TU celebrates first generation students, faculty and staff

The event will focus on resources for those who are the first of their family to attend college

By Kyle Hobstetter on November 7, 2017

Towson University President Kim Schatzel is one of many members of the Towson University community that was a first generation college student. Towson University will celebrate its first generation students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, Nov. 8 inside the Chesapeake Room of the University Union, starting at 1p.m.

Over the past few years, many college campuses have featured an influx of first generation students — students who are typically identified as students whose parents have not received a college or university level education.

In Towson University’s campus, there are over approximately 3,567 students who identify as first-generation college students. In collaboration with NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) — the Division of Student Affairs will be celebrating TU’s first generation students, faculty and staff.

The event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 1-3 p.m. inside the Chesapeake Room I. The event will not only serve as a celebration of first generation members of the Towson University community, but also as a networking event.

Raft Woodus, director of Student Success Programs[BROKEN LINK] in Towson University’s Center for Student Diversity, said the event is also about sharing the great resources that TU has to offer for those who are first generation students, faculty and staff.

“It’s an encouraging networking event where students, faculty and staff can share their experiences and the resources available on campus,” Woodus said. “This event is about encouragement, networking, creating new contacts, sharing our resources and celebrating their accomplishment.

“They’ve done this and it’s worth celebrating. This is an empowering event, strengths character and persistence.”

The event will also feature photos from first-generation students from the Towson University community. The photos will also feature a phrase or statement from the student about why it was important for them to pursue higher education. One subject includes President Kim Schatzel, who was a first-generation college student.

“We want celebrate the entire journey that these students are going, or have gone through,” Woodus said. “It really makes me proud to be part of a university that makes a genuine effort to support all of its students.”