Through signature annual events, the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters to strengthen our first-gen community and advance student success across the institution. While many Penn State colleges and campuses host their own first-generation programs and celebrations, the events featured here are coordinated at the university-wide level by the Chaiken Center for Student Success.

Signature First-Generation Events

PSU First
The Center welcomed new first-gen Nittany Lions into the #PSUFirstGen community with an event in early September that featured free Chick-fil-a, a photobooth, and opportunities to connect with First-Gen Advocates and Tri-Alpha.

First-Generation College Celebration Day
Held annually on or around November 8, this national celebration honors the achievements and resilience of first-generation college students. Penn State’s celebration includes campus-wide programming, storytelling, and opportunities to show pride in your first-gen identity. The 2026 Celebration Week will be held November 2-6.

First-Gen Student Support Summit
Hosted each spring semester, this university-wide gathering brings together faculty and staff who support first-generation students. The Summit highlights emerging research, promising practices, and strategies to create a future-ready experience for first-gen students at Penn State.

First-Gen Senior Community Celebration
In Spring 2025, we launched a new event recognizing graduating first-generation students and their achievements! This celebration brought together more than 150 students, faculty, and staff to honor the legacy and success of the first-gen community. At the event, graduates received an exclusive first-gen graduate pin.

Expanding First-Gen Community Traditions

The Chaiken Center continues to grow opportunities for connection and celebration amongst the first-generation community.

Stay tuned for additional events and ways to engage throughout the academic year.