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Nearly 40% of The University of New Mexico (UNM) student body are first-generation students. At UNM, we celebrate these students because their stories are our story. They embody courage, persistence, and the belief that education opens doors—not just for one, but for entire families and communities.
Being the first in a family to attend college means navigating unfamiliar cultures, expectations, and even language. “You don’t inherit a roadmap. You learn and create it, step by step, while showing others what’s possible,” says Jose Villar, director of UNM College Enrichment and Outreach Programs.
For first-gen students, it is more than learning timelines and processes—it is about forging a path where none exists before. And when they succeed, entire communities rise with them.
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At the close of 2025, UNM and its First-Gen Focus Committee joined branch campuses and the College of Nursing to host dynamic events—from webinars and panels to banner unveilings and athletic recognitions—celebrating the strength and success of first-generation students and the communities they uplift.
This celebration was more than a single day of recognition—it reflected who we are as a university. When we build a place that works for those who must learn it from scratch, we make it better for everyone.
The celebration kicked off with the College of Nursing honoring the unique journeys and future impact of first-generation nursing students as they balance rigorous academics, personal growth, and the calling to care for others.
A First-Generation Parenting Students: Lunch & Learn brought this unique group together to explore their challenges and strengths. Attendees learned how staff and initiatives like Generation Hope’s FamilyU UNM Team helps student parents thrive in college.
A webinar, “Supporting First-Gen Student Well-Being,” featured a dynamic discussion on the mental health and basic needs of first-generation college students. Students and staff shared insights, challenges, and strategies for building a supportive and thriving campus environment.
On Class of 2029 Day, we unveiled a banner proudly signed by all incoming first-year students during orientation—a powerful way to celebrate the start of their Lobo journey and the community we are building with them.
Branch campuses held subsequent celebrations and events including the UNM-Gallup First-Generation Celebration honoring the resilience and achievements of their first-generation students—how they’ve built communities and support systems to help them thrive in college and beyond.
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“We stay with our first-gen students through every milestone by offering scholarships, academic support, mentorship, research opportunities, and guidance that help them not only graduate, but go on to create new knowledge, earn advanced degrees, and lead in their communities,” says Jose Villar, director of UNM College Enrichment and Outreach Programs.
By sharing stories, building awareness, and connecting students to resources, we strengthen a culture where asking for help is a sign of courage—not weakness. At UNM, thousands of first-generation Lobos are proving every day that education transforms lives, families, and communities. Together, we rise.
For more information on The University of New Mexico’s approach, please visit their website.
