Students: Join our First-Generation College Celebration
HFC will celebrate a public First-Generation College Celebration on Friday, November 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Rosenau Rooms of the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services & Conference Center (ASCC) (Building L on the main campus).
“The purpose of this event is to recognize and celebrate first-generation college students at HFC,” said HFC Program Advisor Ashlei Chears. A first-generation student is someone who is the first, or part of the first generation, in their family to attend college. First-generation students have many opportunities, and some specific challenges as they navigate the college experience.
Let us know if you will attend
The first-generation college celebratin is free and open to the public. Check-in begins at 10:45 a.m. on November 8. Space is limited, so please register (if possible by Sunday, October 27).
Highlights: President Kavalhuna and Congresswoman Tlaib; Taste Tiff’s Catering
A major highlight of HFC’s first-generation celebration will be a conversation between HFC President Russ Kavalhuna and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
“I am very excited that Congresswoman Tlaib has agreed to be a part of our celebration. She has accomplished many firsts, and I think our community will be inspired by hearing from her,” said Chears.
Another highlight is HFC alumna Tiffany Williams, who owns Taste Tiff’s Catering in Detroit, will speak about being a first-generation student. Her catering company will serve brunch at the event.
There will also be a student panel of first-generation HFC students and alumni. Representatives from HFC’s Assisted Learning Services, Counseling Center, Career Services, and Student Activities will also be present to discuss stress management and career readiness, among other topics.
“I am definitely looking forward to coming to the celebration,” said Williams. “I am honored that HFC thought to call me to be part of this celebration. As a first-gen student myself, I’ve made my family proud. I was excited to be able to come back and achieve a college education after so many years being out of high school. I hope that inspires other people to take advantage of a college education.”
Event agenda, 10:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (includes lunch)
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Check in, HFC resources, and photo opportunity with Hawkster
11:00 a.m. – Welcome from HFC Vice President of Student Affairs Holly Diamond
11:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – HFC student and alumni panel
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Brunch and talk with Chef Tiffany, an HFC alumna and first-gen student
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Learn4Ward guaranteed transfer program presentation
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Career Services presentation
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Stress Management presentation
12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Networking break
1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. – Conversation with President Kavalhuna and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
2:00 – Wrap up and close
This event that will allow first-gen students to establish a community at HFC
The first-generation college celebration is a national event that occurs every year on November 8 on college campuses across the nation. The reason for the day is that it honors the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The HEA is part of the reason colleges and universities are able to offer students federal financial aid.
“One of the goals of this event is to establish a community among first-generation students at HFC. The celebration will give students the opportunity to network with their peers and members of the HFC faculty and staff to create a supportive network and share resources and experiences. Students will be able to hear from a panel of successful HFC students and alumni who are first generation, as well as from Chef Tiffany about her experiences,” said Chears.
For questions or more information about the first-generation college celebration, contact Chears at 313-845-6486 or achears@hfcc.edu.