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USAO to celebrate National First-Generation Day with campus wide events

November 6, 2024
“Pizza on the Patio,” Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. Breakfast hosted by the President’s Leadership Team Friday, Nov. 8, 8:30-10 a.m. Both events are free.
“Pizza on the Patio,” Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. Breakfast hosted by the President’s Leadership Team Friday, Nov. 8, 8:30-10 a.m. Both events are free.

The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma will honor its first-generation students, faculty and staff with special events on Nov. 7-8, in recognition of National First-Generation Student Day. With nearly 50% of USAO students identifying as first-generation, the celebration recognizes the significant role these students play in the campus community.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our First-Generation students at USAO this week as we approach National First-Generation Student Day on Friday, November 8,” said Kelli Monroe, director of student success. “These students display remarkable courage and commitment in forging their own paths and overcoming the unique challenges of higher education, often shouldering extra responsibilities, and making decisions without the same guidance others may have. As a First-Generation student myself, I understand the perseverance and resilience it takes to reach this milestone. Our First-Gen students deserve every recognition for their achievements, and it’s an honor to celebrate their journey alongside them.

USAO’s First-Generation Celebration kicks off with “Pizza on the Patio,” a community gathering with President Hale, on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at her residence. The celebration continues the following morning, Nov. 8, with a breakfast hosted by the President’s Leadership Team at Dusty’s Café from 8:30-10 a.m. Both events are free, open to first-generation students, faculty, and staff, and will include exclusive USAO First-Gen t-shirts, with two $1,000 scholarships made possible by a generous donor.

For more information, visit usao.edu.

About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma

As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.