Stony Brook University is celebrating First Generation Week, an annual event that recognizes and supports students who are the first in their families to attend college. Nearly one-third of Stony Brook's 18,000 undergraduates fall into this category, facing challenges such as unfamiliarity with campus resources and financial uncertainties.
The week-long series of events aligns with the national First-Generation College Celebration and runs from November 4 through November 13. Activities include workshops, networking opportunities, and sessions designed to empower these students.
The celebration began with a welcome brunch and panel discussion on November 4. Panelists included Takesha Sutton-Young, associate vice president of presidential initiatives; Steven Torres, residence hall director for James Hall; Destinee Weston, residence hall director for Benedict South Community; and Madelyne Gaibor Alban, a senior majoring in psychology and political science.
Sutton-Young shared her background of growing up in Jamaica where education was emphasized by her father. “Education for us in our house was first and foremost,” she said. Weston discussed overcoming self-doubt from her upbringing in upstate New York: “Stony Brook was my home away from home,” she stated.
Torres spoke about his journey from the Bronx with limited knowledge of higher education options beyond CUNY schools. “I didn’t know I was a first-gen student until my senior year,” he admitted. Gaibor Alban highlighted the importance of finding support systems on campus: “Having people to rely on is super important," she noted.
Deborah Britton-Riley, coordinator for New Student and Transition Programs, emphasized the significance of supporting first-generation students: “Supporting first-generation students is crucial as they often face unique challenges on their educational journeys.”
Throughout the week, events focus on topics like financial literacy and career advising. On November 8, "Pride Day" encourages students to wear First Generation T-shirts to celebrate National First Generation College Student Day.
Stony Brook has been recognized as one of 80 institutions inducted into the FirstGenForward Network due to its commitment to enhancing experiences for first-generation college students.