Tennessee Tech marks National First-Generation College Celebration Day with campus events
Tennessee Tech University will celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of first-generation college students with a week of activities Nov. 9-13, timed to immediately follow National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Led by the university’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, First-Gen Week will offer students opportunities to connect, share their experiences and learn more about resources available to help them thrive at Tech.
“First-generation students bring so much to our campus. They bring unique perspectives, determination and a drive to create new opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Charria Campbell, executive director of First-Generation Student Success. “At Tennessee Tech, we want every first-generation student to know they belong here and that there is an entire community ready to support them. This week gives us an opportunity not only to celebrate first-gen students’ accomplishments, but also to make sure they know about the people, programs and resources available to help them succeed.”
Approximately 29% of undergraduate students at Tech are the first in their families to attend college. The Office of First-Generation Student Success supports those students and their families from recruitment through graduation and beyond, connecting them with campus resources, faculty and staff mentors and a supportive peer network.
First-Gen Week activities begin Monday, Nov. 9, with “Craft Your Semester” from 5-6 p.m. in the Roaden University Center’s Multipurpose Room. Students can create agendas, journals and vision boards designed to help them plan and set goals for the semester.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, “Proudly First: First-Gen Stories” will bring together first-generation students and staff from 11 a.m.-noon, also in the Multipurpose Room. Panelists, including Provost Mickey A. Latour, will share their experiences and discuss navigating college as first-generation students.
The celebration wraps up Friday, Nov. 13, with the university’s monthly “First-Gen Friday” networking and resource event from 10 a.m.-noon in the same location. Free food is provided.
National First-Generation College Celebration Day is observed annually on Nov. 8, commemorating the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has proclaimed Nov. 8, 2026, as First-Generation College Celebration Day in Tennessee, recognizing the contributions first-generation students make to the state’s colleges, universities, communities and workforce.
For more information about Tennessee Tech’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, visit www.tntech.edu/first-gen.