🌟 3rd Annual First Gen Week: "First Gen Today, Trailblazing for Tomorrow" 🌟

By Shadayvia Wallace, November 3, 2024

The BIPOC Unity Center invites the Ithaca College community to celebrate First Gen Week from Monday, Nov. 4th to Friday, Nov. 8th, 2024. With this year’s theme, First Gen Today, Trailblazing for Tomorrow, we honor the resilience, achievements, and future impact of our First Gen students, faculty, and staff.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, Nov. 4th


From Home to the World: Empowering First Gen Students Abroad
12-1 pm | Taughannock Falls Room
Learn about study abroad opportunities and how First Gen students can expand their global horizons with the Office of International Programs.

Tuesday, Nov. 5th

And the Momentum Persists: Exploring the First Gen Identity in the Realm of Graduate Studies

12-1 pm | Taughannock Falls Room
Learn how to navigate the graduate studies and the application process as a first-generation student. Attendees will be eligible to win a study guide for the LSAT, MCAT, or GRE.

Unity Hour
2-3 pm | BIPOC Unity Center
Enjoy snacks and conversation at the BIPOC Unity Center with fellow students and staff.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th

Noon Hour Meditation
12-1 pm | Muller Chapel
Recharge with a guided meditation to support mid-week wellness.

Money Moves: Financial Literacy Workshop
4-5 pm | Taughannock Falls Room
Join The BIPOC Unity Center for a session on essential financial skills tailored for First Gen students.

Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society Inc., Epsilon Sigma Chapter Information Session
6:30-7:30 pm | Klingstein Lounge (invitation only)
Discover the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society for First Gen students. Eligible students will be sent an invitation.

Thursday, Nov. 7th

Intercultural Career Connections Panel (ICCP)

5:30-8:00 pm | Emerson Suites A & B

Join the conversation with alumni representing diverse identities and professions as they discuss their personal and professional journeys, accomplishments, and the challenges they have negotiated along the way. "Doors open 5:30 PM. There will be a BBQ dinner from 5:30-6:00, a panel discussion from 6:00-7:00, and an opportunity to meet and network with the panelists from 7:00-8:00. Please RSVP in advance to reserve your spot.

This event is a collaboration between the BIPOC Unity Center, the Office of Access, Opportunity & Achievement, the Center for Career Exploration and Development, and The Division of Advancement.

Friday, Nov. 8th


Coffee Hour with Vice President of SACL Stanley Bazile PhD
10:00-11:00 am | BIPOC Unity Center
Begin the day with coffee and conversation with SACL Vice President, Dr. Stanley Bazile as we celebrate the achievements of our First Gen community.

National First Gen Celebration Luncheon
11:30 am-2 pm | Klingstein Lounge
Join us for the week’s finale luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Lieutenant Loretta Epthimiatos.

Social Hour: Paint n Sip
4-5 pm | Clark Lounge
Unwind and celebrate with an afternoon of creativity, refreshments, and community bonding.

Let’s come together to honor our First Gen students as they continue to pave the way forward for future generations!

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Shadayvia Wallace at bipocunity@ithaca.edu or 607-274-7756. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.