First-Gen Redbirds, the registered student organization supporting and celebrating first-generation college students, will hold First to the Finish, a welcome social for students, faculty, and staff from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, in Ballroom II of the Bone Student Center.
The free event, sponsored by Enrollment Management and Academic Services, will be a chance for attendees to mix and mingle and get ready for the year. “As the new president of First Generation Redbirds, I am ready to create a new bond with the incoming first-year, first-gen students and continuing students,” said Lamont Odufuye. “I am hoping this event will foster a relationship between us.”
First to the Finish is open to anyone who identifies as the first of their family or guardians to attend college. Those who have guardians or family members currently attending college are welcome.
“Events like this are important because they help students get out of their rooms and meet people, especially faculty and staff, which sometimes seem unapproachable,” said First-Gen Redbirds Vice President Dyve’a Robinson.
First-Gen Redbirds support first-generation college students academically, socially, and financially by providing tips and referrals. The group aims to increase awareness in the campus community regarding the needs of first-generation students, and to reduce the deficit narratives often associated with first-gen students by helping to foster a community that speaks life and confidence to first-generation students.
Several students from a Communications 110 course who identify as first-generation helped plan the event. “This collaboration will not only help the COM 110 students feel a sense of connection to other first-gen students, but also cultivate student involvement and leadership development during their first semester at ISU,” said First-Gen Redbirds advisor Tamekia Bailey.
Robinson noted working with the COM students is a great way to apply learning. “I wish this was available to me when I was in my first year,” said Robinson.
For more information or for accommodations, email Firstgenredbirds@gmail.com, or find the RSO on Redbird Life.
