News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to continue its annual First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) on Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 8-9 on the Edwardsville campus. 

“The First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity “to raise awareness, acknowledge and elevate our first-generation college student” said Darryl Cherry, Coordinator of Student Retention with the office of Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR). “The First-Generation College Celebration will further SIUE’s efforts towards improving our diversity, equity and inclusion, and better support our first-generation students.” 

Cherry is partnering with Miriam Roccia, interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, and Lindsay Winkeler, New Student Transitions coordinator, to host SIUE’s annual event. 

This year’s festivities will include:

• A first-generation reception for students, staff and faculty
• Testimonials
• A celebratory photo booth
• A promotion of physical fitness and mental wellness at the inaugural Fit Fest, First-Gen Student Night at the SIUE Men’s OVC Playoffs Soccer match
• A Career Development Center’s workshop on First-Gen Career Tips and Tricks

“Recognition and celebration are important towards helping us to realize our goals of fulfilling our promise to support student belonging and success towards achieving their educational goals, and ultimately earning their college degrees,” said Cherry. 

“SIUE is a proud member of the 2023 Cohort of NASPA’s First Scholars Network,” added Cherry, “where we are working on expanding and sustaining structural support to comprehensively, substantively and equitably support our first-generation students.” 

SIUE has held First-Generation College Celebrations since 2017. 

Photos:
(L-R): Coordinating this year’s First-Generation College Celebration are Darryl Cherry, SOAR coordinator of Student Retention; Miriam Roccia, interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; and Lindsay Winkeler, New Student Transitions coordinator.