SAU Celebrates First-Generation Day

St. Ambrose University joins colleges and universities across the country in celebrating First-Generation Day on Nov. 8.

It is a day to recognize, applaud and revel in the tenacity, drive, and achievements of students, faculty, and staff who have and will benefit from the life-changing impact of higher education in general and a St. Ambrose education, in particular.

There will be events in the Ambrose Hall Beehive throughout the day, including a live, KALA radio broadcast and swag giveaways beginning at 10 a.m. and a social from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for all students, faculty, and staff.

First-Generation Day commemorates the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, and the campus celebration reflects the university's collective commitment to making the path for first-generation students less complicated, more accessible, and more affordable.

"We will continue to be of service to our current First-Gen students by identifying and lessening the barriers they face in obtaining their degree, and we always will celebrate their accomplishment," said St. Ambrose University President Amy Novak, EdD.

First-generation students make up 20 percent of the 2021-22 first-year class and 32 percent of new transfer students.

"We look to provide the tools and opportunities for first-generation students to have self-directed success – personally, professionally, academically, and socially. And, we want our First-Gen students to feel engaged, appreciated, and connected to the broader St. Ambrose University community," said Fritz G. Dieudonné, Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator.

Four first-generation Ambrosians – three students and one faculty member – shared their path to St. Ambrose, the experiences and challenges they successfully tackled, and the support and guidance they received. Here are their stories:

Melina Garcia: Don't Be Afraid

Jacob Le: Grasp The Idea, And Go

Faith McCubbin: Believe In Your Future

Associate Professor Rachel Suddarth, PhD: An Educator By Invitation