A Week of Community, Pride, and Recognition: Kent State University Celebrates First-generation students, staff, and faculty.

Kent State FGCC Students lined up holding award certificates

I AM FIRST Week culminated on Nov. 7 with a signature celebration that brought together first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni for an afternoon of stories, recognition, and shared pride. Leading up to the big day, a series of engaging events, both in-person and virtual, offered opportunities for connection, reflection, creativity, and fun.

From First-Gen Fuel Up, sponsored by the Division of Student Life, where students met peers and campus support staff over games and free merch, to Buttons, Bracelets & Belonging, sponsored by Student Success Programs which invited students to relax, create, and connect, the week was packed with ways to build community.

Furthermore, our Center for Teaching and Learning sponsored a workshop, as they do every year for the Celebration week, Building Classrooms Where First-Generation Students Belong.” The workshop focused on how to destigmatize resource-sharing and self-efficacy for help-seeking, while offering strategies for belonging and community-building for everyone.

Center Stage: The I AM FIRST Celebration

The I AM FIRST Celebration itself was a powerful reflection of what it means to be a first-generation member of the Kent State family. Attendees signed the I AM FIRST promise banner and listened as speakers shared personal journeys of perseverance and success.

One standout moment came from Executive Vice President and Provost Melody Tankersley, Ph.D., who spoke candidly about her own path as a first-generation college student. Tankersley shared insight and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of community, self-belief, and persistence. She closed with thoughtful advice from the value of office hours to the strength found in honoring where you came from.

Following Tankersley, panelists including students, staff, and faculty shared their own perspectives on mentorship, resilience, and the power of asking for help, reinforcing that no one walks their journey alone.

Recognizing Trailblazers Across Campus

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of I AM FIRST awards recognizing first-generation individuals and advocates across the Kent State community. Categories included:

First-Gen Faculty Advocate
Staff Advocates
First-Gen Alumni
Undergraduate & Graduate Student Awards
Randie E. McKenzie Undergraduate Alumni Award

What It All Means

I AM FIRST Week wasn’t just about celebration; it was about visibility, belonging, and community. Through events, stories, and shared experiences, Kent State showcased how first-generation Flashes and their supporters are making an impact across campus and beyond.

Whether through laughter over cookies, thoughtful conversation on a panel, or signing the promise banner, the week served as a powerful reminder that being first isn’t something students do alone, it’s something the whole Kent State community stands behind.

For more information on Kent State's approach, please visit their website.