UW Tacoma's new Office of Indigenous Engagement is a dedicated space aimed at fostering connections, providing support, and expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous students throughout the region.

To celebrate National First Generation College Day on Nov. 8, we asked some our first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni for their advice on what it takes to achieve your educational dreams.

Rafael Saucedo (’17, ’19), initially struggled in college until he found his community at UW Tacoma. Now he has made a career of helping others build community and financial health.

Alumni Ben Pauli and Vivian Kao (both SIAS ’05) have gone from one side of the classroom to the other. Their journey to becoming university professors started at UW Tacoma.