Dear Texas A&M Community,

A weeklong celebration at Texas A&M University next week, Nov. 8-12, will honor the determined spirit of students, faculty, and staff who are, or were, the first in their families to earn a four-year degree. First-generation students, whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree, make up about 25 percent of our undergraduate population.

With support from the Office for Student Success’ Routh First-Generation Center, the Office of the President, and my office, among others, First-Generation Week will showcase the many different walks of life being lived by first-generation students and faculty/staff. Each day’s theme will feature mini-profiles, from students to employees, along with events around the university.

These events pay tribute to first-generation students’ accomplishments and honors the sacrifices others have made to help them on their journey. We’re excited to recognize the significance that four-year degrees make in the lives of our students.

First-Generation Week events around the university include:

• Monday, Nov. 8 – College Day 
• Tuesday, Nov. 9 – Faculty/Staff Panels
• Wednesday, Nov. 10 –  Routh First-Generation Center Celebration at Rudder Plaza
• Thursday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day and Student Panels
• Friday, Nov. 12 – First-Generation MSC Gallery Walk