It has been many years since I was the first in my family go to college and earn my bachelor’s degree. And to this day, I am still awed by the transformative power of a college degree to change lives. In fact, my college acceptance letter hangs on the wall above my desk as a reminder of this. Higher education opened doors to a career I never knew existed and set me on a path I couldn’t have imagined.
Friday, Nov. 8, our three campuses will celebrate the success and presence of first-generation college students, faculty and staff through the National First-Generation College Celebration. As University Diversity Officer and first-gen graduate Rickey Hall notes, “this day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, a pivotal moment that expanded access to higher education for many, including first-generation college students.”
I encourage you to participate in first-gen events this week and read a collection of stories — or share your own — from UW students, faculty and staff on their experiences as the “first.” We are proud that more than one-third of our students are first in their families to attend and graduate from college and honored that they are pursuing this opportunity at the UW because we know the value of a college education to individuals, families and their communities.