Lee University recently hosted “First-Generation Week,” a celebration dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for first-generation students. This week-long series of events not only honored these students but also brought attention to the challenges they face in higher education.   

“First-Generation Week is an intentional and creative step toward recognizing and celebrating the first-generation college students who have entrusted Lee University as the place where they’ll create generational change,” said Dr. Kevin Ung, director of the McNair Scholars Program and Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. “Countless studies show us that a four-year degree is the most significant predictor of sustained financial earnings over the course of a lifetime. We consider it a privilege to recognize these trailblazers who are seeking to end generational poverty and educational limitations by being the first in their families to be awarded a baccalaureate degree.”  

The week began its celebrations with a Candy Cab on Monday, where staff from the HUB (Student Success Center), Residential Life, and Commuter and Transfer offices offered candy rewards to students who answered trivia questions about percentages and demographics of first-generation students worldwide.   

On Tuesday, Lee freshmen participated in the annual Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Pack ‘n’ Stack service event, aiming to fill as many shoebox-sized boxes as possible with Christmas gifts to be distributed to children in need around the world.   

In addition to the activities and service opportunities, students were given the chance to find jobs and internships during a career exhibition, which was held on Wednesday afternoon. The event hosted a variety of companies based in healthcare, insurance, marketing, religious work, and more.   

The university also hosted the “Worthy Now” conference, where women of all ages gathered to be reminded of their worth and inspired in their callings. Female Lee alum, staff counselors, and student speakers led conversation and discussion during the event.   

The week concluded with the First-Generation Drop-in Reception, which invited all first-generation staff, faculty, students, and advocates to enjoy a time of fellowship over refreshments. Attendees received first-generation apparel such as T-shirts, bracelets, and buttons.   

“First Gen Week is so important to me because I am reminded of the wonderful opportunity that I have to be at Lee University, as well as the sacrifices that were made for me by my parents,” said Keziah Sanchez, a senior double major in intercultural studies with an emphasis in global transformation and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). “As a first-generation student, it can be easy to believe I can’t complete my education because no one ever before me has done it. However, my Lee family, my peers, and my professors have encouraged me and reminded me constantly that I can press on because Christ is my strength.”   

The week was organized by the McNair Scholars Office, with support from Campus Ministries, the HUB, LEAP, Financial Aid, the Squires Library, the Leonard Center, the Office of Commuter and Transfer Services, and the Office of Racial and Ethnic Relations. Sodexo and Physical Plant also helped in the setup and hosting of several events.   

For the first time, first-generation graduates will be honored with an “I’m First” lapel pin during December’s commencement ceremonies to highlight their impressive milestone of being the first in their families to complete an undergraduate degree.  

“We seek to identify and support first-gen students when they arrive on campus and wholly celebrate their accomplishment at graduation,” said Ung.  

First-Generation Week is observed nationwide to raise awareness and increase advocacy for these students. By participating in the First-Generation Week celebration, Lee hopes to highlight the resources available and the community of first-generation students, faculty, and staff at Lee.   

The McNair Scholars Program, which began at Lee in 2017, is designed to provide first-generation and underrepresented students with academic, financial, cultural, and social support by cultivating an interdisciplinary community of scholars who prepare for graduate school through seminars, workshops, campus visits, research experience, and academic conferences.    

For more information about First-Generation College Celebration Week, visit firstgen.naspa.org/.      

For more information about the McNair Scholars Program, visit leeuniversity.edu/mcnair/.