The Expo is one of the largest cross-campus collaborations in the spring. Representatives from the Student Professional Development Center, Undergraduate Research, the Global Education Center, and many more showcased resources and information on how they can help students develop meaningful relationships and achieve their goals.

“These departments actually like to communicate with you and tell you what opportunities they have and how they’re all connected,” said Melanie Alcaron ’29.

Students were able to see the connections through a pathway card that guided them to resources around personal, professional, and academic development. The pathways were designed to align with functions and characteristics of supportive relationships during college, based on research from Director of the Center for Engaged Learning Jessie Moore, Senior Associate Provost Emeritus Tim Peeples and Professor of Psychology Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler. Their work draws on a comprehensive study of mentoring constellations at 51±ŹÁÏÍű and national surveys.

Event planners collaborated with the Maker Hub to create interactive versions of the Relationship Rich Map, which is a tool developed by the team of mentoring scholars above. Sabrina Perkins, associate professor of psychology, has collaborated with the Center for Access & Success to plan and coordinate this event since its inception in 2022. Perkins led student attendees through mapping their supportive relationships using the boards.

“When students are encouraged to map their supportive relationships in tandem, they may be better able to recognize where in their lives connections are flourishing, while also noticing what types of supports they are missing, or want to deepen,” said Perkins.

Berenice Sanchez-Rosaldo ’29 found the maps to be an eye-opening experience.

“I feel like my friends and family have helped me a lot, and a place where I can really grow is with professors. I feel like I could expand my horizons there and really form a stronger connection,” she said. “Overall, this expo has helped me a lot in really going in depth on myself and what I can do better here at Elon.”

Sanchez-Rosaldo’s main takeaway was to take advantage of everything that’s on campus: “All of the support that you have here. It can be from academic to personal.”

As the event came to a close, participants were treated to a special performance from Melonated Melodies, Elon’s predominantly Black a cappella group, who talked about the importance of building relationships within student organizations. Through conversations, activities, and shared experiences, students left not only with more connections but also with a deeper understanding of how relationships can shape their success at Elon

First-generation students are leaders, scholars, activists and creators. The growth of these individuals contributes to Elon’s shared story. At Elon, a student is a first-generation college student if neither parent/legal guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution within the United States. A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.

The first-generation celebration kicks off on Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 14. Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day, which honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for young people from historically marginalized backgrounds.

This year’s celebration is intentionally designed to share and reflect on all those that make up this wonderful community. A day or a week does not give enough time for all the accomplishments happening on and off our campus. If you have any questions, contact the first-generation student support team at firstgen@elon.edu.

To stay up to date, follow the First-Generation Student Support Services on Facebook or Instagram by following @elonfirstgens.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing: Early November: Take A First-Gen Student to Lunch

First-generation students and faculty/staff can be paired to get lunch together throughout the celebration. Folks will get an email from the First-Gen team with more information about how to participate..

Tuesday, Oct. 21

First Gen & Me | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | IrazĂș Coffee

Held in collaboration with the Odyssey Scholars Program, participants will reflect on their first-generation story through art. First-Generation Student Support Services will have an open tab for participants.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Roundtable Discussion on Imposter Syndrome | 12:30 p.m. | Elon Law School

The First-Gen Society will host a roundtable lunch session focusing on imposter syndrome and career journeys with Law School faculty and staff. For more information reach out to the First-Gen Society at Elon Law

Thursday Nov. 6

International Coffee Hour Takeover | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Global Education Center (Sato Commons 3rd Floor)

Friday, Nov.  7

Mobile Celebration Cart | 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Around campus

The First-Gen team will be riding around campus with free coffee, chai, a chance to win some special first-generation giveaways, and a few special guests. Pay attention to our Instagram page @elonfirstgens for updates on locations.

Go GOLD for First-Gen 

We invite all members of the campus community to wear Gold on Friday, Nov. 7, to symbolize support for first-generation students and programs that aim to empower students to reach their highest potential

Saturday, Nov. 8

First-Gen Tailgate | Global Neighborhood

Stop by our breakfast-themed tailgate before Elon takes on Rhode Island.

Thursday, Nov. 13

First-Gen Plus Poster Gallery | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Moseley

Engage with the stories of first-generation students, faculty, and staff at this interactive poster session.

The expo’s collaborative spirit extended to the planning with Emma Calhoun, graduate apprentice for the Odyssey Program and students in the Masters of Higher Education program leading the organizing efforts. Calhoun says events like the expo are important because they create an opportunity for students to form connections:

“We are building opportunities for students who may be overlooked in other spaces on campus,” said Calhoun. “The goal is to make sure that students have as many opportunities to engage with these offices as much as possible throughout the year. This event is one of those ways.”

Students were able to choose from one of three pathways: Mentoring Constellations, Student Success, or , each designed to direct students to the departments that are the best resources for what the student may need.

Departments featured included the Center for Financial Literacy, Student Care and Outreach, and the Student Professional Development Center, all of which aim to support students’ holistic well-being and provide them the tools needed to be successful and thrive on Elon campus.

Exercise science major Kaden Pallins ’28 felt an extra push to get involved after visiting the Expo.

“I had no idea there were so many different opportunities available. I saw people I know, like other first-years, who were already working at the table, so it’s like ‘okay I need to get on my stuff and get more involved,” said Pallins.

With the Center’s purpose of helping students from all background have access to the resources needed to succeed in higher education and life, 3+1 Business Dual Degree in Accounting student Noah Biggers ‘26 says the expo was informative and a good opportunity to become informed about student outreach and opportunities to become involved with the community.

“I feel like all of the skills that come from doing your experiential learning requirements,” said Biggers. “Whether it’s volunteering, studying abroad, or leadership, they all give you transferable skills that originate outside of the classroom, so they can’t be necessarily taught, but through these experiences they prepare you for life after graduation.”

Students who attended left with more knowledge of the resources geared for them. Cinema television arts student Lidia Birones ‘27 says,

“I’ve never had anybody (in my family) who has been in college, and sometimes you just go around school, you see people doing stuff, and you’re like, ‘what even is happening,’ and you don’t know how to become a part of that. Things like this tell you,” said Birones.

The Center for Access and Success and the Center for Engaged Learning are collaborating with various campus organizations and programs to host the fourth annual Success and Opportunities Expo on Friday, March 28, 2024, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in McKinnon Hall.

This university-wide event is a collaboration between various campus organizations and programs, aimed at providing students with a comprehensive resource for academic support, opportunities and potential financial assistance.

Aligned with Elon’s strategic plan for 2030, Boldly Elon, the expo will help students strengthen their toolkits for academic success, think strategically about ways they could enrich their undergraduate careers by building mentoring relationships with faculty and staff, and how they can use engaged learning experiences at Elon to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Sabrina Thurman, associate professor of psychology, has been instrumental in the development of this event since its inception in 2022. In a , she described the significance of these events, especially for first-generation students.

In the blog post, Thurman explains that Elon offers a range of high-impact academic experiences which foster student engagement and learning, and offer countless benefits for students from all backgrounds, but especially for students from underserved and historically excluded populations.

These experiences “are often financially supported by the university administration, offer some financial assistance or awards, are led or directed by permanent staff and faculty members who possess significant social and professional capital to help advance students’ careers, and contribute significantly to persistence in educational attainment for marginalized or historically excluded students,” Thurman wrote.

Student attendees will be invited to pursue up to three different “adventure pathways” at the event, which will focus on , building Mentoring Constellations (i.e., multiple supportive mentoring relationships), or Student Success. Attendees are invited to interact with representatives of the Student Professional Development Center, Center for Leadership, Counseling Services, the Global Education Center, Learning Assistance, Undergraduate Research, Center for Financial Literacy, the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and many other programs and centers across campus. Representatives will be eager to discuss the academic support and opportunities they offer with student attendees, as well as any associated financial awards or incentives.

“Ultimately, our goal for the Scholarship and Opportunities Fair is to help all students learn about the range of high-impact mentored academic opportunities (and the financial awards or supports associated with some of them) available,” Thurman wrote. “We hope the event helps us take strides towards Boldly Elon’s goal to “deepen engaged learning, providing every student with access to high-impact experiences.”

If you have any questions, reach out to firstgen@elon.edu.

First-generation students are leaders, scholars, activists and creators. The growth of these individuals contributes to Elon’s shared story. At Elon, a student is a first-generation college student if neither parent/legal guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree. A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.

The first-generation celebration kicks off on Oct. 16 and runs through Nov. 8, concluding on National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day, which honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded access to higher education for young people from historically marginalized backgrounds.

This year’s celebration is intentionally designed to share and reflect on the stories within our community. A day or a week does not give enough time for all the accomplishments happening on and off our campus. If you have any questions, contact the first-generation student support team at firstgen@elon.edu.

To stay up to date, follow the First-Generation Student Support Services on Facebook or Instagram by following @elonfirstgens.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing: Take A Student to Lunch
First-generation students and faculty/staff can be paired to get lunch together throughout the celebration. Folks will get an email from the First-Gen team with more information about how to participate.  

Oct. 16 – First Gen & Me – Paint Night in IrazĂș – 6 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
Held in collaboration with the Odyssey Scholars program, participants will reflect on their first-generation story through art. The Center for Access and Success will have an open tab for participants. 

Oct. 29 – Transformers & Trailblazers with University Archives – Moseley 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
First-generation students are often trailblazers and transformers in their personal lives. We see this theme throughout Elon’s history. Stop by the pop-up exhibit with University Archives and learn about some of the people who have transformed Elon’s history. 

Nov. 4 – 15: Book Display at Belk Library
Discover the powerful voices of the first-gen experience! In collaboration with Belk Library, explore a special collection of books that celebrate the journeys and stories of first-generation students. From inspiring characters to real-life narratives, these titles are a must-read! 

Nov 7 – International Student Coffee Hour Takeover – Global Commons 3rd Floor – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join us as we foster community and celebrate our first-generation and international students with International Student Services. Food and good vibes will be on hand, with a special performance from Melanated Melodies.

Nov 8 – National First-Generation College Celebration Day

Mobile hot cocoa cart – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The First-Generation Office is doing a mobile hot cocoa cart with giveaways around campus.

Mini Carnival – LaRose Student Commons – 5 – 7 p.m.

The First Gen Society, Elon’s student organization for first-generation students, is hosting a mini carnival.

Movie Night with SubCinema – Turner Theater – 8 p.m.

Get ready for a night of fun with SUBCinema! Join us for snacks, good vibes and a special showing of “Crazy Rich Asians.” Grab your friends, relax and enjoy a night of inspiration and entertainment. 

The universitywide event brings together student support services, academic opportunities, and potential financial assistance or awards associated with those academic opportunities from across campus in one central venue.

Aligned with Elon’s strategic plan Boldly Elon, the fair will help students strengthen their toolkits for academic success, think strategically about ways they could enrich their undergraduate careers by building mentoring relationships with faculty and staff, and how they can use engaged learning experiences at Elon to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Sabrina Thurman, associate professor of psychology, has been instrumental in the development of this event since its inception in 2022. She recently published a describing the importance and creation of the event, which began as part of programming for First Pheonix: A First-Generation College Student Peer Mentoring Program.

In the blog post, Thurman explains that Elon offers a range of high-impact academic experiences that foster student engagement and learning, and offer countless benefits for students from all backgrounds, but especially for students from underserved and historically excluded populations. These experiences “are often financially supported by the university administration, offer some financial assistance or awards, are led or directed by permanent staff and faculty members who possess significant social and professional capital to help advance students’ careers, and contribute significantly to persistence in educational attainment for marginalized or historically excluded students,” Thurman wrote.

Student attendees will be invited to pursue up to three different “adventure pathways” at the event, which will focus on , building Mentoring Constellations (i.e., multiple supportive mentoring relationships), or Student Success. Attendees are invited to interact with representatives of the Student Professional Development Center, Lumen Prize, Center for Leadership, Counseling Services, the Global Education Center, Learning Assistance, Undergraduate Research, Center for Financial Literacy, the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and many other programs and centers across campus. Representatives will be eager to discuss with student attendees the academic support and opportunities they offer and any associated financial awards or incentives.

“Ultimately, our goal for the Scholarship and Opportunities Fair is to help all students learn about the range of high-impact mentored academic opportunities (and the financial awards or supports associated with some of them) available,” Thurman wrote. We hope the event helps us take strides towards Boldly Elon’s goal to “deepen engaged learning, providing every student with access to high-impact experiences.”

If you have any questions, reach out to firstgen@elon.edu.

The feeling, however, of being in uncharted territory remained the same as those whose parents didn’t have some type of post-high school experience. Education is a big value to my family and college was not an option. For me, it was a way out.

Getting into Elon was an exciting day but then the question of “What’s next” came. I was fortunate to have college advisors help me through that process that connected me to the Odyssey program. I am grateful for the Odyssey program with folks like Esther Freeman, Catherine Parsons, Marcus Elliott, Denise Teeters, Dr. Jean Rattigan-Rohr and many others for the support and love that they gave me as I did things that I had only dreamed.

I had the chance to study abroad in Scotland, have my own radio show, get highly involved in student organizations, even serve as Student Body President my senior year, and so much more. I’ve said many times that Elon took a chance on me and helped me dream big. My experience at Elon influenced my path to work in higher education and help to create more equitable and inclusive campuses where students can see themselves as integral to the campus community.

Now to be back as a staff member has been a very surreal moment. Being back in the Center for Access and Success, which holds a special place in my heart, on a campus that has transformed my life and those around me is a dream come true. Now, I get to be the person for today’s first-generation students that Esther, Catherine, Marcus, Denise, Dr. Rohr and many others were for me.

As a Human Service Studies major, I was introduced to the concept that it is best to  “work with” communities rather than “work for.” It has been a joy to get to know the first-generation community, learn their stories and hear about what they are looking for and the role I can play in it. In many ways, I see them as co-conspirators in the effort to create a campus where they have the support systems they need to thrive.

To me, it’s more than just the diploma at graduation but are they better people, better leaders, better teachers, better citizens than when they first entered campus? Did they do what they set out to do and then some? To walk alongside them is a gift and I am blessed to be able to contribute to many other areas, areas I was involved in as a student, in larger student success efforts on campus.

I am excited to see what we can do together. I know it’s going to be an exciting ride!

Kenneth Brown ’19 is the assistant director of first-generation student support services. Brown is passionate about creating an equitable and inclusive community while helping young people grow more into their authentic selves.

Elon is hosting a week of events in honor of First-Generation Celebration from Nov. 6 through Nov. 11. This year’s weeklong celebration will feature a selection of events around the theme of “To Be First.”

Since the founding of the First-Generation Student Support Services initiative in 2019, 51±ŹÁÏÍű is set to host its community-wide celebration to honor the first-generation students, faculty and staff who were the first in their family to attend college.

This year’s weeklong celebration will feature a selection of events around the theme of “To Be First,” which will include pop-up Moseley tables highlighting some of the important “firsts” in Elon’s history, a first-generation faculty & staff lunch and learn, a paint night to reflect on what it means to be first, and more.

This year’s celebration pays homage to the uncharted territory first-generation students explore while charting a new and bold future. To be first means to take a leap of faith, not knowing what is at the end of the tunnel but knowing that it will be something greater than ever imagined.

Our celebration coincides with on Nov. 8. Launched by the Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education, the day commemorates the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act. The act played a role in the creation of the Federal TRIO programs that provide access to and success in higher education for those who are from low-wealth communities and/or are the first in their family to attend college.

At Elon, a student is a first-generation college student if neither parent(s)/legal guardian(s) has earned a bachelor’s degree. A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.

Check out the list of events below! For any questions or concerns, email the First-Generation Student Support Services Team at firstgen@elon.edu.

Schedule of events

All week we will be connecting first-generation students to faculty and staff through the “Take a Student to Lunch” program.

Thursday, November 2  

Danieley Coffee Hour  
10:30 –11:30 a.m. | Danieley Commons  

Join us as we take over the Danieley Coffee Hour to soft launch our events. Students will have the chance to win a raffle prize and play a large game of WORDLE highlighting words important to the week.

Monday, November 6  

First Generation Faculty & Staff Lunch and Learn 
12:15 –1:15 PM | McEwen Dining (invite only)

First-Generation Faculty and Staff members will have a space to connect and discuss how they have navigated their professional and personal lives being first-generation and how it shows up in their work supporting students.

First Gen & Me 
6:30 –8:00 PM | IrazĂș Coffee 

Join us for this special paint night with the Odyssey Program as we reflect on what it means to be first through art. Participate and get a drink on us.

Tuesday, November 7  

First Generation at College Coffee   
9:40–10:20 AM | Great Hall 

Join us for fun and photos as we engage the campus community in a pop-up reflection on what it means to be first.

Wednesday, November 8 – National First-Generation College Student Day

The FIRSTS  
11:00 AM –1:00 PM | Moseley Center 

Stop by our pop-up Moseley Tables with University Archives and learn about some of the important “firsts” in Elon’s history. Engage with our video and audio stations to share your story of first-generation in your life.

First-Generation Student Celebration
5:30 PM | Young Commons (Rain Location: Alumni Gym)

Join the first-generation community for an evening of community building, games, and fun as we celebrate the first-generation student identity.

Thursday, November 9  

International Coffee Hour Takeover 
9:30 – 10:30 AM | 3rd Floor of Global Commons 

Join us as we celebrate what it means to be first with International Student Services. Food and good vibes will be on hand. Also, a special performance from Melanated Melodies.

First-Gen at the Maker Hub  
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Downtown Maker Hub 

First-Generation students are invited to express their creativity and come make/paint a First-Gen Society magnet.

First-Generation Mixer   
6:15 PM | Schar Center  

Continue to network with faculty and staff members at the Men’s Basketball Game and cheer on our Phoenix to victory. .