First-Generation Student Support Services announces the 2025 First-Generation Celebration theme and events.
Elon University celebrates the first-generation community throughout October and November; this year’s theme is “In Living Color,” highlighting Elon’s diverse and dynamic first-generation community.
First-generation students are leaders, scholars, activists and creators. The growth of these individuals contributes to Elon’s shared story. At Elon, a student is a first-generation college student if neither parent/legal guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution within the United States. A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.
The first-generation celebration kicks off on Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 14. Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day, which honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for young people from historically marginalized backgrounds.
This year’s celebration is intentionally designed to share and reflect on all those that make up this wonderful community. A day or a week does not give enough time for all the accomplishments happening on and off our campus. If you have any questions, contact the first-generation student support team at firstgen@elon.edu.
To stay up to date, follow the First-Generation Student Support Services on Facebook or Instagram by following @elonfirstgens.
Upcoming Events
Ongoing: Early November: Take A First-Gen Student to Lunch
First-generation students and faculty/staff can be paired to get lunch together throughout the celebration. Folks will get an email from the First-Gen team with more information about how to participate..
Tuesday, Oct. 21
First Gen & Me | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Irazú Coffee
Held in collaboration with the Odyssey Scholars Program, participants will reflect on their first-generation story through art. First-Generation Student Support Services will have an open tab for participants.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Roundtable Discussion on Imposter Syndrome | 12:30 p.m. | Elon Law School
The First-Gen Society will host a roundtable lunch session focusing on imposter syndrome and career journeys with Law School faculty and staff. For more information reach out to the First-Gen Society at Elon Law
Thursday Nov. 6
International Coffee Hour Takeover | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Global Education Center (Sato Commons 3rd Floor)
Join us as we foster community and celebrate our first-generation and international students with International Student Services. Food and good vibes will be on hand.
Friday, Nov. 7
Mobile Celebration Cart | 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Around campus
The First-Gen team will be riding around campus with free coffee, chai, a chance to win some special first-generation giveaways, and a few special guests. Pay attention to our Instagram page @elonfirstgens for updates on locations.
Go GOLD for First-Gen
We invite all members of the campus community to wear Gold on Friday, Nov. 7, to symbolize support for first-generation students and programs that aim to empower students to reach their highest potential
Saturday, Nov. 8
First-Gen Tailgate | Global Neighborhood
Stop by our breakfast-themed tailgate before Elon takes on Rhode Island.
Thursday, Nov. 13
First-Gen Plus Poster Gallery | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Moseley
Engage with the stories of first-generation students, faculty, and staff at this interactive poster session.