National First-Generation Week has become an annual signature celebration at St. John Fisher University to honor the determination and accomplishments of first-generation students, and our latest event featured a new centerpiece.
The Alumni World Café, held on Nov. 7, 2025 was built around a roundtable model and designed to spark meaningful dialogue between students and alumni, encouraging them to build community around the shared experiences that shape their Fisher journeys.
These conversations can be transformative for first-generation students who often question whether they truly belong in college. Organizers emphasized how important it is to remind students they are part of a strong, supportive community. For current students, these conversations offered reassurance and clarity at a pivotal moment in their academic journey.
“As a first-generation scholar, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the next steps after college,” shared Matt Clair ’26. “The Alumni World Café was a great experience that allowed me to connect with others and learn how they got to where they are today.”
Alumni panelists echoed the significance of those conversations.
“It is very important for first-generation students to see that there are plenty of other very successful first-generation students who have graduated and started amazing careers,” said Rocco Quatela ’23. “You should always reflect on your growth and use it to push you forward.”
Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of St. John Fisher University and a first-generation graduate, has underscored the importance of ensuring that all first-generation students feel a sense of belonging and support on campus.
“I think many of you know that the founding story of Fisher is one of providing access to students who otherwise would not have had access to higher education,” he said to students at the Alumni World Café. “The very founding purpose of our great university was to serve people who were the first in their families to come to college. Our story as an institution, in my mind, is very much anchored in providing access to affordability and success with a Fisher education. And so, you join decades of other graduates as you progress through the institution, moving to that milestone today.”
The Alumni World Café served as the culmination of a full week of events across campus. Students and employees were invited to take part in other activities such as first-generation trivia pop-up events. Participants received stickers and cookies bearing Fisher’s own “First-Generation and Proud” logo, designed by first-generation student Martin Figueroa ’27. Additionally, a student panel invited guests from around campus to engage in honest, uplifting, and enriching conversations about their experiences at Fisher.
The week’s activities provided members of the campus community with much to reflect on, especially for first-generation students themselves.
“To be a first-generation student is to persevere and have pride in my community, as well as my family,” said Heather Gangemi ’27. “It means a lot to be here at Fisher, because I never thought I would have had this opportunity when I was younger. It all just means a lot to me; that all of my peers and professors are supporting me.
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