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November marks First-Generation College Celebration Month, a time to recognize and honor the First-Generation/Working Class (FGWC) community here at Whitman. In fact, this past Saturday was . According to FirstGen Forward, a nonprofit organization with a mission to support First-Generation High School and College Students, First-Generation College Celebration Day commemorates the passing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which established federal financial aid programs for students and increased funding support for colleges and universities.

First-generation students, staff and faculty bring invaluable perspectives, strengths and forms of resilience to our campus culture. Their journeys reflect courage, resourcefulness, creativity and deep commitment, not only to themselves, but to their families and communities. 

This month, the Division of Inclusive Excellence invites our campus to celebrate, support, uplift and embrace FGWC identities and voices across Whitman and beyond.

Summer Fly-In Program for FGWC Students

The Summer Fly-In Program has been and continues to be an integral part of the FGWC student experience at Whitman for its participants. This summer pre-orientation opportunity supports incoming FGWC students in building community, learning about campus resources and beginning their transition into college. We are grateful to the students, staff, faculty and campus partners who make this program possible each year. We also invite past participants to reflect on their connections and sense of belonging that began during their Fly-In experience.

Student FGWC Community Spotlight

The student affinity group continues to build affirming community through regular meetings, events and peer support. Their work centers belonging, cultural humility and the wisdom of lived experience. Some events planned this month include a First Gen Too tabling event, FGWC Resource Fair, and a First Gen Too student, staff and faculty mixer. To learn more or get involved, follow FGWC on Instagram ().

First Gen Too Campaign

Last year, the Division of Inclusive Excellence launched its inaugural First Gen Too campaign. This year, we decided to continue the work of fostering a community where every first-generation member of our campus feels recognized, valued and empowered. By holding a First Gen Too student, staff and faculty mixer, we hope to develop and strengthen the connections for our entire Whitman FGWC community. This event will be happening on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reid Campus Center Coffeehouse. Light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to include your photos celebrating your FGWC identity (i.e. graduation photos, FGWC events, Summer Fly-In pics, etc.), please upload them to .

New: FGWC Employee Resource Group (ERG)

We are also excited to share the ongoing development of a new First-Generation/Working Class Employee Resource Group! We hope that it will serve as an affinity space for staff and faculty who identify as first generation or come from working-class backgrounds. This ERG hopes to support mentorship, connection, professional development and advocacy. More information forthcoming.

To all first-generation and working class members of our community,

You are enough. You matter. You belong. Your perspectives enrich our 吃瓜网 community. Your experiences are valid, powerful, and real. Thank you for being you and for everything you bring to Whitman. Until then, take care, and happy First-Generation College Celebration Month!

If you have any questions or would like to participate in future FGWC programming, please reach out to Cheysen (pronounced: SHY-sen) Cabuyadao-Sipe, Resident Director and Intercultural Program Manager, at cabuyack@whitman.edu.