First-Gen Awards
Ferris State University is excited to honor First-Gen advocates who go above and beyond to support and celebrate what it means to be First-Gen. There are two First-Gen awards which represent the outstanding achievements of a First-Gen student and those who support them. Recipients of these awards will be honored each spring during the Tri-Alpha Honor Society induction on.
The application period is now closed for the 2024-25 academic year. Please check back in January 2026.
Outstanding First-Generation Student Award
The Outstanding First-Generation Student Award recognizes a First-Generation student at Ferris State University who has made significant contributions to the Ferris community through service and support of First-Generation initiatives. This can be either a nomination or a self-nomination process (First-Gen Ferris students only) where you will be asked to submit a 250-300 word essay.
The application period is now closed for the 2024-25 academic year. Please check back in January 2026.
Outstanding First-Generation Advocate Award
The Outstanding First-Generation Advocate Award recognizes a member (faculty, staff, or administrator) of Ferris State University who has made significant contributions to the success of First-Generation students through advocacy, inclusion, mentorship, pedagogical approach, First-Gen focused programming, scholarly research, and/or service to First-Generation students (this person does not need to be First-Gen).
Nominations for the Outstanding First-Generation Advocate award can come from any member of the Ferris State University community (students, faculty, staff, administrators, etc.).
The application period is now closed for the 2024-25 academic year. Please check back in January 2026.