Celebrate First-Gen Week 2025 across campus with Emory First

By John Baker Brown Nov. 4, 2025

Emory’s First-Generation College Week 2025 begins Wednesday, Nov. 5, and runs through through Friday, Nov. 14, in recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Saturday, Nov. 8. This year’s celebration, which features programs that cultivate belonging and learning for the campus community, is led by Emory First in partnership with a variety of university departments and recognized student organizations.

All students are welcome to participate, and the entire Emory community is invited to join the celebration, which kicks off on the Atlanta campus with “Wealthy Wednesday: Money Matters — Adulting Essentials,” at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5. This session connects students with peers for a presentation and discussion of practical tools for managing money and navigating life’s financial decisions.

Additional First-Gen Week activities include:

First-Gen Friday: Brushes, Brunch and Beats at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7. Join for an afternoon of creativity, food, music and community engagement.
Letters of Gratitude: Veterans Day in Action, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 11. Stop by to write letters of gratitude to veterans and spread kindness across the community.
First-Gen Circle: Students and Faculty Connect, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Join to connect with fellow students and faculty and enjoy stories and mentorship around topics such as college, career paths and beyond.

The First-Gen Week Grand Celebration takes place on the second floor of the Emory Student Center Commons on Monday, Nov. 10, at 12 p.m. All Emory students are invited to enjoy lunch, live music, giveaways, activities and more. The event is presented by student organizations and partners across campus.

The celebration concludes on Friday, Nov. 14, with the First-Gen Grad Gala: Trailblazing Together. Hosted by Emory First, First-Gen @ Rollins and Laney Graduate School the event starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Lawrence P. and Ann Estes Klamon Room in the Rollins School of Public Health.

“It’s a pleasure to collaborate again with our many partnering organizations across campus to celebrate the 2025 National First-Generation College Celebration Week at Emory,” says Mike Jones, director of Emory First. “In fact, our partnership this year is stronger and more organized than ever.”

The associate director of Emory First and planning lead for the event, Hannah Gebresilassie, agrees. “We are grateful this year to have established an inaugural First-Gen Week planning committee comprised of students, faculty and staff,” she says. “Their passion, dedication and ideas have been essential to bringing this week together.”

Emory First, part of Campus Life’s Belonging and Community Justice, works to ensure that all students have access to the resources and sense of community essential to their successful educational journey.

Emory First offers support for students throughout the school year by providing community-building events, skill-development workshops and campus resource pop-ups that educate students on the many available resources.

Emory First also serves a wider constituency, says Jones. “In addition to offering programs that benefit first-generation and low- and limited-income college students, we elevate awareness of Emory’s many resources that serve, celebrate and center the lived experiences of all students.”

Connect with Emory First on The Hub and Instagram to stay up to date.

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