Nov. 8 is National First Generation Student Day. Drake defines a first-generation student is a college student whose parents/legal guardians have not received a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. At Drake, about 20% of our incoming students are first generation students. The Office of New Student and Family Programs and Drake First Gen Student Organization are partnering to celebrate Drake first generation students, staff, and faculty.

Here are some ways you can get involved in the celebration:

Fill out a first-gen questionnaire by Nov. 3
We are looking for first-generation students, staff, and faculty to fill out a short questionnaire to capture your experiences as a first gen student. The survey results will be used to generate profiles to showcase the first-generation college experience on social media leading up to Nov. 8. Submissions are due Nov. 3.

Wednesday, Nov. 8:
We will be tabling on Helmick Commons or Olmsted Breezeway (depending on weather) from 1–4 p.m. passing out snacks and First Gen Bulldog stickers. We hope you can stop by for a sticker and some snacks!

Zimpleman College of Business Students: Join us in the Aliber 1st floor lobby to celebrate National First-Generation Day! If you are a first-generation student, we encourage you to stop by for your “I am FIRST” button and a treat. If you are faculty or staff and a first-generation student, please come get a button to show your first-gen pride. Everyone is invited to grab a donut to help us celebrate this special day. 

Thursday, Nov. 9:
We will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with other first gen faculty, staff, and students during a social hour from 5-6pm in Olmsted Center Conference Rooms 312-313. Snacks will be provided!

Friday, Nov. 10:
Drake First Gen Bulldogs student organization will be hosting a panel from 5-6pm. This will be an opportunity to hear from first gen faculty and staff about their experiences. The panel will be live streamed from the Drake Broadcasting System youtube channel and available to watch afterwards. There is limited seating at the panel, email Erica Sawyer (erica.sawyer@drake.edu), if you are interested in seeing the panel in person.

We encourage First Generation students, staff and faculty to join our Facebook group and follow on Instagram.

We look forward to seeing you at some of the First-Generation Student Day events!

— Marina Verlengia, Academic Excellence and Student Success