Madison College thanks TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous #CelebrateFirstGen grant in support of our First-Generation College Celebration. This investment helped us move #FirstGenForward by uplifting the identities and strengths of first-generation (first-gen) college students.
Since 2017, Madison College has proudly recognized National First-Generation Student Day to honor students who are first in their families to attend college. With determination and courage, first-gen students often navigate college without generational guidance. This grant helped Madison College celebrate, connect, and empower these students.
In collaboration with Career and Employment Services, this year’s celebration offered a professional etiquette workshop series that allowed first-gen students to craft and practice professional communication in a supportive environment.
The celebration continued with a First-Gen Showcase, emceed by first-gen students Marquel Marshall and Karen Contreras. Karen, president of I’m First—a student club for first-gen students—was our December commencement speaker, giving voice to our first-gen community.
The showcase highlighted first-gen student talent and cultural pride. Amairani Garcia-Varela honored her heritage with a Mexican folk song, while Armando Torres paid tribute to his family’s musical legacy by playing guitar and singing. Their performances reflected how first-gen students carry family history and identity alongside their academic goals.
Prior to the showcase, President Jennifer Berne reaffirmed Madison College’s commitment to first-gen students:
“At Madison College, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where First-Gen students can thrive. That commitment is reflected in our designation as a First-Gen Forward Institution… From the ‘I’m First’ student club to Tri Alpha—the first two-year college chapter in Wisconsin—from mentoring and scholarships to success coaching and this very celebration, we are building a campus where First-Gen students are supported, uplifted, and honored.”
Through humor and honest reflection, keynote speaker Matthew Guenette, Madison College English instructor, inspired attendees with his journey of balancing pride and pressure as a first-gen student.
Madison College then inducted 57 students and staff into Tri Alpha, the national honor society for first-gen students. Madison College’s largest induction class brings our total membership to 256.
A meaningful moment occurred when newly inducted student Sylvia Bissonette received two spotted eagle feathers from her father, a chief of the Oglala Sioux Nation, honoring her academic achievement and cultural heritage.
Moving into the Gateway, we enjoyed refreshments and artwork from children of first-gen students, thanks to a collaboration with the Early Learning Campus.
Community members were invited to experience First-Gen Journey, an art exhibition displayed Nov. 6–Dec. 5, 2025, at the Gallery at Truax. The exhibit featured artwork by first-gen faculty, staff, students, and alumni, honoring stories that define the first-gen experience.
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Featured artist and Madison College staff member Alan Wiltgen described his painting,Afloat,” as a reflection of resilience and growth. “My work honors the complexity of being first-generation—the struggle, the pride, and the ongoing journey,” he shared.
Investment from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation helped us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that first-gen students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
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