First Generation College Students

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“We are incredibly proud of our first-generation Spring 2025 graduates! Their hard work, determination, and perseverance are a true inspiration. As trailblazers for their families and communities, they have overcome unique challenges to reach this milestone and we couldn’t be more honored to celebrate their achievements.

Congratulations to each of you. Your success lights the way for others to follow!”

– Tri-Alpha Honor Society Advisors, Nola Gum and James Blankenship.

Welcome to Concord University!

Be First, Be Brave, Be Yourself, We’ve Got Your Back!

A student is a first-generation college student if neither parent(s)/legal guardian(s) has earned a bachelor’s degree (four-year degree). A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.

Getting admitted and attending college is a huge achievement. As you journey through college, we will be here to assist, empower, and celebrate you throughout this endeavor.

Concord University encourages you to take pride and self-identify as a first gen, if you are one, with Admission Department during your admission or at any time later on. Being a first gen student at CU will open up access to scholarships, support resources, leadership opportunities, organizations, and more!

First Gen of the Month – Meet Haley!

I’m a First-Generation college student from Iaeger, West Virginia. I spent most of my life on Johnnycake Mountain, which is probably a place most people will never even drive by.

My father and brother did not finish high school. I was taken out of school in first grade and homeschooled since then. I did not get homeschooled through any program, so I never technically graduated from anything accredited. Not having any accreditation was the beginning of my many challenges in my pursuit of attending college.

I originally just wanted to get a decent paying job because my living situation was not the best. I did not have running water or heat, which made winter tough. I did not want to live like that, though. That’s when I searched for a job. In my head, my first step was going to get my HiSet, which is basically a high school equivalent. I passed my HiSet test, and the administrator encouraged me to apply for college and follow my passion.

I was not convinced I would perform well, my family told me that I would not make it because I was homeschooled and uneducated. They also made an argument that I would fail financially and would not be able to afford it. I entered DRS, a program to help people that are struggling. Holly Estep, a DRS counselor, told me that my ambition and enthusiasm would get me somewhere if I truly wanted it to, and I truly do.

I really want to work with communities to find sustainable methods in outdoor recreation. I took a course through Yale where I learned about the issues between communities and conservation efforts, and it was like my arrow of passion to work in conservation finally found its target. The immediate goal was Concord, because my boyfriend, now fiancé, had spoken about the great programs available. I took classes at New River Community and Technical College to qualify for Concord.

I did not have a laptop prior to New River, but DRS gave me a computer so I could do schoolwork. They also helped fixed my vehicle in order to have reliable transportation! A lack of good family relations meant getting my information for FAFSA was nearly impossible. FAFSA requires a ton of information, which is very intimidating to someone alone and already anxious. Thankfully, I powered through and got it all filled out in time for the semester to start. After finishing New River, which only had three or four students, I applied to Concord University.

Concord was a very intimidating school for me because it had an actual campus with multiple buildings and professors walked around in business attire. Despite my fear, I was excited to be accepted. Grasping all the new locations, programs, textbooks, and meeting professors, really overwhelmed me at first. However, just explaining how I felt to people at Concord really lessened that overwhelming feeling when I realized just how much Concord faculty wanted me to succeed.

It’s very heartwarming to think people believe in me and see what future I am striving for. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be at Concord, because so many steps had to be taken for this chance. I do not intend to stop moving forward, and I will be forever thankful to the people who convinced me to try.

“Haley provides an inspirational tale of persistence and a genuine desire to better herself through education. Her conversations with me are a reminder of my own childhood and her personality is a refreshing breeze of enthusiasm in my day; her personality is one of her greatest attributes. I can easily associate with her journey and fully expect her to successfully meet her goals.”

– Prof. Timothy Anderson, Assistant Professor of Business and Economics

Resources for First Generation Students

  • Academic Probation – Academic probation means a student has fallen from good standing status and is at risk of being dismissed from the university. Institutions measure academic standing by GPA and courses passed.
  • Add/Drop Period – Time frame when students can drop or add courses to their course load without consequences, including incomplete marks on their transcript. When a student leaves a course during the add/drop grace period, it’s referred to as dropping. There is no financial or academic penalty for dropping a course during the add/drop period. Students may drop a class because they feel the chosen course load will be too heavy, or they may want to switch to a different class.
  • Advisor – Academic advisors are faculty members assigned to students in their department. They help students choose majors and minors, design a course of study and help ensure students fulfill graduation requirements.
  • Associate’s Degree – An undergraduate degree that generally requires two years of full-time study.
  • BA / Bachelor of Arts: Undergraduate degree that generally requires four years of full-time study. Students must declare a major in a particular field of study. A Bachelor of Arts usually includes broader general instruction in the liberal arts and humanities, history, communications, or religious studies.
  • BS / Bachelor of Science: Undergraduate degree that generally requires four years of full-time study. Students must declare a major in a particular field of study. Provides specialized training in a particular field of study, often emphasizing science, math, and technology.
  • Coed – Refers to any program, dormitory, or activity that includes all genders. This term is typically used to describe residence halls that have both male and female students living on the same floor.
  • Commencement – A formal graduation ceremony that celebrates recent graduates of the institution with their family and friends. The word “commencement” is often used interchangeably with graduation, but it’s not quite the same thing. At a college commencement ceremony, all the students who will graduate (earn their degree) during that academic year may participate even if they haven’t officially completed their graduation requirements.
  • Credit – Each course is assigned a certain number of credit hours, usually corresponding to how often class occurs and how long classes are, as well as the course difficulty. Many classes earn a student 3 to 4 credit hours. To be considered full-time, a student must be taking at least 12 credits per semester.
  • Dean – A dean is the head of a particular academic or administrative department at a college or university, for example, Dean of Admissions, Dean of Faculty, Dean of Student Affairs, etc.
  • DegreeWorks – Concord University’s online system for assessing a student’s progression toward his/her degree or
    graduation. Available on the MyCU app and the MyConcord U dashboard webpage; https://myconcordu.concord.edu.
  • Drop-in Tutoring – Free and available for all enrolled Concord students. Monday – Thursday. No appointment needed. Located in The Learning Center, Library, 3rd floor Mezzanine Level. To search tutors by subject, go to www.web.penjiapp.com.
  • Electives – Electives are the courses a student chooses to take from a list of offerings that fulfill general education requirements, or any courses outside the student’s major.
  • FAFSA – This stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this online form is the first step in applying for financial aid. All colleges require students who’d like to be considered for financial aid to complete it EVERY YEAR. Receiving financial aid could help you avoid taking
    student loans.
  • Finals – Completed during the last week of each term, finals refers to the exams and assignments students must undertake before their summer or winter breaks.
  • General Education Courses Curriculum that creates the foundation of an undergraduate degree. It generally includes lower-level courses in English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. Include fundamental classes like English, math, general science and history that provide a foundation
    for major-specific classes. Most 4-year college programs come with a set of general education requirements, intended to ensure all students receive a broad education, with knowledge of topics outside of their chosen field of study.
  • Grading on a Curve – Grading on a curve means adjusting student scores after an assignment. The idea of “the curve” goes back to a bell curve. Generally, professors aim for an average grade in the C to B range, depending on the class. If a professor notices that the average score was significantly lower —
    for example, the average grade was below passing — they can grade on a curve. That means modifying each student’s grade to raise the average.
  • Liberal Arts – The liberal arts are a broad field of study including subjects within the arts, sciences, and humanities. Many colleges label themselves liberal arts institutions. This simply means they offer a variety of degrees covering the arts, sciences, and humanities while prioritizing critical thinking.
  • Major – A college major is a concentrated area of study that forms the basis of the undergraduate curriculum. Your major helps to shape academic pathway Influences career pathway and courses taken.
  • Master’s Degree – A graduate-level degree pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree program. A master’s degree requires a year and a half to two years of full-time study and a high-level of mastery in a specific field at the completion of the program.
  • Midterms – An exam given approximately halfway through a course term that generally covers all lecture, reading and discussion material presented so far. At Concord, refers to grades reported at mid-semester.
  • Minor – Secondary focus meant to add value to the student’s major. A minor consists of the lower-level courses required for a major in the same discipline. For example, a Business major with a minor in Spanish will be required to complete a certain number of lower-level Spanish courses.
  • MLA/APA Style – Both MLA and APA use parenthetical citations to cite sources in a text. They include slightly different information. APA is used primarily in the sciences and in fields related to education. MLA is primarily used in humanities subjects such as languages, literary studies, and media studies.
    Professors usually indicate which citation style they require.
  • MyCU / MyConcordU – Online homepage and/or app that contains resources and links to important events and information. Includes email, Blackboard, DegreeWorks, IT Helpdesk, Career Center, and more.
  • Plagiarism – Taking credit for someone else’s work as your own including copying words, sentence structure or ideas. Plagiarism has very grave consequences in college and careers.
  • Prerequisite – Prerequisites are specific courses or subjects that you need to take (and get a passing grade in) before you can take higher-level courses in that same subject. At the undergraduate level, these courses typically come in 100-, 200-, 300-, or 400-levels, with the higher levels indicating more
    advanced courses. Pre reqs were designed as part of the building block system, meaning that higher-level courses should build upon the knowledge that was established in lower-level courses. For example, your college degree might require you to take Calculus I as a freshman before you
    take Calculus II as a sophomore.
  • Progression Sheet – Available online through the Concord University Registrar’s Office page or in the academic catalog. Lists the requirements to complete a program and guide students through choosing courses. It basically maps out the “path” of courses you should take to achieve your major. The Registrar, your advisor, CACD or SSS can help you with your Progression sheet.
  • Registrar – Registrars function as college administrators, overseeing data surrounding incoming and outgoing students, handling credit transfers, and conducting degree evaluations. The registrar’s office is responsible for many administrative academic duties like registering students for classes, preparing
    student transcripts, preparing class schedules and analyzing enrollment statistics.
  • SAP / Satisfactory Academic Progress: SAP is a federal student aid (FSA) eligibility requirement and is administered by the university in addition to the academic standards of performance required under the CU academic progress policy. More detail can be found on Concord University’s
    Financial Aid webpage, https://www.concord.edu/financial-aid.
  • Students who do not maintain SAP under this policy will initially be placed on financial aid warning and will be notified by mail, email, or via MyConcordU of their status.
  • Service Learning – Service learning allows students to step outside the classroom and gain skills by helping others.
  • Syllabus – A general summary of a course handed out to students at the beginning of the term (and also available electronically). The syllabus includes required textbooks, an overview of required readings, assignments and due dates, tests, and other necessary information. The professor’s contact information and office hours will also be listed. Reading and following the syllabus is a key success tool for college students! USE THE SYLLABUS AS A TIME MANAGEMENT TOOL AND PLAN YOUR SEMESTER IN ADVANCE!
  • Synchronous/Asynchronous Learning – Synchronous learning is an online classroom format where students learn together at the same time and can engage with classmates and instructors via chat rooms and video conferencing, requires students to attend real-time lectures and complete assignments at specific times. Asynchronous learning is a type of online education, asynchronous learning allows students to watch lectures and complete assignments on their own time rather than having to attend classes on a specific schedule.
  • Title IX – This federal law was enacted in 1972 and prohibits any school or education-related program from discriminating based on gender.
  • Transcript – A transcript displays an overview of a student’s academic progress and grades throughout college. Transcripts indicate which classes a student has taken. It includes names and grades for all completed courses, their GPA and their total credit hours.
  • Undergraduate – An undergraduate is any student pursuing a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
  • Withdraw – To drop a class after the add/drop grace period. Withdrawing often means receiving a W on your transcript. Withdrawing is when a student leaves a course after the add/drop period is over. While withdrawing from a class does not affect a student’s GPA, it is shown on their transcript as a “W.” A student may withdraw from a class if they realize they will not earn the grade they need, either for their major or any financial awards. They can retake the class again and aim for a higher grade.

Sources: The Ultimate Glossary of College Terminology By Kirsten Slyter on 10/28/2019, College Terms You Need to Know: A Complete Guide, and The Higher Education Glossary

  1. College terminology may be difficult to understand if you have never been exposed to certain words or cultural norms. Click on this link to find a detailed glossary of helpful college words to know. Other sources include:
    1. College Terms for Parents (English)
    2. College Terms for Parents (Spanish)
  2. Parent/ Guardian & Student Reading List The following books and articles are good reads for parents/ guardians and families to learn how to better support their student’s college success.
    1. Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School to College by Patricia Pasick
    2. Beating the College Blues by Paul Grayson & Phil Meilman
    3. Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Helen E. Johnson & Christine Schelhas-Miller
    4. Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Today’s College Experience by Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger
    5. Navigating the First College Year: A Guide for Parents and Families by Richard H. Mullendore and Leslie Banahan
    6. I’ll Miss You Too: An Off-to-School Guide for Parents & Students by Margo E. Woodacre & Steffany Bane
    7. You’re on Your Own (But I’m Here if You Need Me): Men-toring Your Child During the College Years by Majorie Savage
    8. Your Freshman Is Off To College: A Month-by-Month Guide to the First Year by Laurie Hazard, Stephanie Carter
    9. The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College by Mia Nosanow
    10. College Ready: Expert Advice for Parents to Simplify the College Transition by Chelsea Petree Ph.D., Kesha Williams
  3. First Weeks of College: Parent Tips The first few weeks of college can feel overwhelming. Students may be learning to live with roommates, handling finances, and dealing with new academic demands. They’re meeting people from different cultures with different beliefs and backgrounds; learning about school bureaucracy, the financial aid office, and the registrar; and meeting professors and managing college-level classes. It’s a lot. As they move through these changes, students learn how to respond to challenges, do their own research, and advocate for themselves. They figure out how to find the social and emotional support they need from the campus community, friends, and family. It can be bumpy, but they get there. And if they continue to struggle significantly, you can help them find the support they need. Read this article for more information.
  4. Understanding “homework” time in college Explaining to a parent how long college homework takes means understanding that in college, “homework” often involves deeper analysis, research, and critical thinking, meaning it can take significantly longer than high school assignments, with a general rule of thumb being around 2-3 hours of study time per hour of class time, depending on the subject and individual workload; essentially, a college student might spend several hours on a single assignment that might have taken less time in high school. Many students carry a course load of 15 credits, or approximately 15 hours of class time each week.  Doing some simple math indicates that your student should be spending roughly 30 hours of study time and 15 hours in class.  This 45 hours is the equivalent of a full time job — the reason that your student is called a full time student.
  5. Key points.
    1. Depth of learning: College assignments often require more than just memorizing facts; students need to analyze, interpret, and apply concepts, which takes more time to process and complete.
    2. Reading intensive: College courses usually involve extensive reading of complex texts, which requires time to understand and digest the material before even starting to work on assignments.
    3. Research and writing: Many assignments involve finding and evaluating information from multiple sources, which adds significant time to the process of completing the work.
    4. Multiple classes with different demands: Unlike high school, a college student might have several classes each with unique assignments and expectations, leading to a more varied and potentially time-consuming workload.
    5. Time management is key: Effective time management strategies like creating study schedules and setting realistic deadlines can help students manage their workload efficiently.

Example explanation: “Imagine that in your history class, instead of just writing a short answer question about a historical event, you might have to research multiple perspectives on that event, write a detailed analysis, and cite sources properly. This kind of assignment takes much longer than a simple question, and it’s typical for college level work.”

Important points to consider:

Subject specific differences:

STEM fields like science and engineering often require more complex calculations and lab work, which can add extra time to homework compared to humanities courses.

Individual learning style:

Some students may naturally grasp concepts faster than others, impacting how much time they need to dedicate to studying.

Open communication:

Encourage your child to openly discuss their workload and any challenges they face with their professors or encourage them to find a tutor if needed.

Read this article for extra information:

https://www.collegeparentcentral.com/2010/02/is-your-college-student-investing-enough-time-studying/

  1. Is there such a thing as helping your college student child too much?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-about-kids/201008/can-parents-help-college-students-too-much

SOURCES:

We aim to start a chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha First Generation Honor Society during the Spring 2025 semester. Please keep an eye out for additional information!

History

Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded March 24th 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Over 100 members of the Alpha Chapter were initiated that day, including undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. Following the successful induction, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization, for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society.

Alpha Alpha Alpha is a welcoming community that embraces and values the diversity of all members on our member campuses. We accept the uniqueness of all individuals, and we cultivate an environment that respects, affirms, and defends the dignity of each member of our community.

Alpha Alpha Alpha does not discriminate against any person based on actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, citizenship status, veteran/military status, disability status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law.

Inquiries concerning this policy may be directed to Carol Traupman-Carr, President, Alpha Alpha Alpha, c/o Moravian University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018 (610.861.1348).

Inquiries concerning the application of these laws may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323, Phone: 215-656-8541, Fax: 215-656-8605, Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov.

Approved 9/10/19; updated 8/18/20

SOURCE: https://www.1stgenhonors.org/home

The following first gen scholarships fall under the Concord University Foundation scholarship. Click here to submit an application for the Concord University Foundation scholarship.

Mary Jane Hobart Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded to students with financial need (as determined by the University Financial Aid Office), who have shown evidence of academic promise and will be used to defray the normal and necessary tuition fees and expenses.

Recipients must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on their high school transcripts or at another institution of higher learning.

Recipients must also be from Mercer, McDowell, or Nicholas County, with preference given to first-generation college students from McDowell.

The selection of the scholarship recipients will be determined by the University Financial Aid Office, and will be made beginning with the fall term of the freshman year and may be held for eight consecutive semesters, providing the student retains a GPA of 2.5 or higher and remains in good standing with the Office of Student Affairs.

For more details about the scholarship itself visit the Mary Jane Hobart Scholarship page.

Dale And Jean Dickens Scholarship

The scholarship will be awarded to first-generation students from Mercer, Raleigh, and McDowell counties in WV. The scholarship will help ease the financial burden of fees and expenses. The selection of the scholarship recipients will be determined by the University Financial Aid Office.

FIRST GEN IN THE NEWS: 

How First-Generation Students Prepare and Perceive College Affordability

It Starts With Access: How Institutions Are Supporting First-Generation Students

West Virginia awards grants to colleges and universities to support first-generation student success

West Virginia awards grants to colleges and universities to support first-generation student success 

September 17, 2024 

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants to public colleges and universities across the state. These grants, which provide funding up to $5,000, support initiatives aimed at recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of first-generation college students. 

First-generation students – the first in their families to pursue higher education – face unique challenges in completing their degrees. But according to FirstGen Forward, those who complete their college education are more likely to secure employment, earn higher wages, and become more civically engaged than their peers who do not. By making higher education more accessible and supporting the completion of their postsecondary goals, these grants aim to help students and the state reach a stronger future. 

“Our goal is to ensure that West Virginia’s first-generation college students not only have access to public higher education, but also receive the support they need to succeed,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “These grants will help our institutions develop meaningful strategies to help students thrive throughout their academic journeys – from application to graduation and beyond.” 

The following public institutions have been awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants this year: 

  • Blue Ridge Community and Technical College 
  • BridgeValley Community and Technical College 
  • Concord University 
  • Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College 
  • Fairmont State University 
  • Mountwest Community and Technical College 
  • Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College 
  • Pierpont Community and Technical College 
  • West Liberty University 
  • West Virginia Northern Community College 
  • WVU Potomac State College 

These institutions are implementing programs and initiatives specifically designed to support first-generation students, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their educational pursuits. 

CONCORD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

 GMA First Gen

Research: Understanding the First-Gen Experience

 First Gen Forward Blog

 

Events

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Tri-Alpha Nu Eta Honor Society Induction Ceremony

April 10, 2025 @ 4:30pm in the Alexander Fine Arts Center – Main Auditorium Theatre 

Concord University is proud to announce the first-ever induction ceremony for the local chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society!

This milestone event will celebrate and recognize the academic achievements of first-generation college students from undergrads to alumni, faculty and staff, who walked the path. We will also recognize the amazing support and passion of honorary members who have dedicated their time and resources for enabling the success of first gen students at Concord.

Join us as in celebrating the dedication and perseverance of our inductees as we establish this prestigious honor society at Concord.

Serenity Brooks, First Gen Senior majoring in Biology and Studio Art

Senior Show 2025 Art Exhibit

Arthur Butcher Gallery – Alexander Fine Arts Building

Show: March 31st to April 11th

From “A Walk Through The Garden” canvas to “Imperium” symbols game cards, to “Greatest Hits” record covers and more, the CU senior art exhibit showcases the students’ amazing and diverse talent.

Among them is Serenity, a first-generation student majoring this year, with a passion for art and ecology. Already has her sights set on the grad school, Coastal Carolina University, that will help improve her skills in biology and ecology.

Inspired by the punk style and band Green Day’s songs, the intent and purpose of her artwork, “Punk is not dead”, is to “express the rebellion and anger that society has forgotten”.

“…I have noticed that people, over time, have lost their ability to stand up for what they believe in. I find enjoyment in drawing those who show themselves without fear and take a stand against the unfairness that we have in society, despite the consequences they receive.”

Career Carnival Pop-Up

April 1st – 2rd , 11AM – 1PM, Student Center Ground floor

A workshop table event prepared and presented by student members of the First-Generation Committee. The event is focused on providing information on how to create a professional resume, cover letter content and how to obtain a letter of recommendation. Students who stop by can enter their name in a raffle drawing and enjoy carnival like snacks!

Concord University Celebrates 2024 First-Generation College Student National Day

Concord University proudly celebrated the 2024 First-Generation College Student National Day with a week-long series of events honoring the resilience, achievements, and unique experiences of first-generation students. Under the inspiring motto, Be first, Be brave, Be Yourself, We’ve got your back!, the university hosted activities that highlighted the contributions of first-gen students and provided valuable resources to support their journeys.

The First-Generation Celebration Week featured a range of engaging events across campus. At the Marsh Library, first-gen authors were honored, showcasing their literary contributions. Throughout the university, the inspiring life stories of 11 first-generation star students—nominated by their departments—were displayed, bringing visibility to their academic and personal achievements. Additionally, a help booth was stationed across campus, offering guidance and support to students.

A special highlight of the week was the First-Gen TRIO Day, where attendees learned about TRIO resources while enjoying a fun-filled experience featuring cotton candy and interactive discussions. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a personalized rock painting session, allowing them to express their identities and aspirations through art.

The celebration culminated with the premiere of WV First-Generation: Then and Now, a documentary film produced by Concord University. The film shared the compelling stories of four first-generation faculty and staff members alongside four first-generation students, illustrating their triumphs and challenges. Concord University President, Dr. Kendra Boggess, and first-gen sophomore student Lilly Palmer delivered keynote speeches, offering words of encouragement and reflection on the first-gen experience.

Over 80 attendees gathered for the film screening, enjoying a movie-themed atmosphere complete with refreshments, a photobooth, giveaway swag, and raffle prizes. The event served as a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance of first-generation students at Concord University and beyond.

Thank you to all who participated and supported this meaningful celebration. Concord University remains committed to uplifting and empowering first-generation students, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to succeed!

The life stories of the 11 first-gen students nominated by their departments can be found under the <First-Gen Student Testimonials/ Stories 2024> tab.

Concord University Celebrates 2023 First-Generation College Student National Day

On November 8, 2023, Concord University proudly celebrated First-Generation College Student National Day with the inspiring theme, Let Your Story Be Heard. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff to recognize and honor the resilience and achievements of first-generation college students.

A total of 14 students submitted their personal first-gen stories, sharing their unique journeys and challenges. The event featured a keynote address from the Provost, Dr. Edward Huffstetler, along with insightful remarks from four faculty and staff members. Additionally, six student speakers took the stage to share their experiences, providing encouragement and inspiration to their peers.

With 74 attendees, the event fostered a sense of community and support, highlighting the importance of first-generation success at Concord University. The university remains committed to uplifting and empowering first-gen students as they navigate their educational paths.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a meaningful and memorable occasion!

The 14 student’s stories will be under the < First-Gen Student Testimonials / Stories 2023 > tab.