UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently hosted a networking event for first-generation college students and advocates as part of the inaugural ERM 197: First Year, First-Gen Engagement seminar. The mixer took place at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on Oct. 16.
Tammy Shannon, academic advising coordinator and course instructor for the environmental resource management program, said she was grateful for the many members of the Penn State community who came together in conversation to support students who are first in their family to attend college.
Shannon was awarded funding for the event through the Harbaugh Faculty Scholars program and the College of Agricultural Sciences’ Office of Undergraduate Education.
“The College of Agricultural Sciences really is supportive of creating co-curricular opportunities for students, and the Harbaugh’s generosity help to bring those ideas to life,” said Shannon.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and administrators from multiple offices, colleges and campuses attended the event.
“It was really wonderful to see the students from our first-year seminar connecting with Penn State community members who were also first-generation college students,” said Melissa Johnson, Penn State’s associate vice provost and associate dean for undergraduate education, who co-teaches ERM 197 with Shannon. “Not only were some valuable network links forged for the students, but they also now have many firsthand examples of what first-generation college students can accomplish. It was an incredibly affirming and hopeful event.”
During the mixer, a presentation with previous events for first-generation students was shared, including the University’s inaugural First-Generation Costa Rica international study abroad course, which took place in the spring
Additionally, future opportunities were announced, such as the College of Agricultural Sciences’ First-Generation College Celebration to be held outside of the Berkey Creamery from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8. The college will recognize national First-Generation College Celebration Day with free coffee, hot cocoa and Penn State Bakery cookies. Chef Freddie Bitsoie, author of "New Native Kitchen," will attend the event from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
“The First Gen-Mixer coordinated by Shannon and her team was an amazing success,” said Tracy Hoover, associate dean for undergraduate education. “It afforded first-generation students across the academy time to meet and share experiences and provide encouragement. Our students really appreciated the opportunity to be recognized and know they are part of a supportive community.”
Penn State’s University Student Success Center’s website states that “there are nearly 17,000 first-generation undergraduate students enrolled in a residential academic program through Penn State. This makes up roughly 25% of the University’s undergraduate student population at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses combined.”
The University Student Success Center, directed by Denise Poole, director of student success initiatives, is hosting first-generation events on Nov. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. in the HUB lower-level stage area, with the First-Gen Community Night (HUB 008) celebration taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP. The Student Success Center invites all current first-generation students, as well as faculty members and alumni, to share their first-generation stories leading up to the celebrations.