Dear UMPI Community,
Each year in early November, colleges and universities across the country come together to celebrate First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) Day. The day marks the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 8th at his alma mater, then Southwest Texas State College. That moment in history opened doors that had long remained closed to millions of Americans, expanding access to higher education and establishing the federal financial aid programs that continue to make college possible for so many. Indeed, the HEA was born from the belief that education should not be a privilege for a few–but a possibility, indeed a right, for all. Today, initiatives such as our Upward Bound and TRiO programs have helped thousands of UMPI students realize this opportunity, ensuring that students from limited-income and first-generation backgrounds not only access higher education but thrive within it. (A reminder that you can find more information about the services UMPI provides at our Student Support Services website.)
For many of us, this belief is deeply personal. As a First-Gen student myself, I experienced the disorientation and alienation that can come from navigating unfamiliar systems, processes, and institutions that often didn’t seem to be made for those with divergent backgrounds. This is why we work so hard at UMPI to provide every individual not just the financial opportunity to succeed, but also the tools, services, and support for you to thrive in your studies, whether you pursue them on the campus or across the country.
As we have done for several years, we recognize FGCC Day on November 12th and celebrate the stories of our First-Gen students. We know the courage it takes to be the first—to step into a world that may not seem created for you or that understands your journey—and the strength it takes to keep going anyway. First-Gen Day is a reminder that none of us get here alone, that we are part of something larger: a community that learns, grows, and succeeds together. So, to our first-generation students, faculty, and staff—you have my most profound thanks for sharing your journey with us. Your courage and your presence make our university stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
