What is the National First-Generation College Student Celebration?

In November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) partnerered with the Center for First-Generation Student Success, which is an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation, to launch the inaugural First-Generation College Student Celebration.

The now annual event, which is held each year on November 8 to commemorate the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, encourages colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the successes of the institution's first-generation faculty, staff, and students.

2025 First Generation Celebration Events

First-Gen Headshots on the Mall

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Centennial Mall

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Are you a first-generation student, faculty, or staff member at Montana State? Come and get your headshot taken and let us know what it means to you to be first-gen. These photos will be utilized in an exhibition in the library.

First-Gen Photo Exhibition

November 1 - November 30, 2025

Renne Library Bobcat Browse

Visit the Renne Library during the month of November to experience what it means to be First-Gen through the thoughts of First-Gen faculty, staff, and students.

Famous First-Gen Display

November 1 - November 30, 2025

Reid Hall 3rd Floor

Drop by the TRIO SSS Office during the month of November to learn about famous First-Gens!

National First-Generation College Celebration Kickoff

Monday, November 3, 2025

9:00am - 11:00am

Location TBD

Let's celebrate the kickoff of the National First-Generation College Celebration together! Come by for snacks in the library hosted by the First-Generation Celebration Committee! There will be easy snacks to grab, hot beverages, photo props, and freebies! 

First-Generation Speed Networking

Monday, November 3, 2025

4:30pm - 5:30pm

SUB 233/235

 

First-Generation Advocate Training

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

1:00pm - 4:00pm

SIGN UP REQUIRED

Ballroom D

In this workshop, participants will learn what first-generation college student (FGCS) means, current national and local trends, and best practices to better support FGCS at MSU. A student panel of FGCS will provide an opportunity to hear and learn directly about student experiences. Participants will leave this workshop with a better understanding of who FGCS are, their experiences, and how to best serve them in their roles at MSU.

Spaces in this training are limited. Please sign up to guarantee your spot.

First-Gen Workshop with Carlos Gomez

Thursday, November 6, 2025

12:00pm - 1:00pm

By Invitation Only 

Carlos Andrés Gómez is a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and educator from New York City. He has won more than 100 prizes, honors, and awards as an author, poet, actor, playwright, and filmmaker.

During this lunch, First-Gen Bobcats will be able to connect with Carlos in a small group. 

First-Generation College Celebration Showcase

Friday, November 7, 2025

3:00pm - 5:00pm

 In this inaugural showcase, first-generation students will present their research, artwork, poems, music, among other incredible things to the campus community. This will be a time to highlight the outstanding things first-generation students are doing at Montana State University.

If you are a student and interested in presenting at the showcase, please fill out the interest form by 11:59pm on October 26, 2025 and a member of the First-Generation Committee will reach out to you.

First Generation Students Admissions Webinar

TBD

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Virtual

For Future Bobcats -- Join us for our First Generation Students Webinar to learn about the wide network of student services and resources available to help support our growing community of First Generation College Students at MSU!

See previous years' celebrations below: