staff/Faculty
Register

Flashes First: Adult Learners Leading the Way

Description: Celebrate Kent State’s first-generation adult learners in this hybrid panel discussion as they share their stories of resilience, balance, and achievement. Whether attending in person or online, you’ll be inspired by how adult learners are leading the way as Flashes First.
Time: 12pm-1pm
Location: Kent Library, Microsoft Teams
Contacts: Cassandra Pegg-Kirby
Audience: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Staff/Faculty

One World, Infinite Possibilities - A First Gen Guide to Studying Abroad

Description: Wanting to study abroad, but worried about not having much (or any) travel experience? Join us as we discuss everything you need to begin planning your time abroad. From airport navigation to passports, packing, and picking a destination, we will provide tips and resources to prepare you for an experience of a lifetime.
Time: 1pm-2pm
Location: Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Conference Room 141
Contacts: Dolen Helwagen
Audience: Undergraduate Students

Frosting & Firsts: A Celebration of Firsts

Description: Elliot Scholars and first-year first generation students, join us for a sweet celebration of milestones, memories, and meaningful connections! Let's honor the "firsts" that shape your college journey - from your first class to your first friend, your first challenge to your first triumph.
Time: 3pm-4pm
Location: Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Room 141
Contacts: Brianna Benson
Audience: Undergraduate Students (Elliot Scholars and First-Year, First-Generation Students)

Friday, November 7th, 2025

I AM FIRST CELEBRATION

Description: Join us as we honor and celebrate first-generation students, staff, faculty, and advocates for their accomplishments and support of the First-generation student journey. During the celebration, participants can sign the I AM FIRST promise banner and hear the featured keynote speaker's journey through college as a First-generation student.
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: KIVA Auditorium
Contacts: Melanie Jones, Celeste Dawson, and Adam Cinderich
Audience: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Staff/Faculty and Alumni
Unable to attend in-person? Click here to attend virtually
Register

Undergraduate Student Government's I AM FIRST Keynote

Description: Bringing in Undergraduate Student Government Representatives that are First Gen to share their stories and experiences, as well as getting a possible list of graduating First Gen Students who might be interested in getting graduation stoles specifically for First Generation Students
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Governance Chambers
Contacts: Jordyn Lytle, Hannah Sietz, Briel Sojourner, and Ivory Kendrick
Audience: Undergraduate Students
Register

I AM FIRST Basketball Tailgate

Description: Join us for a fun, pre-game tailgate to continue the celebration of first-generation students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Pop in at any time for cookies, dancing, and fun! 
Time: 5pm-6:30pm
Location: Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) - Student Success Lounge
Contacts: Melanie Jones, Celeste Dawson, and Adam Cinderich
Audience: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Staff/Faculty and Alumni

Kent State Men's Basketball vs. Cornell

Description: Join us for the Men's Basketball First-Generation Night. We will honor and recognize first-generation college students during the game.
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC)
Contacts: Ryan Paul, Suzette McQueen and Dylan Bower
Audience: All
Tickets

 

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