JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION!
On and around November 8, Penn State will join colleges and universities nationwide in recognizing the National First-Generation College Celebration. This day is dedicated to building community, raising awareness of the first-generation experience, and uplifting the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are the first in their immediate families to pursue a college degree. This year marks Penn State’s fifth consecutive year hosting University-wide events and recognition opportunities to celebrate and support our first-gen community.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
We invite faculty, staff, alumni, and students to share their first-generation stories all year long! Your stories of success, resilience, and growth will be highlighted through the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success Instagram account (@psu_success).
Share Your First-Generation Story!
Attend one or more of the events:
Signature Events:
HUB Takeover
Monday, November 3, 2025
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center
Celebrate being #PSUFirstGen with food, activities, giveaways, and prizes. There will be opportunities to meet members of the First-Gen Advocates (FGA) student organization and the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha honor society to find out how to support or join Penn State’s first-generation community. Also on hand will be representatives from different centers to share resources, events, and programs for first-gen students.
First-Generation Community Night
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Heritage Hall
Join first-gen students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a mixer with free food, networking, first-gen recognition awards, and awesome door prizes.
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
Friday, November 7, 2025
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Heritage Hall
Join the Eta Psi chapter of the Trai-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society as they induct their third class and recognize the accomplishments of first-gen scholars, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Events Across the University:
FIRST-GEN KICKOFF EVENT (Berks Campus)
Monday, November 3, 2025
12:15pm – 1:15pm, Perkins Student Center Lobby
Join us for a celebratory kickoff event to launch First-Gen Week. The event will feature light refreshments, music, and opportunities learn about the first-gen experience as well as upcoming events.
POP Up: First Gen Edition
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 & Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Chambers Building Atrium
Stop by to make a first-gen button, grab a snack, and learn about first-generation resources.
First Generation Community Zine
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m, Starbucks area, first floor Paterno Library
Express your creative side and share your first gen story through words, drawings, collage, and more!
CAB FIRST-GEN GAME NIGHT (Berks Campus)
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Perkins Student Center -MPR
Join the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for an interactive and inclusive game night in celebration of First-Gen Week! This event will feature games designed to spark connection, conversation, and reflection on the first-generation college experience—while keeping the atmosphere fun and welcoming for everyone.
FIRST-GEN STORIES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN (Berks Campus)
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Penn State Berks social media accounts
Highlighting personal stories from our first-generation community — students, faculty, and staff — throughout the day/week.
Liberal Arts First-Gen Community Coloring Night
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success, 139 Sparks Building
Celebrate National First-Gen Celebration Week with a community coloring hangout for first-gen Liberal Arts students from 3:00–7:00 p.m. Stop by the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center in 139 Sparks Building anytime! Dean Clarence Lang, a proud first-gen graduate, will be there from 4:00–5:00 p.m. to meet students and take photos.
First Gen Music BINGO
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Lions Lair 008, HUB-Robeson Center
Join First-Gen Advocates (FGA) for an exciting evening of Music Bingo. There are prizes you won’t want to miss!
FIRST@Eberly
Thursday, November 6, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Ritenour Building Lower Level
A relaxed fall hangout for first-gen undergraduate students in the Eberly College of Science as part of the National First-Generation Celebration Week. Enjoy free lunch and time to connect with fellow first-gen classmates.
HEADSHOTS & DROP-IN SUPPORT (Berks Campus)
Thursday, November 6, 2025
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., TBD
Event Description: A professional development event offering free headshots for students, along with drop-in support from Career Services and Academic Advising. Designed to support first-generation students as they prepare for career and academic success.
Penn State Harrisburg’s First-Gen College Celebration Day (Harrisburg Campus)
Friday, November 7, 2025
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Gallery Lounge (Olmsted W107)
Come celebrate, connect, and empower one another at Penn State Harrisburg’s First-Gen College Celebration Day! Whether you’re a first-generation student or an advocate, this event is a chance to honor the journeys, challenges, and successes of first-gen students on our campus. What to Expect: Meet & Greet: Connect with fellow first-gen students, faculty, and staff. Share your experiences and build supportive connections. Keynote Speaker – Corey Dupree: Hear from alumni Corey Dupree, who is now serving as a commissioner on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs for the Josh Shapiro administration. He was recently honored with a NAACP Greater Harrisburg Branch Presidential Award. He will share his inspiring journey from first-gen student to community leader and advocate. Resource Exploration: Discover programs, tools, and opportunities Penn State offers to support your success. Community Building: Break down the jargon, ask questions, and form friendships with those navigating similar paths. Free Food!: Enjoy refreshments in a relaxed and welcoming environment! This celebration also commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, a landmark moment that opened doors for millions of first-generation college students across the country. RSVP on Discover to secure your spot and join us for this day of community, empowerment, and celebration.
"First in the Field" Celebration
Friday, November 7, 2025
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., ASI (Agricultural Sciences & Industries Building)
First-generation students, faculty, staff, and allies are welcome to stop by our table to share your first-gen story, learn who else in the college is first-gen, and grab some apple cider & a fall treat!
SUPPORT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HOME OPENER (Berks Campus)
Friday, November 7, 2025
7:00 p.m., Beaver Athletic & Wellness Center
Join us in supporting the Women’s Basketball team during their home opener as we wrap up First-Gen Celebration Week. This event will also feature a spotlight on our first-generation athletes.
Follow #PSUFirstGen on socials to stay up to date on all Celebration-related news and stories, and return to this page for updates on other events happening across the University!
