MSU holds its inaugural First- Generation Graduation Ceremony

In the hallowed halls of academia, many students' journeys are not just defined by personal triumph, but by the breaking of generational barriers. A first-generation graduate refers to students whose parents did not complete a four year graduate degree. In order to acknowledge upcoming first-generation graduates' achievements, dedicated members of the First Generation Committee (FGC) at MSU have been working to organize various events that celebrate the success of first-generation graduates. 

This year, the committee is hosting a graduation celebration in the SUB on Thursday, May 2. During the inaugural occasion, students will be individually recognized for their accomplishments and will receive blue and silver honor cords to be worn at the university commencement ceremony. 

“It is a term you don't often hear about,” Natalie DeMarco, a junior geology major and member of the FGC said. “On average, [first generation students] make up 20-30% of university student bodies [but] a lot of people don’t even know what first-gen is. Before this movement, the only question [MSU] asked on the admissions application [was] if you are a first generation student. They didn’t define it, it was just a yes or no question.” 

As a first-generation student herself, DeMarco is a community leader and advocate for other first-generation students. This past year, MSU was accepted into the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’s (NASPA) growing initiative First Scholars Network. To fulfill requirements of the cohort, DeMarco published a blog on NASPA's website detailing her experiences as a first-generation student and what other students can do to encourage their peers. 

“I used to think that creating change wasn’t something I was capable of, clearly I was wrong,” DeMarco wrote in her blog post. “I always assumed that I was just like any other student, everyone has their struggles so what makes me any different? Except what people didn’t see was that I had to work twice as hard as my peers my whole life, to only receive the same outcome. My advice for other first-generation students out there, don't let the authority of others stop you from being the change in your education.”

Since submitting the blog in Nov. 2023, DeMarco and fellow committee members have been working to make MSU an accessible campus for those who may not be familiar with certain aspects of the university.  

“We make up a good portion of the student body,” DeMarco said. “Since we are often not talked about, it's important to recognize [us]. We come from [minimal] resources. Personally, my dad dropped out of high school. My parents were not encouraging of my education at all. [Seeing] how far we've come from that, and that we were able to get a degree — it's important to recognize.” 

DeMarco’s passion resonates with the rest of the committee members. 

“I am a first-gen grad as well,” Alisha Downs, committee member and space planner in MSU’s Planning, Design, & Construction office said. “The ceremony is to recognize students for their efforts. We've been talking about [hosting] a celebration for a few years, just because we're aware of other entities on campus that celebrate their students and we wanted to do that for ours as well. The committee existed but it tapered off over the years. I think we have just been reinvigorated with some good membership over the past few years and some really dedicated folks who wanted to push these initiates forward.”

Downs further explained that recognizing obstacles and finding solutions — such as the confusing language surrounding high education — can inspire others to pursue similar paths.  

“They're the first to go in their families – it's a big deal,” Downs said. “First-gens, they have to learn a lot of things. They don't have people in their families that are leading the way, or giving them advice. A lot of things are first exposure. We call it the hidden curriculum, so there's a language around higher education. If you don't have someone in your family who's gone, you have to learn what a registrar is, and all the different terminology.” 

Hidden curriculums pose obstacles to many first-generation students, influencing graduation rates and foster a discouraging environment for many. 

“First generation students across the nation graduate at lower rates than their non-first-generation counterparts,” Mackenzie Spence, the FGC chair and TRIO program coordinator said. “Therefore, celebrating this accomplishment is really important. There are a lot of first-generation students on campus who do not know they are first-generation. The main piece of advice that I give to professionals working on campus, as well as students, is to remove any hidden curriculum from your classes, offices, or student organizations to make these spaces more accessible and inclusive for first-generation students. I am always willing to help people do this.” 

As for the ceremony of May 2, the committee invites any graduating first-generation students in the 2024 school year to attend, receive their cord, and connect with others in the community. 

According to Downs, the ceremony will be in the Leigh Lounge located within the SUB. A Service Excellence Award will be awarded to a nominee who is particularly passionate and committed to first generation student graduates. 

You can read more of DeMarco’s blog post at  https://firstgen.naspa.org/blog/the-story-behind-being-a-first-generation-student-leader.

For faculty or staff who wish to become involved, contact Mackenzie Spence through email, mackenzie.spence@montana.edu. 

For students who wish to become involved, email firstgens.montanastate@gmail.com. 

If you are interested in learning more about first-generation students, visit https://www.montana.edu/firstgen/.