by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is recognizing and celebrating an important part of its student body on First-Generation College Student Day, Nov. 8. A wide variety of activities are planned throughout the day, all open to the public.
“About two of every five SIU students are first-generation, and our First Saluki Center is proud to serve these students and recognize them and their efforts all through the year, but especially on this day,” said Lanel Love, assistant dean of students, director of the center and a double alumna of SIU who is herself the first in her family to graduate from college.
The schedule of events for the day includes:
- Grab-n-go snacks, photo booth and giveaways – Student Center north entrance, 10 a.m.-noon.
- First professional suit – Student Services Building, Suite 110, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Students will get career closet support and preparation for interviews and internships.
- First steps – Woody Hall, Room 17 (enter by clock tower side). At 2 p.m., there will be a presentation on how to get a passport and experience the world followed by a Study Abroad in Japan presentation at 2:45 p.m.
- Raising awareness for first generation Hispanic/Latino students – Student Center Auditorium, 4-6 p.m.
- First-generation celebration desserts – Lentz and Trueblood dining halls, 4-8 p.m. Enjoy cupcakes and punch as University Housing celebrates the success of first-generation students. Everyone with meal plans participates for free; other people can purchase admission at the front door.
- First-gen college celebration webinar – This Zoom broadcast from 5 to 6 p.m. features first-generation graduates who are now in leading roles at some of the world’s most recognized companies. It’s free but advance registrationis required.
- There will also be a special display featuring books by first-generation authors on the first floor of Morris Library.
For more information about any of the events, visit salukicenter.siu.edu or contact the First Saluki Center at 618-453-6870 or email lanel.love@siu.edu.
Sponsors of First-Generation College Student Day 2023 include First Saluki Center, University Housing, Undergraduate Admission, Career Development Center, the Center for International Education, Student Abroad programs, Hispanic Student Council, Latino Cultural Association and Morris Library.