First-Gen Day honors trailblazers

PFW’s annual celebration of National First Gen Day will take place Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Classic Ballroom at Walb Student Union. The university uses the event to encourage and honor students who are the first members of their families to attend college.

Almost 50% of PFW students do not have college education in their family history, creating a special set of struggles to overcome, as well as positive opportunities for economic mobility.

“Sometimes college can be very lonely and you can feel isolated, especially as first-generation students,” said Giang Petroviak, executive director of Student Success Initiatives. “Being in a room not only with your peers, but also faculty and staff who have been in your shoes can help. Our hope is to provide that space for them to see that they are not alone and they have support all around them to get to graduation.”

Started in 2022, the event is cosponsored by TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that motivates and supports 140 PFW students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree.

First Gen Day at PFW will include a photo booth, giveaways, and lunch. A group photo is also scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and a panel discussion among first-gen faculty and students starts at noon.

No registration is required.