Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
In a year where we are living through many challenges, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse experiences that contribute to the vibrancy, excellence and resilience of our campus communities.
On Sunday, November, 8, we will lift up the experiences of our first-generation students, faculty and staff when the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses join universities across the country to participate in the fourth annual National First-Generation College Celebration.
“Being the first” in your family to attend college comes with a unique set of challenges and often our first-generation students, both undergraduate and graduate, feel invisible. As a first-gen student myself, I know this well. I am also aware of the great contributions that are made by our first-generation community members, faculty and staff included. Your experience and perspective make us better as an institution. It is wonderful that our three campuses can come together to elevate your success during what will be a special day throughout the nation. 
To participate in the virtual celebration and demonstrate that many in our community have experienced this pathway in higher education, we’re inviting all students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to attend college and supporters to use UW First-Gen Celebration digital backgrounds on zoom and teams next week and beyond. Those backgrounds can be downloaded here.
Several events for our first-gen community will take place over the next two weeks. I also encourage everyone to show their pride or support on social media using the national or UW-affiliated hashtags #CelebrateFirstGen, #BeTheFirst, #UWFirstGen or #UWFirstGenGrads.
Sincerely,
Rickey Hall
University Diversity Officer