First-Gen Graduation Celebration Pictures
Get your first-gen graduation celebration photos through the link below. Thanks to everyone who joined us!!
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Upcoming Events & Programs
First-Generation Initiatives partners with colleagues and offices from across campus and in the Denver community to offer events and programs that support the engagement of First-Generation students.ÌýÌý
National First-Gen College Celebration Day
Celebrating the First-Gen Identity
On November 8th, colleges and universities across the country celebrate and recognize the students, alumni, faculty, staff who identify as first in their families to pursue and attain a college degree.
This date commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions, and funded programs like TRiO Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search in an effort increase the access, retention, and graduation of first-generation, low-income students. Ìý
The date is now known as National First-Generation College Celebration Day.
At ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï we celebrate First-Gen students for the entire week! Connecting first-gen students, faculty and staff to resources and events. National First-Generation Week programming focuses on celebrating our first-generation students, supporting first-gen students in navigating their college journeys, sharing best-practices for faculty and staff, and building a community of champions in support of their success.
FIRST-GEN WEEK 2026 EVENTS
Celebrate, connect, and engage with the first-gen community!
FIRST-GEN TREASURE HUNT
Nov. 3 | 9:30–10:30 AM | Location: JSSB 320
Solve clues to visit different campus offices and complete an activity at each one.
FIRST-GEN CAREER LAB
Nov. 4 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Location: JSSB 320
Career Peer Mentors will support first-gen students with career development and help them engage with the C2Hub.
Breakfast burritos & coffee provided.
FIRST-GEN STORIES: ROUNDTABLE CHATS
Nov. 4 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Location: Tivoli 640
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï first-gen college students will share their experiences in facilitated roundtable rotations.
Highly encouraged for staff and faculty!
FIRST-GEN CONNECT FEST
Nov. 9 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Location: Tivoli 320s
Campus offices and departments will host interactive workshops, presentations, or activities tailored to first-gen students.
Workshops will be announced soon.
FIRST-GEN MIXER
Nov. 12 | 3:30–5:30 PM | Location: GITA – Central Classroom 314/315Ìý
Enjoy mocktails during a happy hour of plushy making and vision board making.
CREDIT WORKSHOP (U.S. BANK)
Nov. 12 | 1:00 – 2:00pm | Location: JSSB 211
Learn how credit works, what lenders consider, and ways to build and improve your credit history. US Bank will facilitate a workshop on Credit.
First-Generation Graduation Celebration
ÍøÆسԹÏ’s First-Generation Graduation Celebration is a celebration of YOU! The obstacles you overcame before and during your college journey, the contributions you’ve made to our campus community but also to future generations of your family members, and to the trailblazer you’ve become as a career-ready Roadrunner alum.ÌýÌý
All first-gen students receive First-Generation Honors Cords as the first in their family to complete a college degree, and that’s truly a reason to celebrate! Ìý
Register Today at the link below! ÌýRemember to use the hashtag #MSUDenverGrad and to tag @msudenverfirstgen so we can see and share all your photos on Instagram.
Event Photos: Take a moment to re-live the magic, the joy, and the unforgettable memories of the First-Generation Graduation Celebration through these incredible .
Can’t Join Us: If you’re unable to attend the celebration, e-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll give you instructions on how to pick up your First-Generation graduation cord.
Resources for First-Generation Students
Immigrant Services Program
Nearly 80% of Immigrant students are also first-generation students. The Immigrant Services Program at the Metropolitan State University of Denver is an academic and social support program that aims to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation of undocumented, DACA, immigrant, and refugee students.
More Information
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a grant-funded community dedicated to supporting students, including first-generation college students, in achieving their academic and career goals. Through strength-based advising and coaching, SSS helps students build a positive academic identity while providing support for academic success, career development, and graduate school readiness.
MORE INFORMATION
Student Resource Guide
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï offers a wide range of student services and programmatic opportunities to support students’ academic, personal, and professional success. Faculty and staff play a critical role in connecting students with the resources and services most relevant to their needs. This guide serves as a quick-reference resource for colleagues, providing an at-a-glance overview of many-but not all-of the student support services and opportunities available at ÍøÆسԹÏ.
More InformationClick the button to send First-Generation Initiatives an email and we will help connect you to the resources and programs that help you find success at ÍøÆسԹÏ.Ìý
Follow us on Instagram for additional ways to connect with staff and faculty partners, or to build community with fellow first-generation students and alumni.ÌýÌý
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