One in four Tigers identify as first-generation.
First-generation students are driven by a passion to succeed. They have overcome unique challenges, blazing their own trail to Mizzou, and we are proud to have them here.
November 3-7 we are celebrating our first-generation college students by hosting events that will give first-gen students opportunities to network, explore resources and more.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to register on MU Engage for each event (links below listed on the event’s location name).
Events open to all.
Why Nov. 3-7?
This national celebration honors President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. The HEA was intended to help level the playing field for marginalized and low-income Americans across the country who attend college. Mizzou celebrated its inaugural First-Gen Day on Nov. 8, 2021, and continues to celebrate first-generation students the entire year. We are celebrating with a full week of events the week before Nov. 8 this year!
2025 Schedule of Events
Ongoing throughout the week/month:
We will be tabling in the MU Student Center from 10am-1pm on October 27, 29, November 3, and 5th. Come grab stickers, buttons, t-shirts, and more!
For the whole month of November, be sure to drop by the book display featuring First-gen authors and books located on the main floor of Ellis Library.
Check out our art installation all month long featuring First-gen student artists in the display case located on the main floor of Ellis Library.
Saturday, November 8th, at the Mizzou vs. Texas A&M football game, we are honoring our First-Gen athletes on the big screen during halftime!
Monday, Nov. 3
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | School of Music S’mores Tabling Hosted by School of Music | Sinquefield Music Center |
| Noon-1pm | School of Nursing Tabling Hosted by School of Nursing | Sinclair School of Nursing, 2nd Floor Lobby |
| 3:30-5 p.m. | CHS Nacho Mixer Hosted by College of Health Sciences (CHS) | Lewis Clark Lobby |
Tuesday, Nov. 4
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-10 am | First Generation Celebration: It’s Sweet to Be First Hosted by College of Education and Human Development | Townsend Hall Lobby |
| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | School of Music S’mores Tabling Hosted by School of Music | Sinquefield Music Center |
| 2-3 p.m. | TRiO Trivia Tuesday: First-Gen Celebration Week! Hosted by TRiO SSS | Strickland 105 |
Wednesday, Nov. 5
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-10 a.m. | CAFNR First-generation Celebration Week Drop-By 2025 Hosted by CAFNR | AG building 2-64 |
| 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | School of Music S’mores Tabling Hosted by School of Music | Sinquefield Music Center |
| Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch & Learn: First Gen Resume Tips! Hosted by School of Journalism | TBD |
| 4-5 p.m. | Workshop Wednesdays: Lead the Change- Leadership Through Service & Social Impact Hosted by Leadership@Mizzou | Tate Hall 110 |
| 4-5 p.m. | Undergraduate Research Panel Hosted by Undergraduate Research | Zoom |
| 5-7 p.m. | McNair Day Hosted by McNair | N201 Memorial Union North |
Thursday, Nov. 6
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10-11 a.m. | Donuts & Bingo with First-Gen Hosted by College of Engineering | Ketcham Auditorium W1005 |
| Noon-1 p.m. | First-Generation Lunch & Learn Panel Hosted by College of Education & Human Development and Counseling Center | Townsend Hall 201 and Zoom |
| 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Calming Crafternoon Hosted by MU Libraries | Ellis Library Main Floor |
| 3:45-4:45 p.m. | A&S First-Gen Fill-Up Hosted by A&S and Off-Campus Student Services and First-Gen Tigers | Lowry Hall- First Floor |
Friday, Nov. 7
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Noon-1 p.m. | Let’s Taco ’bout Money: Bite-Sized Finance for First-Gen Students Hosted by Office for Financial Success | Wellness Resource Center |
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | First-Gen Week Paint and Sipz Hosted by School of Business | Cornell Hall Room 15 |
| 4-5 p.m. | First-Gen Art Installation Reception Hosted by Ellis Library, College of Arts & Science, and College of Education & Human Development | Ellis Library Main Floor |
| 5-6 p.m. | Tri-Alpha Member Mixer Hosted by First-Gen Initiatives/TRiO SSS | Ellis Library 114A |
| 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony Hosted by First-Gen Initiatives/TRiO SSS | Ellis Auditorium |
Promotional Items
You can help promote First-Generation Celebration Week with graphics for LED screens, Zoom backgrounds, social media assets and more.