Sonoma State University

Celebrate First-Gen Seawolves: November 2-6!

Monday, October 26, 2026, 1:45pm

TO: Campus Community
FR: Dr. Sarah Ellison, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Sonoma State University is proud to join colleges and universities across the nation in celebrating First-Generation College Celebration Week, happening Monday, Nov. 2 - Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

Each year, the National First-Generation College Celebration takes place on November 8, honoring the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which helped expand access to higher education for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. You can learn more about the national celebration here.

First-generation college students are a vital and growing part of our SSU community. We are proud to celebrate our First-Gen Seawolves and the faculty, staff, and allies who support them every step of the way.

This year’s theme, “Taking Our Place at the Table,” invites first-generation Seawolves to claim their power at every level and position to impact their communities.

Join us all week for events that honor and uplift the First-Gen experience:

First-Gen Celebration Week Events

  • Monday, Nov. 2: First-Gen Community Celebration Kickoff — Seawolf Plaza, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3: Financial Literacy for First-Gens: Understanding Credit — CAASE Lounge, Schulz 1119, noon to 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 4: First-Gen Professionals: Tips from Sonoma State Alumni — CAASE Lounge, Schulz 1119, noon to 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 4: First-Gen Movie Night: “A Million Miles Away” — The HUB, Schulz 1058A, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 5: Career Fair featuring First-Gen ribbons to show your pride — Valley Rooms, 2nd Floor of Student Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 5: "Rooted in Justice & Resiliency" Lecture and gallery reception highlighting local first-gen womxn leaders in food justice — Environmental Technology Center, next to the Children’s School, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 6: Make Your Own Button! — Makerspace, Schulz Library 2nd Floor, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Follow @ssufirstgen on Instagram for event updates and highlights!

We invite all students, faculty, and staff to join the celebration and share your own first-gen story using our hashtags:

 #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenSeawolf #FirstGenAtSSU

Thank you for celebrating and supporting our First-Gen Seawolves!

SSU First-Gen Week Flier 2026.pdf (1.1 MB)