First Generation College Celebration • November 7, 2025

First-Generation College Celebration Day is an annual national event that recognizes and elevates the achievements, identities, and contributions of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Launched in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success.

 St. Mary's University will observe First Gen Day on Friday, Nov. 7, as the official date falls on a weekend this year. Our celebration will feature multiple smaller events throughout the day, culminating in a major campus celebration and luncheon. This initiative aims to advance an asset-based national narrative about first-generation student experiences and outcomes, honoring the resilience and determination of our first-generation community.

Join us in celebrating using #CelebrateFirstGen on social media as we recognize the trailblazers who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.