Oct. 31, 2024
Ferris State’s First-Generation Celebration week designed to engage, celebrate students and supporters
Ferris State University organizers believed one day was not enough to gather students, faculty and staff to honor the first-generation students and support them along their educational journey.
First-generation students come from families where neither of their parents completed a bachelor’s degree in the United States or students who have not been exposed to a university experience.
Ferris State was one of the first universities in the nation to participate in the National First Generation College Student Celebration in 2018. The celebration was expanded to a week of activities the following year.
The national celebration of First-Generation College Student Day is annually on Nov. 8, selected to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Ferris State alumnus David McCall, an associate professor in Interdisciplinary Studies, said the 2024 First-Gen Celebration Week kicks off on Nov. 4 with a dinner that doubles as a lesson.
“It will be a plated dinner that presents an exercise in etiquette, so students can feel comfortable in professional encounters to come as they enter their careers,” McCall said. “We are looking to provide an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for all involved that evening.”
Activities continue Tuesday, Nov. 5, with a group pickleball event and game night in the Ferris Racquet Facility.
“This will provide a chance to learn and play pickleball, then the eSports Arena in the Center for Virtual Learning will be the site to experience gaming on the big screen or just gather for board or card games,” he said.
Author Alejandra Campoverdi will speak on her book, “First-Gen: A Memoir,” on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 in the David L. Eisler Center Ballroom, 805 Campus Drive. McCall said 250 copies of the book will be provided and a book signing session follows the presentation.
Activities on Thursday, Nov. 7, include a deliberative dialogue and trivia night in Room 240 of the Ferris Library for Information, Technology, and Education with dinner from Buffalo Wild Wings starting at 6 p.m.
“Our focus in the dialogue considers what it means to be a First-Gen and will provide an opportunity to offer thoughts on the direction of university resources for these students,” McCall said.
Lunch for the First-Gen community and any interested supporters will be held Friday, Nov. 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the Quad Café. McCall said he hopes for a good showing for First-Gen Day at Ferris State’s football game against Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, Nov. 9.
“We hope to show off our First-Gen winter hats and help the crowd understand the importance of this student group during their halftime introduction,” McCall said. “I am thankful for the collaborative efforts that will make this a great week to identify and commend these wonderful students and supporters.”
Anyone with a disability who needs accommodation to attend an event on the schedule should contact McCall by email at least 72 hours in advance.