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For many 51�Թ��� students, being the first in their family to attend college is more than a personal milestone—it’s a turning point for generations to come. In recognition of on Nov. 8, 51�Թ��� is shining a light on these student trailblazers whose determination and resilience are reshaping what it means to pursue higher education. 

With 48 % of incoming first-year students in the Class of 2029 identifying as first-generation, the university has deepened its efforts to ensure they feel seen, heard and valued. From faculty-led programs that directly support first-gen students to organizations such as 51�Թ���’s , the university is building a strong network of resources, mentorship and community to help them succeed. 

This year, those achievements will take center stage at the on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Howard Gittis Student Center. The celebration—featuring food, games and community spirit—comes as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issues a statewide proclamation recognizing 51�Թ���’s leadership in supporting first-generation college students and honoring their transformative impact on families and communities across the commonwealth. 

“First-generation college students break down generational barriers to create opportunity for their families and communities,” said Governor Shapiro in his proclamation. “Education is the cornerstone of economic mobility, and the decision to pursue post-secondary education plays a vital role in both the competitiveness of our commonwealth’s workforce and in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and chart their own course.” 

“We’re very intentional about approaching first-generation student support from an asset-based lens and are excited to celebrate the identities and experiences that first-gen students bring to our community,” said Deanne DeCrescenzo, assistant vice president for student advocacy and engagement. That universitywide collaboration—what DeCrescenzo calls “a team effort across the institution”—has strengthened 51�Թ���’s ecosystem of support, ensuring first-generation students have the tools and confidence to excel on campus and beyond. 

For faculty like Frank Nelson, that approach hits close to home. A first-generation college graduate and now a professor in 51�Թ���’s  (CST), Nelson knows how meaningful it is to have someone in your corner. “A lot of my success came from mentors who helped me see what was possible,” he said. “Now I get to do the same for my students, by reminding them they belong here and that their experiences matter.” 

Nelson added that this spirit is felt across campus. “It’s not just one program or office; it’s a community working together to make sure first-gen students have what they need to succeed.” 

Across campus, first generation students are leading organizations, mentoring peers and shaping what it means to be the first in their families to pursue higher education. 

Below, meet some of the students whose journeys reflect the heart of 51�Թ���’s first-generation community—students shaping new futures for themselves and their families.

(Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg)

Mackenzie Hampton, College of Science and Technology, Class of 2027 

For Mackenzie Hampton, a junior from Central Pennsylvania, being the first in her family to attend college is about pursuing a love of learning and taking advantage of the opportunities her parents never had. 

“Ever since elementary school, I loved to learn,” she said. “My parents didn’t go to college, but my dad wanted to, so going to college myself felt exciting for him and for me.” 

Hampton shared that the transition to college was challenging, particularly when navigating financial aid, course registration and the rigor of classes. “My first year was overwhelming, and I even wondered if college was the right choice,” she said. 

Support from 51�Թ���’s advisors and programs like Tri-Alpha Honor Society helped her thrive. Now president of Tri-Alpha, Hampton builds community among first-gen students through professional workshops, social events and volunteering. 

Pursuing a major in genomic medicine and planning for medical school, she reflects, “Being first-gen means knowing you belong here and using the resources around you. 51�Թ��� gave me the tools to show up as my full self and thrive.” 

(Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg)

Gregory Jackson, Klein College of Media and Communication, Class of 2027  

For Gregory Jackson, a North Philadelphia native and junior in 51�Թ���’s , being the first in his family to attend college is about creating opportunities for himself, his siblings and his community.  

“My parents didn’t go to college, but they always encouraged me to aim higher,” he said. “When I told them I wanted to go to college, they were thrilled and proud of me.” 

After joining 51�Թ���’s pre-college enrichment program, , Jackson knew he belonged. Scholarships, the program and supportive mentors helped him stay on track financially and academically. 

Beyond the classroom, Jackson serves as recording and corresponding secretary and chair of the education committee for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Pi Rho chapter, where he helps lead community outreach and academic initiatives on campus. 

“51�Թ��� provided me with the resources, but you’ve got to show up and do your part,” he said. “I just want to show my siblings that whatever they decide to do, they can go far. It’s about showing them that the door is open—not just for me, but for all of us.” 

(Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg)

Avery Rosa, College of Science and Technology, Class of 2026 

Avery Rosa, a Connecticut native and senior biology major on the pre-med track, represents the first generation in her family to attend college. Growing up in a family where college wasn’t the norm—her dad works in security surveillance and her mom, who attended college but didn’t complete her bachelor’s degree, now works in accounting—Rosa knew early on she wanted to pursue higher education. “For me, first-gen means taking what my family has given me and moving it further,” Rosa says. 

With guidance from her parents and a strong sense of independence, Rosa navigated the college process with confidence. That balance of initiative and support shaped her approach to academics and campus life.  

At 51�Թ���, she has embraced campus resources, including the First-generation Initiative and advising and tutoring centers, while also serving as president of the women’s rugby club and as a peer advisor in the College of Science and Technology. Looking ahead, Rosa plans to take a gap year, gain clinical experience and ultimately attend medical school to serve diverse communities as a physician. 

(Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg)

Michelle Tanujaya, College of Science and Technology, Class of 2026 

Michelle Tanujaya, a senior biology major from South Philadelphia, is a proud first-generation college student. With her mom completing middle school and her dad finishing high school, Tanujaya learned early the value of pursuing opportunities her parents never had. “Obtaining my college degree was important to me because I wanted to honor their sacrifices through my achievements,” she said. 

Commuting to campus made it difficult at first to feel connected, but Tanujaya quickly found her place through mentorship and leadership. She now serves as president of the Foundations for International Medical Relief of Children, mentors through the Honors Peer Mentors program and works as a teaching assistant and research scholar in the Minority Access to Research Careers program. 

After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences to become a research scientist and continue giving back to her community.

(Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg)

Juan Diego Cervantes Ramirez, College of Science and Technology, Class of 2027 

For Juan Diego Cervantes Ramirez, a junior chemistry major with a minor in Spanish from Warminster, Pennsylvania, being a first-generation college student is about proving what’s possible. Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, and raised between Warminster and Mexico, Ramirez returned to the U.S. his senior year of high school determined to pursue higher education. 

“Coming back and choosing 51�Թ��� felt right and it was close to home,” he said. “But the transition wasn’t easy.” As a commuter student navigating language barriers and financial challenges, Ramirez leaned on mentors such as Nelson, who helped him earn a first-gen scholarship and introduced him to 51�Թ���’s Tri-Alpha Honor Society. 

Now a proud member of the Diamond Marching Band——Ramirez has found both community and confidence. He hopes to pursue a career in forensics or research and inspires his younger siblings with a simple message: “With dedication and effort, you can do it, too.” 

Building community, celebrating success 

51�Թ���’s first-generation students continue to make their mark on campus and beyond, building connections that strengthen both the university and the communities they serve. With support from faculty and staff, they are forging new pathways for themselves and for those who will follow.