SUNY Old Westbury put a spotlight on first-generation students during First-Generation Celebration Week.
From November 3 through November 6, students, faculty and staff celebrated first-generation students in honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8.
The campus community joined together to celebrate the 49 percent of undergraduate students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. The week-long celebration upheld the university’s mission of community engagement by promoting campus-wide collaboration and providing interactive activities that involved staff, faculty, and students.
“When we invest in first-generation college students, we are investing in systemic change,” said Maribel Cordero-Garcia, first-generation student specialist within the Office of First-Generation Student Support & Programs. “We are reshaping the narrative of what is possible for generations to come.”
Old Westbury offers amazing opportunities to express yourself as a first-gen and will support you all throughout your journey...
- Adan Pleitez '26
The week kicked off with “Snag a Button, Wear it Proud!” in which students were able to stop by the first-generation office to receive a special celebratory button.
Students had the opportunity to relax and socialize during “First-Generation CAB Coffee Hour,” where they received free coffee and snacks to help them rejuvenate during the school day. To cultivate connection and inspire their peers, attendees used washable markers to write uplifting messages to first-generation students on the windows in the Campus Center, such as “you got this, your parents will be proud.”
First-gen students, faculty, staff and supporters had their “’I am First’ Photos!” photos taken old-school-style, using a polaroid camera. At the decorating station, they added their own unique flair to their polaroids using tapes, gemstones, markers, and more.
“Old Westbury offers amazing opportunities to express yourself as a first-gen and will support you all throughout your journey,” said Adan Pleitez ‘26, senior student in the Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature & Culture undergraduate program.
The week finished with “Napkins & Networking,” in which first-gen students invited their faculty and staff mentors to lunch at the Food Hall.
“Hearing directly from staff, especially when they shared how challenging some days could be, it did more than illuminate the path,” said Esmeili Toribio ‘29, freshman Psychology student. “It made me realize I could actually do this even on the tough days.”
SUNY Old Westbury’s Office of First-Generation Student Support & Programs hosted the series of events during the week with the support of the Auxiliary Service Corporation, Campus Activities Board, Chartwells and TRIO.
Through programming and guidance, the Office of First-Generation Student Support & Programs helps first-generation students navigate the college experience so they can achieve academic and professional success, a sense of belonging and positive well-being. To support first-generation students who may be balancing their academic life with their personal obligations, the office connects students to flexible online programs like America Needs You: FirstGenU Career Institute and BASTA, which provides access to professional networks, internships and job readiness training. The office also partners with the Hispanic Federation and TheDream.US to empower students to overcome barriers in higher education.