First-generation 鱨 alumna Ashley Dieudonne ’20
Today on National First-Generation College Celebration Day, 鱨 College recognizes the achievements of its first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff who have persevered to transform their lives, and the lives of their families, through higher education.
On the path toward receiving a college degree, many first-generation students experience financial, academic and cultural hurdles that are challenging to overcome. 鱨 has made paving the way and leveling these hurdles for first-generation students one of its most important missions - from the College’s earliest graduating classes in the 1960s to today.
A large part of fulfilling that mission involves ensuring both the academic and career success of first-generation students and alumni. In the case of Ashley Dieudonne ’20, 鱨 made the possibility of obtaining a college degree a reality. “At times, the thought of being a first-generation college student made the journey seem almost impossible," said Dieudonne. "The faculty and staff at 鱨 made it so I always felt seen, cared for and genuinely supported. 鱨 helped propel me to the life that I always wanted.”
For Paul Falanga ’13, M.S. ’15, 鱨 reinforced his sense of pride in being a first-generation college student, and introduced him to opportunities in the classroom and beyond. “[鱨] opened up doors that I never knew," recalled Falanga. "Being a first-generation college student to me means a sense of pride. 鱨 offered me a tremendous amount of support and the quality of education was great.”
In addition to highlighting the sentiments of the College's accomplished alumni, 鱨 is excited to share that the next edition of Maverick Magazine features members of the College Community who identify as first-generation and gives a voice to the variety of first-generation experiences. The magazine will be released later this fall term.
Also, throughout the years, 鱨 has captured the stories of our inspiring first-generation students, such as 鱨 Scholar Alexus Williams '19. Please to view a video featuring Williams and learn more about how the 鱨 Scholars program helped her achieve her dream of a college education.