Cameron University will celebrate its contingent of first-generation college students Nov. 2-6 when it holds “First Gen Week” on campus. Gov. Kevin Stitt has proclaimed that week as “First Generation Week” in Oklahoma.
“First Gen” is a term generally used to describe a college student whose parents or legal guardians do not hold baccalaureate degrees from a four-year institution, even if they took a few college classes during their lives. That unfamiliarity with the college environment frequently deters others in their families from considering college, or creates barriers that make getting a degree harder.
Cameron president Dr. Shane Hunt understands those challenges. He experienced it firsthand.
“I am a first-generation college student,” Hunt said. “Getting a degree has forever changed my life in countless positive ways. I am forever thankful to the resources and people who supported me and helped me become the first person in my family to graduate from college.”
CU has a great deal of experience with working with those students, said Ebony Moore, an academic advisor in Student Support Services, who noted that 58 percent of Aggie students fall into the “First Gen” category.
Student Support Services, the sponsor for the observance at Cameron, has planned a full week of activities to celebrate those students.
“First Gen Goes Big” starts off the week on Monday with refreshments, games and “good vibes” at the McMahon Centennial Complex.
Tuesday is “First Gen Flick Pick” at 6 p.m. with a movie under the stars, along with snacks, candy and a free “First Gen” T-shirt for the first 100 students.
On Wednesday, students will follow clues, make connections and discover other “First Gen” people on campus – whether they be students, faculty or CU employees – during the “Great First Gen Search,” an all-day event that includes outdoor inflatables and competition for prizes on the Cynthia S. Ross Hall lawn.
Desserts, dreams and destinations are the theme for “SSS Bingo and Beyond,” a Thursday evening event of bingo, pizza and prizes starting at 5 p.m. in the Shepler Center Ballroom. Students can share their goals, their dreams and see where their degree might take them.
Rounding out the week is “First Gen: Finish in Color” on Friday as students relax with painting, mocktails and light snacks. This event begins at 5 p.m. in the Great Room of the McMahon Learning Center.
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