First-Gen Celebration
Office of Student Success Initiatives
First-gen Students
Celebrate success.
Purdue Fort Wayne is dedicated to support our first-generation college student population. Nationally, 56% of college students are first-generation, at the university, we have almost half (45%) of our students who are the first in their family to attend college.
A first-generation college student is a student who is the first of their immediate family to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Join the festivities.
To commemorate the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the creation of the term “first-generation college student,” colleges and universities across the country celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8 of every year. Purdue Fort Wayne annually hosts a First-Generation College Celebration. Join us this year on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Walb G-08 and Walb Atrium to celebrate our vibrant and thriving first-generation students, faculty, staff, and graduates!
First-gen Resources
Get the answers you need.
Being the first member in your family to navigate college can be difficult. But you’re not alone! Purdue Fort Wayne offers many resources to help. Reach out to our First-Gen committee, Student Success Initiatives or Trio Support Services for assistance.
The Office of Student Success Initiatives can help connect first-generation college students with resources across campus. TRIO Student Support Services work with students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Meet our members.
The First-Gen Committee is made up of PFW faculty and staff campus-wide who plan events dedicated to first-generation college students.
Committee Members
Demetria Pettie
John Kaufeld
Lucas Rodesiler
Abby Theus
Sable Eldridge
Buck Jordan
Lindsey Eggold