Presbyterian College will celebrate and honor its first-generation students with a week of events, activities, and community gatherings during First-Gen Week, Nov. 8–14.
Sponsored by the Presby First+ program, the celebration recognizes students who are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college and highlights their achievements, resilience, and contributions to campus life.
The week begins Saturday, Nov. 8, with a First-Gen Day of Service from 9-11 a.m. at Clinton Elementary School. Students will join local volunteers and community members to plant daffodil bulbs for the Clinton Canopy project, “Daffodils for Remembrance.” Organizers encourage attendees to dress for outdoor work.
On Monday, Nov. 10, First-Gen Week kicks off with a celebration in the Springs Student Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students are encouraged to wear their First-Gen T-shirts, take photos with themed props, follow the Presby First+ Instagram page, and pick up new First-Gen Week swag. That evening, students are invited to the annual Pizza and Pinning Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in Kuhne Auditorium. The ceremony honors first-year and upper-level students who have not yet received their official first-generation pins. The event emphasizes community-building and shared accomplishments among first-generation students.
First-Gen Week continues Tuesday, Nov. 11, with two opportunities for community support and reflection. From 11 a.m. to noon, member of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national first-gen honor society will host a “Dear Future Me” letter-writing and affirmation event in the Springs Center, encouraging students to reflect on their goals and encourage themselves for the remainder of the semester. At the same time, also from 11 a.m. to noon, the college’s Division of Justice and Community Wellbeing is hosting “Pie an Executive,” a fundraiser on the Springs Center lawn to help resupply the college’s hygiene closets. Students can “pie an exec” for $1 to raise funds and awareness for the effort.
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, first-generation graduate students are invited to a luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Harper Gallery. The luncheon provides an opportunity to connect across academic programs and discuss the unique experiences of being first-generation beyond the undergraduate level. That evening, students can unwind during Grocery Bingo at 6 p.m. in Whitelaw Auditorium. Winners will receive grocery items and pantry staples, offering both fun and practical support ahead of finals.
Career preparation takes center stage on Thursday, Nov. 13, with “Career Fest: Where Fun Meets Your Future” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Smyth Hall. Students can visit the SCWorks Mobile Career Center, speak with career advisors, enjoy food and games, and watch peers model professional attire from the Tartan Threads career closet during the “Rip the Runway” showcase. The event is sponsored by the Office of Career and Professional Development.
First-Gen Week concludes Friday, Nov. 14, with “First-Gen Funnies and Flair” at 5:30 p.m. in Edmunds Hall. The program will feature stand-up comedy from visiting comedian Jas Gil, along with poetry, music, and performance pieces by first-generation students.
Throughout the week, students are also invited to participate in the First-Gen T-shirt Design Contest. Designed artwork should represent PC’s first-generation community, use no more than three colors, and fit within a 12×12 printable area. Submissions are due in digital format to tbennett1@presby.edu. Finalists will be selected based on creativity, thematic connection, and visual appeal, and the winning design will be featured on official Presby First+ shirts.
Presby First+ director Tomeika Bennett said First-Gen Week is a time to recognize the determination, pride, and leadership first-generation students bring to campus.
“Celebrating First-Gen week is a momentous occasion as this year marks 60 years since the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded access to higher education institutions throughout the United States,” she said. “This is an important time to reflect on the progress that has been made to extend career opportunities and pathways to economic mobility through higher education. This week is also about continuing to foster a strong sense of community and pride for our first-gen students and champions. It is important that we continue to see and value the assets, unique perspectives, and cultural capital that first-generation students bring to PC.”
For more information, visit PC’s Presby First+ page or follow @presbyfirstplus on Instagram.
