Celebrating First-Gen Voices

UMSI's 2025 First-Gen Week

Recognizing the resilience, pride, and community of first-generation students and staff.

Each year, the University of Michigan joins colleges and universities across the country in recognizing First-Generation Celebration  Week. The celebration honors the resilience, determination, and diverse pathways of students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. At the University of Michigan School of Information, this commitment extends well beyond a single week. In partnership with First-Gen Gateway, UMSI works year-round to elevate first-generation voices and foster a community where first-gen students, staff, faculty, and alumni feel supported and valued.

A Week Focused on Connection and Belonging

UMSI’s 2025 First-Gen Celebration Week, held October 31 through November 6, featured a series of events designed to create space for connection, learning, and shared experience. The week began with informal drop-in gatherings on both North and Central Campus. Students, staff, and faculty stopped by for first-gen-themed swag, snacks, and conversation, setting a welcoming tone and encouraging community-building from the start.

Midweek, the Career Development Office hosted a First-Gen Internship Panel that focused on navigating the internship search, preparing for interviews, and stepping into professional environments that may feel unfamiliar to first-generation students. The following week, a Universal Design–themed workshop invited participants to reflect on unspoken academic norms that often shape the university experience, highlighting the importance of inclusive design practices that reduce barriers for first-gen and disabled students alike.

“As a first-gen college graduate myself, this celebration week is really close to my heart,” shared Shannon Gass, Assistant Director of Academic Success and Student Support. “I appreciate UMSI’s commitment to supporting our first-gen community and look forward to continually finding ways to holistically support our first-gen students throughout their time at UMSI.”

Community Celebration Dinner

A highlight of the week was the First-Gen Community Celebration Dinner on November 6. The event brought together first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff for an evening centered on pride, connection, and shared experience. Through conversation and reflection, attendees connected across roles and generations, building relationships rooted in a shared identity.

The dinner also provided students with opportunities to network with mentors who understand the unique challenges and strengths of being first-generation. This year’s featured speakers included Lauren Cecil, Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations, who offered practical advice on networking and community-building, and Kevin Gray (MADS ’22), who reflected on his journey to the University of Michigan and embracing his first-gen identity as a source of strength. Together, their stories echoed the core themes of the week: resilience, community, positivity, and celebration.

A Year-Round Commitment

UMSI’s First-Gen Celebration Week was co-sponsored by Development and Alumni Relations, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Office of Organizational Culture and Community, and the Career Development Office. Together, these units reinforce UMSI’s ongoing commitment to first-generation students, not only during this annual celebration but throughout the academic year.

“It is so meaningful to see this community come together and build lasting relationships," says Allison Sweet, Senior Assistant Director of Student Life. “We look forward to offering even more opportunities for connection and continuing to support our first-gen student community.”