First-Generation College Celebration Week

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

TimeEventLocation
11 a.m.-2 p.m.School of Music S’mores Tabling
Hosted by School of Music
Sinquefield Music Center
Noon-1pmSchool 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 EventLocation
9 a.m.-10 amFirst 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 EventLocation
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

TimeEventLocation
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

TimeEventLocation
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.