(SIU) CARBONDALE, Ill. — A special celebration Nov. 5-13 will recognize a significant segment of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale student population – first generation Salukis. About two of every five SIU students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree, and they will be honored with a variety of special activities.
“National First-Generation College Celebration is a powerful reminder that education changes lives and that every student’s journey matters,” said Lanel Love, a double alumna of SIU and first-generation student who serves as the university’s assistant dean of students and director of the First Saluki Center. “We are proud to celebrate the strength and determination of first-generation students who continue to pave the way for future Salukis.”
The center, a campuswide initiative of Student Affairs in conjunction with Academic Affairs, connects first-generation students with the assistance and resources they need to succeed. National First-Generation Celebration Day, held in recognition of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded college opportunities for first-generation and low-income students, is set for Nov. 8, but SIU expanded it to a weeklong commemoration.
Activities begin Nov. 5
The celebration includes several events open to everyone, as well as some happenings exclusively for students.
“Stress Management Skills” is the focus of the Wellness Wednesday workshop, which will take place noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the HEROES headquarters in the lower level of the Student Center. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn techniques to help relax and manage stress in everyday life.
The goal of a workshop later that afternoon will be about breaking barriers. Join the Black Affairs Council and Hispanic Latino Student Council for “First Gen Success Series: Financial Literacy and Imposter Syndrome” in the Old Main Room on the second floor of the Student Center, 3-5 p.m.
Learn about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of first-generation students during a panel presentation, “Stories of Resilience,” in the Old Main Room on Nov. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Watch a “dive-in movie” at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Student Recreation Center’s Shea Natatorium. Participants can enjoy “Something in the Water” while taking a swim in the Olympic-sized pool. All students, along with anyone who has a rec center membership or who purchases a pass, are welcome to attend.
Learn more
For additional information about any of the events, visit the website, contact the First Saluki Center at 618-453-6870 or email lanel.love@siu.edu.
Sponsors of First-Generation College Week include First Saluki Center, Student Programming Council, University Housing, Recreational Sports and Services, the Center for International Education, Student Health Services, the Career Development Center, Study Abroad and First Gen Forward.
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