Annual First-Generation Student Celebration set for Nov. 12

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Annual First-Generation Student Celebration set for Nov. 12

November 5, 2025

What: First-Generation Student Celebration!

When: Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 2:30-4 p.m.

Where: Viking Union Multipurpose Room

Why: Nov. 8 is a day to nationally celebrate first-generation students and their pursuit of a college degree. This year Western will be hosting an in-person celebration on Wednesday, November 12. Whether you identify yourself as first-gen or you wish to show your support as a first-gen student success advocate, we invite you to stop by and engage with others for celebration of WWU first-generation college students leading to a stronger community.

The event will include brief remarks from President Randhawa and a resource fair and opportunities to informally network with faculty and staff who were once a first-gen learner themselves. There will be FREE food and first-gen themed giveaway items and a wide variety of student support services represented at the fair. A sampling of service areas includes Education Abroad, the Community Service Center, the Student Business Office, Peace Corps, Western Libraries, the Career Services Center, the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center, Tribal Relations Office, and so many more.

Why do we celebrate on Nov. 8? This date was selected for the annual First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act ("HEA") emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty.

Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighted against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their education, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education.

Additionally, HEA ushered in programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates (https://firstgen.naspa.org/engagement/first-generation-college-celebration/first-generation-college-celebration). For accessibility and other needs, please contact Jenn Cook at [email protected] or at 360-650-2390.