At UNK, more than 40% of the students are first-generation.
That’s something worth celebrating.
The campus community came together Tuesday to recognize these students – and the faculty and staff who support them – during the annual First-Gen Festival in the Nebraskan Student Union. The celebration of first-gen success included free food, games and giveaways, as well as the presentation of two awards.
Jonah EagleFeather received the First-Gen Trailblazer Award presented to an outstanding first-gen student.
“Jonah is the very definition of a first-gen student who is making a path for others to follow. Jonah is a recognized leader in TRIO, his fraternity and the Loper Success Hub. Jonah has been a mentor for the first two years of the First-Gen Trailblazer Academy. As a mentor, he openly shares with new students about the academic struggles he has worked through, motivating them to persist when they face challenges,” his nomination read.
“It’s clear that others look to him as an inspiration, as someone whose path they want to follow, and as someone who genuinely cares about their success.”
Amanda Wilson received the Friend of First-Gen Award recognizing a faculty or staff member who goes above and beyond to support first-gen students.
As the learning strategies coordinator in Tutoring and Academic Support, Wilson provides academic support in a collaborative learning environment that fosters confidence, independence and academic success. As the lead instructor for the Foundations for Learning course, she helps students understand how to improve academic performance, develop career plans and manage personal concerns.
For the past two years, Wilson also played a key role in the First-Gen Trailblazer Academy, which allowed a group of first-generation students to participate in a weeklong practice run before classes started in the fall.
“Amanda has been there for first-gen students. She has shown outstanding support and can relate with them, being a first-gen alumna herself. I can’t think of a more deserving person,” her nomination read.
Coinciding with the National First-Generation College Celebration and the Nov. 8 anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the UNK First-Gen Festival strengthens the connections between students, faculty and staff while increasing the sense of first-gen pride on campus.
The event is organized by UNK’s First Generation Leadership Team and First-Gen Lopers student organization, with support from UNK Campus Recreation and UNK Dining.
Learn more about first-gen initiatives at UNK
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
