The Spring 2024 Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 2nd at 4pm in Strand Union Room 233/235.

A Reception will follow in the Leigh Lounge

 

Students: Click Here to RSVPGuests: Click Here to RSVP

 

All:  Submit a Campus Leader Award Nomination

Why a First-Generation Graduation Celebration?

The First-Generation Committee is holding a first-generation graduation celebration ceremony at MSU to recognize achievements and contributions of graduating first-generation students. This celebration recognizes and acknowledges their achievements of successfully completing the college experience as well as gives these students an opportunity to be officially recognized and celebrated by the institution.

For decades, students at colleges and universities around the country have been celebrating both their academic achievements and their cultural heritages at specialized commencement events. Many of these events are student-initiated and occur during the university-wide commencement weekend. These events provide a sense of community for minority students who often experience a lack of belonging or lack of acceptance at their institutions. For many students, these celebrations are the payoff for staying in school and friends and families find the smaller ceremonies both meaningful and personal.

The MSU First-Generation Graduation Celebration will include individual recognition of the participating graduates, awarding blue and silver honor cords to be worn at the university commencement ceremony, and a reception.

Who can participate in the First-Generation Graduation Celebration?

Any graduating students who identify as a first-generation college student are welcome to participate in this celebration. Any students graduating in Spring or Fall of the same year are eligible to participate.