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.

GenFirst mentor and student eating frozen yogurt

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.

Meet our GenFirst! mentors

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, contact:

Jenn Brown, Office of the Provost
570-577-1562
jmh070@bucknell.edu

GPA and credit requirements

Educational Sessions

Past sessions have featured the Office of Global & Off-Campus Education, the Center for Career Advancement and the Writing Center. We encourage students to suggest ideas for new topics they want to learn about.

The Weis Center for the Performing Arts

The Weis Center offers first-gen students complimentary tickets to select world-class performances.

Samek Museum

The Samek Art Museum’s Storming the Museum event provides an opportunity to socialize with other first-gens, enjoy light refreshments, and engage art provocatively and with a critical lens.

Overhead view of a spiral staircase with people standing in a circle on the ground floor. The stairway's curves frame the scene, creating a concentric pattern.

Dignity & Dialogue Circles

New Program

Bucknell University is launching Dignity & Dialogue Circles for the 2024-2025 academic year to encourage meaningful conversations and foster a more inclusive and empathetic campus environment. The initiative aims to create a space where dignity, collaboration and empathy can thrive.