Utica University Celebrates First-Generation Students

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Utica University Celebrates First-Generation Students

“Utica has helped me immensely as a first-generation college student.”

More than 40 percent of students entering college are the first generation in their family to do so. On Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m., Utica University will hold its annual First-Generation College Celebration to honor these students. This event will take place at the Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center and aims to celebrate students who are among the first in their families to attend college.

The event will include personal first-generation stories from President Laura Casamento and Anthony Baird, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Transitions.

“Utica has helped me immensely as a first-generation college student,” said nursing major Gabriela Santos ’23. “They have many programs on campus specifically geared toward helping students like myself succeed.”

First-generation college students are among the most vulnerable to falling behind in higher education. In addition to this, they are more than twice as likely to leave school within three years compared to students whose parents have a bachelor’s degree. Utica aims to assist these students financially as well as academically, providing financial aid and academic support to ensure success and a timely graduation.

This event is coordinated in collaboration with The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Living and College Engagement and the Center for Career Readiness.

Utica University was founded in 1946 on the premise of providing higher education to those arriving back from World War II, first generation students. The GI Bill provided them with an opportunity to attend college and be some of the first in their families to do so.

- by Leah Eaton '24, PR Intern