GenFirst!@Bucknell
Welcome to our community of first-generation students, faculty and staff.
At Bucknell, many of our faculty, staff and alumni are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university.
Wherever you see a "come talk to me" poster, there is a friendly first-generation faculty or staff member who would love to meet and chat with you. Knock and introduce yourself. We are thrilled to welcome you to our community of first-generation students, faculty and staff. We have a fabulously fun, informative and enriching schedule of events planned just for you.
Bucknell's Commitment to First-generation Students
The Center for Access & Success is dedicated to enhancing the college experience for all high-achieving students whose academic standings earn them a place at Bucknell but who also face multiple social, economic and experiential barriers to getting admitted to college. Because of these barriers, first-generation students often face other challenges during their college experience and benefit from support systems to ensure that they can make the most of their time at Bucknell — especially when the students' parents did not experience college themselves.
Bucknell's first-generation students are highly qualified for admission and bring exceptional academic and personal achievements that contribute to the University's increased selectivity. Recruiting and supporting first-generation students is not about altering the racial or ethnic makeup of the student body, but about recognizing students whose admission reflects resilience, determination and the ability to excel without the built-in advantages of college-going family members. Investing in their success strengthens the entire campus community.
GenFirst! Mentors
You won't want to miss out on having a GenFirst! faculty/staff mentor. No matter what class year you're in, or whether or not you already have a mentor or adviser, a mentor who, like you, is also first gen, is an incredible asset. To get started, check out our mentors, select your top four choices, and then complete the Choose a Mentor Request Form as soon as possible so that we can partner you with a mentor.
First Generation College Celebration
Mark your calendars! Nov. 8 is First Generation College Celebration Day. This national event aims to raise awareness of first-generation student experiences, recognize accomplishments of first-generation college students and strengthen relationships among the first-gen campus community.
Additional Opportunities for First-gen Students
Alpha Alpha Alpha — First-gen Honor Society
Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation college students. Students can qualify for induction into Bucknell's chapter of Tri-Alpha if they will, upon graduation, become the first members of their immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree. Eligible inductees must also meet additional requirements for completed coursework and grade point average. Graduate students are also eligible for admission. For more information about the Tri-Alpha honors society, visit https://www.1stgenhonors.org.
Tri-Alpha Officers
President: Marie Alexis
Vice President: Brennah Kennedy
Historian: Tomy Liu
Commencement Celebration
Peers, mentors and family are invited to an exclusive celebration of your achievements as we recognize your dedication and resilience as a first-generation graduate. More information on this event will be available closer to commencement.