First-Generation Students Celebrated at IC

By Kevin Gyasi-Frempah ’22, October 5, 2022

Second annual First-Generation welcome back luncheon a success.

Students had a chance to connect with one another during the celebration.

(Photo by Kevin Gyasi-Frempah '22)

Hundreds of students who attend Ithaca College are first-generation college students—students whose parents did not attend college. The second annual First-Generation Welcome Back Luncheon, held on September 15 in the Campus Center by Ithaca College's First-Generation Center, provided a space and a form of celebration for those students.

“[Events like these] help me connect with other students who are also first gen,” said Haris Li ’26.

At this event, first-gen students, staff, and faculty had the chance to talk and learn about what might be expected for the rest of the semester as the First-Generation Center has been in a rebuilding phase.

“The center started in 2018, but we lost a year because of COVID and now we're putting it back together,” said Shadayvia Wallace, program director for the MLK Scholar and First-Generation programs. “This year’s goal is to announce the space for the first-gen students.”

Shadayvia Wallace, program director for the MLK Scholar and First-Generation programs, announced several upcoming programs for first-gen students throughout the year.

(Photo by Kevin Gyasi-Frempah '22)

The First-Generation lounge will be located in Egbert Hall and provide a space where students can relax and connect with others.

“The reason why creating the lounge was important is because of IC's commitment to our first-generation students,” said Wallace.

“For me the announcement meant that I could continue having opportunities for first-generation students,” she added. “I hope for the students it means that they can have visibility and know there's continued support.”

“It's important for first-generation college students to be celebrated, as being in college is a big accomplishment, not only as an individual but for our parents and whole family. Having that acknowledged and celebrated is a reminder of how important what we are doing is, and how we should do everything in our power to succeed.”

Jaqueline Pereira ’25

Wallace announced other developments with the center for the semester, such as events and programs like First Gen Check-in, First Gen Mentor Program, and hosting STEM 101 for first-gen students interested in IC science, technology, engineering, and math programs.

She also announced that the college was awarded the honor of opening a chapter of the Tri-Alpha First-Gen Honor Society. Tri-Alpha is a society for first-gen students.

Buttons that say "proud 1st Gen" on them

Attendees also had the opportunity to bring home some swag — such as these buttons. (Photo by Kevin Gyasi-Frempah '22)

“The hope is to generate excitement with students this semester so as to have an induction ceremony in April 2023,” said Wallace.

At the luncheon, attendees were seated at tables filled with buttons, pens, and words of affirmation written on small blackboards and connected and talked about their educational and IC experience.

“The first-gen events made me feel more welcomed to campus and helped to navigate my way through my first year, knowing that there is someone that I can go and ask for help,” said Jaqueline Pereira ’25. “I learned a lot about first gen and the importance of embracing this part of my identity and having people in the same journey as me is really helpful.

“It’s good to catch up with other students who are first gen,” added Pereira. “It's important for first-generation college students to be celebrated, as being in college is a big accomplishment, not only as an individual but for our parents and whole family. Having that acknowledged and celebrated is a reminder of how important what we are doing is, and how we should do everything in our power to succeed. And knowing that there is a group of people that share the same challenges as you is comforting and gives you motivation.”