National-First Generation Day
What is the National First-Generation College Student Celebration?
In November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) partnerered with the Center for First-Generation Student Success, which is an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation, to launch the inaugural First-Generation College Student Celebration.
The now annual event, which is held each year on November 8 to commemorate the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, encourages colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the successes of the institution's first-generation faculty, staff, and students.
2025 First Generation Celebration Events
First-Gen Headshots on the Mall
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Centennial Mall
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Are you a first-generation student, faculty, or staff member at Montana State? Come and get your headshot taken and let us know what it means to you to be first-gen. These photos will be utilized in an exhibition in the library.
First-Gen Photo Exhibition
November 1 - November 30, 2025
Renne Library Bobcat Browse
Visit the Renne Library during the month of November to experience what it means to be First-Gen through the thoughts of First-Gen faculty, staff, and students.
Famous First-Gen Display
November 1 - November 30, 2025
Off-Campus Student Life
Drop by the Off-Campus Student Life Office in the SUB during the month of November to learn about famous First-Gens!
National First-Generation College Celebration Kickoff
Monday, November 3, 2025
9:00am - 11:00am
Location TBD
Let's celebrate the kickoff of the National First-Generation College Celebration together! Come by for snacks in the library hosted by the First-Generation Celebration Committee! There will be easy snacks to grab, hot beverages, photo props, and freebies!
First-Generation Speed Networking
Monday, November 3, 2025
4:30pm - 5:30pm
SUB 233/235
First-Generation Advocate Training
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
SIGN UP REQUIRED
Ballroom D
In this workshop, participants will learn what first-generation college student (FGCS) means, current national and local trends, and best practices to better support FGCS at MSU. A student panel of FGCS will provide an opportunity to hear and learn directly about student experiences. Participants will leave this workshop with a better understanding of who FGCS are, their experiences, and how to best serve them in their roles at MSU.
Spaces in this training are limited. Please sign up to guarantee your spot.
First-Gen Career Insights Workshops
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hear from First-Gen professionals about their experiences in a career that you are interested in! MSU employees from the represented careers will also be available to answer questions about the programs at MSU.
Represented Careers and Workshop Locations:
- Pre-Med: Harrison Hall 115
- Pre-Law: Herrick Hall 314
- Pre-Vet: Harrison Hall 107
- Business: American Indian Hall 102
- Nursing: Hamilton Hall 228
First-Gen Workshop with Carlos Gomez
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
By Invitation Only
Carlos Andrés Gómez is a Colombian American poet, speaker, actor, and educator from New York City. He has won more than 100 prizes, honors, and awards as an author, poet, actor, playwright, and filmmaker.
During this lunch, First-Gen Bobcats will be able to connect with Carlos in a small group.
First-Generation College Celebration Showcase
Friday, November 7, 2025
3:00pm - 5:00pm
In this inaugural showcase, first-generation students will present their research, artwork, poems, music, among other incredible things to the campus community. This will be a time to highlight the outstanding things first-generation students are doing at Montana State University.
If you are a student and interested in presenting at the showcase, please fill out the interest form by 11:59pm on October 26, 2025 and a member of the First-Generation Committee will reach out to you.
First Generation Students Admissions Webinar
TBD
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual
For Future Bobcats -- Join us for our First Generation Students Webinar to learn about the wide network of student services and resources available to help support our growing community of First Generation College Students at MSU!
See previous years' celebrations below: