November 18, 2025

Community and support: Students share the benefits of Ferris State’s new First-Gen Den

Ferris State University’s Office of First-Generation Initiatives celebrated the grand opening of the First-Gen Den, surrounded by first-generation Bulldogs and campus leaders.

The new space is in FLITE Library Room 119, with a First-Gen Den Supply Depot located directly across from it.

Dave McCall, Ferris State’s director of Title III SIP Grant and professor, shared how the First-Gen Den came into existence and what it means for Ferris State students.

“This is a space dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering our first-generation students,” McCall said. “This center came into fruition through hard work, dedication, generosity, frugalness, and working with a pretty small budget at times – which in many ways is symbolically representative of the journey of many of our first-generation students.”

McCall said the new space goes beyond its physical being, as it ultimately connects students with peers and creates a sense of belonging. He appreciated those who helped make the First-Gen Den a reality, including the First-Gen work group, the Ferris Foundation, and campus administrators.

Ferris State President Bill Pink said it’s important to have campus leaders who are passionate about helping students lead a successful life.

“We are known nationally for the work we do with our first-gen students and in these programs,” Pink said. “As a Ferris State Bulldog, you’re a champion, you’re a winner.”

Jenny Jakulin was introduced as the administrator of First-Generation Student Engagement for the office. She highlighted four students who shared their perspectives as first-generation students at Ferris State: Sherlyne Moreno, Adrian Herrera, Jeremiah Wilder, Mia DeBerry, and Semmon Robinson.

“I actually didn’t think I was going to college out of high school; I barely graduated by the skin of my teeth,” Wilder said. “After, I was stuck. My aunt said, ‘You can either go to college or get a job… living a day-to-day life.’ I wasn’t interested that… I visited a lot of schools, but none of them stuck out to me like Ferris did.

“Eventually I got through admissions and joined the Determined Dawgs (Student Success) Program. I really appreciate this space, because not only does it remind me of why I’m doing what I’m doing, but it also shows me that there are plenty of people around me to help consistently with what I’m doing. And there are plenty people around me that I can help too.”

Moreno stressed the importance of peer support and advising services.

“I want to thank our advisors for being here, because they are like our pillars for first-gen and are really the ones who help us bring stuff together,” Moreno said. “First-gen, for me, means helping others. Being a part of it has opened a lot of doors for me.

“I’m raised from a single mom, and I have an older sibling who unfortunately couldn’t finish college, so I feel like I’m trying to follow in her footsteps to accomplish this, and first-gen has helped me out with that.”

Word-to-mouth is one of the most critical ways students, especially those considered to be first-generation, learn about what’s available at their school. Whether its support services, food pantries, social clubs, and beyond.

Like the other students, Herrera says he was introduced to the first-gen organization by a fellow student (Moreno) and is determined to succeed for himself and his parents.

“First-gen for me means succeeding for my parents and for me, too,” Herrera said. “My dad immigrated here around the same age I am right now and sacrificed a lot of his teen years for me. I feel like I want to prove to him and myself that I was worth that sacrifice.

“I want to meet new people, meet new faces and get to know those I’ve already seen. I also want to help others who have a similar story like mine.”

DeBerry noted that “getting by in life” is what made her realize that college was one of few ways to avoid that reality.

“When I first came to college, it was a big adjustment because nobody in my family went,” DeBerry said. “I wanted more for myself, and I knew I could (have that). I got accepted into college by the grace of God, because I didn’t believe in myself that much, or to make it through college.

DeBerry continued by reflecting on the recurrence of people starting college but not finishing. However, she says that Ferris State is a place where advisors and peer-mentors make sure Bulldogs make it to the finish line.

Now as a junior, DeBerry also realizes that she’s at the point of her career where she can help others join the Bulldog community while easing the growing pains.

“We’re to the point of not just focusing on ourselves, but being able to help incoming freshman, letting them know that they have support and a space to do this,” DeBerry said.

Robinson was recently spotlighted in a video where she talked about her journey as a first-generation student, and how she became a Ferris State Bulldog.

Now serving as the President of the First-Generation Registered Student Organization, she recognizes how important the opening of the First-Gen Den is to students who are brand new to navigating the college experience.

“To have a space where we can all come together as a community, and a space that’s just for us, I think that’s really amazing,” Robinson said.

With original plans to attend a different university, Robinson says she is grateful that her unexpected hiccup resulted in a great experience in Big Rapids.

“Ever since I joined the first-gen RSO… my experience here as first-generation student has sky-rocketed,” Robinson said. “Shout out to all the faculty and staff members who help impact us as first-gen students.”