In 2017, the Council for Opportunities in Education (COE) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) launched the inaugural National First-Generation College Celebration, which created opportunities to have conversations about first-generation college students’ experiences and outcomes on a national level. Since the inaugural celebration, every year, on or around November 8th, first gen advocates along with colleges and universities across the country celebrate National First-Generation College Celebration by hosting events, giving out swag and/or posting on their websites and social media pages.
UNH First-Gen Celebration 2022 activities are made possible through the generosity of the President’s Office and the Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity (OCED), the Memorial Union Building (MUB), Cooperative Extension, Health & Wellness, the Entrepreneurship Center, Paul College, the Aulbani J. Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice and Freedom, Career and Professional Success (CAPs), and the time, talent, and commitment of the organizing committee comprising Dani Adler (Center for Academic Resources), Melissa Beecher, (MUB), Selina Choate (TRIO-McNair Scholars), Jes Crowell (TRIO-SSS), Diane Foster (School of Marine Science & Ocean Engineering), Joshua Gagnon (TRIO-Upward Bound), Rachel Kim (Paul College), Debora McCann (TRIO-Educational Talent Search), Funmi Oyekunle (CONNECT Program), Dawna Pérez (Institute for Student Success), and Nadine Petty (OCED).
November 2 – November 8, 2022
All first-generation college students, staff, faculty, guests, and allies are invited to all events!
Wednesday, November 2
First-Gen Kickoff Event - Join us to kickoff First-Gen College Student Celebration Week! Learn more about first-gen programming at UNH. Refreshments and networking. Get and display your Proud First-Gen UNH sticker/pin!
Location: MUB Granite State Room
Time: 1:30-3:00 PM
Please register for this event at https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bw32VuC9lKbBEgK
Thursday, November 3
The Peter T. Paul Entrepreneurship Center (ECenter) is hosting an OPEN HOUSE centered on the First-Gen experience and opportunities for first-generation college students to win scholarships, get involved in competitions and high impact experiences.
Location: E-Center, 21 Madbury Road, Suite 101 (Madbury Commons)
Time: Noon-2:00 PM
The Office of Community, Equity and Diversity is hosting a "First Generation Perspectives" panel that will highlight many unique pathways to higher education. Panelists representing multiple education levels, institutions, and professional fields will discuss their individual first-generation journeys.
Location: Zoom
Time: 4:30-6:00 PM
To receive the Zoom link, please register here: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6PQivPZymK2lD1A
Friday, November 4
Honoring Your Goodness - What does it really mean to be well? Well-being and wellness are words we hear all the time but what do they actually mean? This interactive session will provide opportunities to learn, reflect, and process the movement away from individual wellness to collective well-being. This shift intentionally centers the roles that identity, community, and belonging have on one's overall health and wellness. Facilitated by Dawn Zitney, Wellbeing Educator/Counselor, Health & Wellness.
Location: Hamel Recreation Center, Classroom 243
Time: 12:30-1:30 PM
Monday, November 7
Paul College's DEI Working Group will host a scavenger hunt where students can meet some of our faculty/staff/GAs who are first-generation college students. Follow the clues to find all 10 Paul First-Gen Door Signs and read about their first-gen stories, current roles at UNH, and future goals. Snap a picture of all 10 signs and pick up your prize at Paul!
Location: Paul College
Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
First-Gen Fest - Join The Beauregard Center and the CONNECT Program for the first ever First-Gen Fest! There will be cookie decorating, warm drinks, crafts and lighthearted activities that celebrate our first generation community at UNH. We look forward to seeing you there.
Location: The Beauregard Center (MUB 120)
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Tuesday, November 8
National First-Gen Celebration Day!
President Dean issues his First-Gen Celebration video to campus and on social media.
