Upcoming Events

National First-Generation Celebration Week

On November 8, colleges and universities across the country recognize first-generation students, as well as faculty and staff who were first-generation. This date also commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA was intended to ensure equal opportunities for underprivileged students to attend college by providing federal grants and loans to help finance the cost of a college education. This legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention, and graduation of first-generation, low-income students.

If you take photos throughout the celebration week, please post photos on social media with the hashtag #umfirstgen and tag @uofmfirstgen and we will repost them! 

This year’s theme is First to Roar! 

Sapphire Awards

Monday, November 7     |     6 pm     |     UC Ballroom

Recognizing and celebrating the success of students in First Scholars, the Office of First-Gen Student Success, Opportunity Scholars and TRIOs. RSVP required.

But first FAFSA, first-gen Career Closet, How to Tie a Tie

Tuesday, November 8     |     9 am - 3 pm     |     UC Atrium & UC River Room

Join the Office of First-Generation Student Success, EMOC, Career Services, and TAD as we provide a variety of resources for our first-generation Tigers. Each year thousands of dollars in financial aid go unclaimed simply due to the challenge of filling our the FAFSA. Come to the UC Atrium where you can gain assistance in making sure your FAFSA application is accurate, and you receive the correct aid. We have partnered with Career Services and TAD to provide a First-Gen Career Closet which will feature professional clothes donated from both the Memphis and University community in the UC River Room. 

Career Closet and Professional Head Shots

Wednesday, November 9     |     9 am - 3 pm     |     UC Atrium & UC River Room

Join the Office of First-Generation Student Success and Teach for America for a FREE professional head shot in the UC Atrium. We will also be providing professional clothing in our First-Generation Career Closet in the UC River Room. 

The Game of LIFE, College Edition

Thursday, November 11     |     9 am - 3 pm     |    UC Atrium

Play a game of lifesize LIFE! Free t-shirts and pizza provided while supplies last.

Faculty and Staff Swag Give-Away and Freedom Wall

Friday, November 11     |     9 am - 3 pm     |     Mitchell Hall Patio

Are you a First-generation Faculty or staff member? Drop by the Mitchell Hall Patio for your free swag! We’re thanking our Veterans and Service Members by posting Thank You cards outside of the Veterans & Military Student Services Office. Feel free to stop by and sign a card or simply see what has already been said. 

Fore more information, contact firstgen@memphis.edu.