Celebrating first: MSU highlighted first-generation students through weeklong activities

By Mikia Lawrence
Photography by Emma Andrechek

National First-Generation College Celebration Day falls on Nov. 8, every year. Michigan State University spent the 2024 week honoring its first-generation students, faculty and staff through events during first-generation week on campus. About 21% of the undergraduate population at MSU is first-generation, so the university and the MSU First-Generation Student Success program work to help students feel supported.

A small group of students standing and clapping in the Union ballroom while they look at something out of picture.

First-generation university students share their recognition and pass the applause to their peers in recognition of their accomplishments. The Office of Undergraduate Dducation estimates that 39% of first-generation students made the 2024 spring semester dean’s list with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Sarah Ward, the program director for First-Generation Student Success. “We know you've been told probably your whole life that you're
going to have to figure it out on your own and that's the biggest lie that I think you've been told, so ask for help. We're here to help guide you.”

On Nov. 6, 2024, the program hosted the Vanderploeg First-Generation Reception and Awards as a part of First-Generation Week. All first-generation students, faculty and staff were welcome to network as well as be recognized. Events like these highlighted the importance of supporting students who are first-generation.

Man stands behind podium speaking to the crowd in front of a projector screen with a collection of large balloons in green, gold, white and red to his left

Tony Cox, a fifth-year student gives his thanks after receiving the 2024 outstanding first-gen student award. Cox pursued a degree in apparel and textile Design and a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Getting recognition and showing that you are appreciated is really, really impactful,” said Briana Briggs, a first-generation student and third-year human biology student. “Being able to have resources like TRIO and stuff like that, not only do they acknowledge the fact that you're a first-generation student, they’re also supportive.”

Briggs is the oldest of eight children and highlighted how much it meant to her in order to succeed in college and show her younger siblings that anything is possible. “It means a lot to me. One of my biggest ways I look at it is that I'm a role model,” Briggs said. She’s one of many students who appreciate being a first-generation student, despite the struggles.

A man stands behind a podium speaking to the crowd backdropped by a projector screen with a group of balloons colored in green, white, gold and red, to his right.

Michigan State University TRIO Student Support Services commends Rodney Barrow Jr. for his leadership and engagement as the 2024 TRIO Trailblazer. Barrow Jr. is a fourth-year student who studied mechanical engineering..

“It's fulfilling because I get to get an education that I know nobody can take away from me, and I think that's the importance of, at least in my family, getting education, because once you got it, you can just keep it,” said Jalen Akeem, a fourth-year student studying chemical engineering.

Akeem reflected on preparing to graduate in the spring, and is proud of what he has accomplished at Michigan State. “I am able to live the dream of my past family members who might not have been able to go to college due to all types of reasons,” Akeem said.

Three people stand on a stage in front of a projector screen facing a small crowd. The center person is holding a large certificate.

Dr. Yolanda Anderson, a faculty member in the college of engineering, poses for a picture with her 2024 first-generation advocate award. Dr. Anderson attended Auburn University where she received her Ph.D. in computer science.

“It [being first-generation] definitely makes it harder, but I definitely take a lot of pride in that,” Briggs said. “It just really shows me that I can do anything, and it's really empowering.”

Akeem shared a similar sentiment when he gave advice to other students like him. “Acknowledge that being a first-generation [student] takes a lot of willpower, and it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort,” Akeem said.

Briggs and Akeem, like many other first-generation students, know that the struggles they faced do not define them. They both understand that their hard work paid off and is not something to take for granted. With programs like the MSU First-Generation Student Success and TRIO SSS, students have access to resources to guide them through all four years of college. They just have to reach out.