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End of the Year Celebration
History: This ceremony started in the Spring of 2018, thanks to the initiative of the First Gen Fellows Registered Student Organization and the support of first-generation faculty and staff at UW Tacoma. During the celebration, each graduating senior is honored and recognized for their accomplishments and contributions. This is an event where all of those who have been part of the collegiate journey of the students will be there to celebrate and show support, including family members, community partners, and UW Tacoma campus faculty and staff.
Description: Every Spring the office of First Generation Student Initiatives hosts an End of the Year Celebration where all First-gen graduating seniors are recognized for being the first in their families to graduate from college. As part of this recognition, the graduates receive a graduation stole representing First Gen Fellows. Traditionally a family member, a mentor, or a friend who has supported the graduating senior during their academic journey places the stole on the student during the celebration. Students are able to proudly wear their stole during the UW Tacoma Commencement ceremonies. This stole has the official emblem of the University of Washington and the First Gen Fellows emblem.
National First Generation College Celebration
The University of Washington Tacoma recognizes the experience of first-generation students and their success in pursuing higher education. Not only is this day being acknowledged at UW Tacoma, but it is a nationally recognized event that will also be celebrated in many other educational institutions. #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenUWTacoma
This celebration is a tri-campus collaboration between the University of Washington Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma.
Breakfast for Finals
First Generation Student Initiatives sponsors a breakfast for all students on the first day of Finals Week! This event provides an opportunity for students to connect with each other, take a study break, and prepare for their finals while sharing some food and study tips. It also serves as a way for faculty and staff to celebrate student’s achievements and show their support.
This event is possible thanks to the collaboration of The Pantry, Center for Student Involvement, Student Activities Board, and Husky Success Series.