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The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, has awarded º£½ÇÉçÇø a $500 grant in support of the institutions inaugural First-Generation Celebration. 
  
National First-Generation College Celebration Day, celebrated annually on Nov. 8, raises awareness, and celebrates accomplishments of first-generation college students. This year, Nov. 8 marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which included initiatives for low-income and first-generation college students. 
  
To commemorate this day, the LU Office of Global Diversity & Inclusive Excellence is set to host a First-Generation College Celebration Kickoff on Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center. This event will recognize LU’s commitment to the success of first-generation students, staff and faculty. 
 
“This is our second year hosting the First-Gen Celebration and the theme this year is ‘Setting the Stage for Success’ because that is exactly what we want to do for our students while they are here,” said Wilma Jackson, director of Global Diversity & Inclusive Excellence. "We'll explore what it means to be first-generation and students, faculty and staff will be able to share their experiences. It's really going to be an amazing kickoff event and we want to continue to make an impact on the campus."

Earlier this year, the Center for First-Generation Student Success announced º£½ÇÉçÇø as one of the 2021-2022 First-gen Forward cohorts. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. 

“Over 50% of our student body identifies as first-gen and it’s so important for us to continue to do the work to support those students," Jackson said. "We believe in our students, and we want to make sure that they are successful.” 
  
To learn more about first-generation efforts at º£½ÇÉçÇø visit the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusive Excellence First Gen Forward website or contact Wilma Jackson. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit .