Campus Celebrates First-Generation Students

11.18.2019

Valerie Enriquez, an arts and technology senior, hands out giveaways and prizes from the Office of Information Technology at the resource fair during the First-Generation Celebration Day.

The inaugural First-Generation Celebration Day at UT Dallas, held Nov. 8 in the Visitor Center Atrium, drew hundreds across campus to recognize the success of students who are the first in their families to work toward a college degree in the U.S.

Thirty campus programs, research centers and departments helped host a resource fair. Volunteers wearing first-generation student supporter T-shirts were on hand to engage with students.

Courtney Brecheen, senior associate dean of undergraduate education and one of the event’s organizers, thanked participants for their contributions.

“Based on student feedback during the activities, they noticed your efforts, and it was very meaningful to them,” Brecheen said. “I want to thank everyone on campus who participated, for their valuable contribution to increasing awareness of UT Dallas first-generation students and their role in cultivating a sense of belonging.”

Brecheen said the First-Generation Celebration Day will be an annual event at UT Dallas.

Multiple campus departments collaborated on the celebration, including the Office of Undergraduate Education, Auxiliary Services, Living Learning Communities, the Galerstein Gender Center, Office of Diversity and Community Engagement, the Multicultural Center, Residential Life, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the University Career Center, Office of Admission and Enrollment, and the Office of Communications.

–Robin Russell