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������ kicks off First-Gen College Student celebration week Nov. 8

November 2, 2020

University Relations

On Sunday, Nov. 8, ������ will kick off its annual First-Gen Week celebration. This year's events include virtual panel discussions, faculty training, a movie screening and more in recognition of first-generation students. The date marks the 55th anniversary of the signing of the , which has helped millions of first-generation, low-income or under-resourced
students persist to degree completion.

“First-Gen Week is an opportunity to celebrate all of our students, staff and faculty
who were or are the first in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree," said Jo Malbert Narváez, ������ diversity and inclusion coordinator. "It is important to acknowledge our first-gen students’ efforts and validate their experiences, especially when continuing their education is so challenging in the midst of a pandemic. I hope to see the ������ community come together to uplift our first-generation community.”

With the 2020 national celebration falling on a Sunday, students, faculty and staff can
engage in a .

This year , , , and have partnered on .

"Academic disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic place the futures of many
first-generation students in a precarious state," said Maureen Hoyler, president of the Council
for Opportunity in Education. "However, in 2020, resilient campuses and communities are overcoming challenges and finding renewed strength each day. Now more than ever it's critical we use this celebration to recommit to supporting, nurturing and encouraging the outstanding potential that exists within so many first-generation students."

For more information, email Victoria Smith at vrsmith@alaska.edu or Ronnie Houchin at rshouchin@alaska.edu.