First-Generation Student Success announces the 2026 First-Generation Celebration theme and events.
Elon University is celebrating the first-generation community throughout October and November, and this year’s theme asks, “Who is First-Gen? inviting the campus to consider the gifts that first-generation students share with the community.
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 November. Nov. 8, which 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 who make up this wonderful community. A day or a week isn’t enough time to celebrate all the accomplishments happening on and off our campus. If you have questions, contact the First-Generation Student Success Team at firstgen@elon.edu.
Upcoming Events
Ongoing: Early November: First-Gen Connections
First-generation students will be paired with faculty, staff and alumni to begin or deepen existing connections. Sign-ups have closed and participants will receive their pairing after fall break.
Monday, Oct. 19
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Café con Leche with Friends | Irazú Coffee
This space will help first-generation students connect, build community, and engage in conversations about identity, belonging and navigating higher education. Through storytelling and peer mentorship, students will explore the unique experiences of being both first-generation and Latinx while fostering meaningful connections across class years
Wednesday, Oct. 21
6 – 8 p.m. | First-Gen Open Studio | Lakeside Meeting Rooms
Our celebration starts with an evening of creativity, reflection and community. Through a series of curated stations, students will reflect on their first-gen legacy, learn more about important firsts at Elon, create art pieces, take professional portraits by Ethan Wu, and much more.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Sweet Success | Moseley Student Center
Celebrate what it means to be first-generation by visiting the First-Gen Society to pick up a cupcake and learn how to engage with the organization throughout the year.
Thursday, Nov. 5
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | International Coffee Hour Collaboration | Global Education Center
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. Melanated Melodies will perform.
Friday, Nov. 7
First Gen Student Success x Irazú Collaboration – ALL DAY
Swing by Irazú and grab our special themed drink created by Viluzmar Castellanos Gonzalez ’27 and Anette Cruz ‘29
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.