Trio-SSSMarian University will highlight the first-generation identity and pride among its faculty, staff, and students through a week-long First Generation College Celebration being held by the Marian University TRIO-Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) programs Nov. 2-6.

TRIO SSS and UBMS are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education to increase graduation rates of its participants. TRIO-SSS staff wrote and were awarded one of 31 grants offered by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and The Suder Foundation in support of First-Generation College Celebrations across the nation.

This year’s week-long celebration in honor of first-generation students, staff, and faculty invites Horace Mann and Fond du Lac High School UBMS students, their family members, along with the greater Fond du Lac community, to join in the virtual events.

Events planned include:

  • Nov 2, 6:30 p.m. – Former public school educator, a military veteran, a parent to a child with disabilities, and entrepreneur Mills Rodgers will address civil liberties and share his philosophy, “Success is a Process, Not an Event,” in room A205 or via Zoom here.
  • Nov 4, 5:30 p.m. – TRIO-SSS graduates will virtually address life after commencement, their pursuit of graduate degrees, their professional accomplishments, and answer audience questions. Accessible here, panelists will include Kadeesha Duncan (PSY ’19), Melissa Hoeppner (BSW ’17, MS Ed Studies ’19), Shika Johnson (BIO ’15), and Reggie Parson (CRJ ’13).
  • Nov 5, 5 p.m. – For students and recent grads – DJ Faro will perform during a fun-filled hour of music, trivia, and prizes, followed at 6:30 p.m. by the Lift Your Voice Workshop featuring TRIO-SSS 2013 graduate and Senior Legislative Aide and Policy Analyst to the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives Reginald Parson. Emphasizing the value of sharing your voice and speaking up for what you believe in, this workshop will help attendees clarify their values and more effectively share their voice with others. The virtual event is accessible here.
  • Nov 6, 1 p.m. – For college access professionals – A joint celebration will kick-off with opening remarks from Sarah E. Whitley, Ph.D., assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success and Maureen Hoyler, J.D., president, Council for Opportunity in Education. It will also feature a panel discussion about the history of the first-generation student definition utilizing an asset-based lens – register here.
  • Nov 8 – All are invited to share on the Marian University TRIO-SSS Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts why they are proud to be first-generation, using the hashtags #TRIOworks, #CelebrateFirstGen2020, and #Marian1stGenSabres.