Fun
Celebrating First-Generation Students
GMercyU held special events to coincide with the nationwide First- Generation College Celebration on November 8 . GMercyU ’ s celebration was part of the Diversity Series supported by the President ’ s Excellence Fund ( see below ). It was co-hosted by The Center for Teaching and Learning , The Office of Diversity , Equity & Inclusion , the Accessibility Office , Office of First-Year Experience , and The Mercy Center .
In addition to spreading awareness with a table in University Hall – complete with free “ I ’ m First !” stickers and pins – and a social media campaign , GMercyU also held a faculty and staff discussion on better understanding and supporting firstgeneration student success . Faculty could also take part in a similar virtual panel hosted by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators ( NASPA ).
Being a first-generation college student came with additional pressures to succeed , to show not only myself , but my family that I am capable . My first-gen identity does not inherently change how I approach working with students ; however , I have noticed some patterns in students with parents who have college degrees vs . those who do not . Those who have parents with college degrees seem to have a better understanding of work-life balance and seem more prepared for the workload of college .
JOE AZZARANO ’ 19 , MSED MATH SPECIALIST
My parents were hard-working and blue collar . My mom was brilliant , raised in Washington , GA . She earned a full scholarship to the University of Georgia , but her father forbade her from going to college - ‘ girls stay home and have children .’ My mom ’ s greatest joy was seeing both of her daughters achieve a college degree . To help influence and shape my students today is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of my nursing career . I can spot the passion and determination in students who have fought hard to sit in my classroom .
MARIA C . JORDAN MSN , RN NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Fun
Fact
52 %
of GMercyU students identified as “ first generation ” - the first in their families to attend a fouryear college ( Fall 2023 )
President ’ s Excellence Fund Recipients for 2023-2024
Each year , President D ’ Emilio awards mini grants to fund various undergraduate academic projects . This year ’ s recipients of this competitive process included :
• Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program : A Transformative Learning Experience
• Tap Immersion at Lindley Academy Charter School , Philadelphia
• The President ’ s Science and Mathematics Research Stipend
• Promoting Global Health Through Service
• Trauma-Informed Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Sessions
• Diversity Series ( including Celebrating First-Generation Students , see above )
Learn more about each project here .
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