Gateway Technical College proudly celebrated First in the Family Week across our district, uplifting the achievements, resilience, and cultural wealth of our first-generation students, faculty, and staff. From Nov. 3-6, our campuses in Elkhorn, Racine, and Kenosha came alive with connection, reflection, and opportunity. Co-led by Desmar McDuffie and Francisco Navarro, alongside a dedicated First in the Family Week Committee, the initiative centered the voices and experiences of those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education and who continue to lead the way for others.
It's so important that we recognize the courage, resilient spirit, and determination of the students and staff in our Gateway community who are first in their families to pursue higher education. They need to know that they belong here, are supported, and are essential to our college and the community at large.
2025 First in the Family Week video
We began the week by grounding ourselves in tradition and remembrance. From Nov. 3-5, our campuses featured stunning Día de los Muertos altar displays. Vivid ofrendas, or offerings, were designed by students and staff to honor loved ones who have passed away. This experience reminded us that first-generation identity is rooted in family history, strength, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
These sacred spaces were more than just beautiful; they were deeply meaningful, symbolizing the legacy, culture, and sacrifices that shape the journeys of first-generation students. In addition to the physical altars, we created a virtual ofrenda, where faculty, staff, and students submitted photos of family members, friends, and even cherished pets. These images were shared in a collective presentation and table display, connecting the entire Gateway community in a shared act of remembrance.
Nov. 4-6, First in the Family Week shifted its focus to academic and career readiness. A highlight of these efforts was the Racine Transfer Fair, where first-generation Gateway students met directly with four-year college/university representatives to explore transfer opportunities, financial aid options, and future career paths. At the same time, pop-up celebrations and food truck events brought energy and excitement to our Elkhorn, Racine, and Kenosha campuses. These gatherings weren't just about celebration; they were about building community and ensuring students felt connected, informed, and supported. We enabled students to see that their futures are bright and that their goals are attainable by combining enjoyment with resources.
The week culminated on Nov. 6 with a First Gen Success and Data Presentation at the Kenosha campus. This session was more than just a review of statistics; it was a powerful affirmation of Gateway's commitment to equity and transparency. The presentation highlighted the measurable outcome and persistence of first-generation students, reframing their journeys through an asset-based lens. Rather than focusing on challenges or deficits, we celebrated the determination, leadership, and cultural wealth that first-generation students bring to our campuses. Faculty, staff, and students participated in collaborative discussions about how to enhance mentoring, advising, and other wraparound services to ensure every first-generation student has the tools they need to succeed.
Gateway IT-Software Development program student Ethan Wojciechowski said: "It's a pretty significant accomplishment and responsibility to be the first person in my family to go to college, kind of setting the example to my younger siblings and my children, showing that higher education is possible, despite your upbringing and where you're coming from."
While the in-person events fostered a sense of belonging and pride, the impact of First in the Family Week goes beyond the celebrations. The organizing committee created a First in the Family LibGuide, offering centralized access to academic tools, first-generation, and transfer resources. They also produced a video featuring first-generation students and staff sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that being first isn't a limitation. It's a legacy of leadership and courage.
First in the Family Week wasn't just a celebration. It was a statement of who we are as a district. We celebrate identity, create intentional spaces, and provide clear pathways to success. Above all, we affirm that all students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to pursue higher education belong here at Gateway. Being first is not just a personal achievement—it's a community legacy. Together, we are building a brighter future.
For more information on the Gateway Technical College's approach, please visit their website.
/FGCC%20Blogs/CSUSB%20FGCC%20Blog.png)