“We celebrate the pride, resilience and diversity of our first-generation community,” says director of New Student Programs.
On Nov. 8 the National First-Generation College Celebration will be observed to honor the achievements of first-generation college students. RIC will be celebrating throughout this week.
“At Rhode Island College, we take pride in celebrating and supporting our first-gen students,” says Alie Drew, RIC director of the Office of New Student Programs and co-chair of the FirstGen Committee.
“With over 51% of our 2024-2025 student body identifying as first gen, our goal is to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported – no matter how they arrive at RIC.
“Through initiatives like New Student Orientation and year-round programming, we celebrate the accomplishments of students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, while also providing meaningful resources for both students and their families. Their success matters not only to them, but to all of us at RIC.”
Rhode Island College is a member of the FirstGen Forward Network – the first of its kind specific to the first-generation student population. Rhode Island College is also the only higher education institution in the state among the network’s colleges and universities.
The mission of FirstGen Forward is “to engage and empower higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures.”
The ultimate goal, says Drew, is “to see our first-gens earn their college degree.”
Being a college graduate will not only impact their economic mobility, it produces multigenerational impacts for their families.
The Office of New Student Programs invites first-gen students to celebrate their accomplishments by participating in an interactive mirror art project, running from Nov. 3-7.
Stop at one of the Reflection Mirrors located in the lobby of Craig-Lee or the lobby of Donovan Dining Center, take a photo of yourself in the mirror, write a word or phrase that captures your first-gen journey and upload your image.
“This digital art display is meant to celebrate the pride, resilience and diversity of RIC’s first-generation community,” says Drew. “We want you to know that you are first at RIC.”
Listen to the journey of one of RIC’s first gens: Cristina Desousa.
Read about the power of hands-on research on the lives of RIC’s first gens.