University News

Celebrating First Generation Students

November 8, 2021

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Today (Nov. 8) is National First Generation College Celebration Day, which also honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965.

Much like other hallmark legislation of the 1960s, the HEA created to level the playing field for individuals from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help pay for an education, the legislation made key investments in higher education institutions. HEA also brought such programs as the Federal TRIO program, which assist with the preparation, procedures and direction in pursuing postsecondary access, retention and completion for low-income and/or first generation college graduates. At Western Illinois University, the Fall 2021 new freshmen first generation student population is 38.5 percent.

Guadalupe Villagomez Ortiz, a freshman psychology major from Elgin who was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, said as a first generation student, WIU has provided her with the resources to help her become successful. Villagomez Ortiz career goal is to become a child psychologist.

"Western has provided me with the best financial support, resources and education," she said. "At WIU, I've been given the opportunity to branch out of my hometown and expand my horizons, giving me great new experiences, perspectives and friends!

Western's First Year Experience (FYE) program, along with numerous other programs, provide support and resources for first-generation students during their first year at WIU and beyond.

In addition to the FYE program, WIU has in place numerous other programs and resources, including the student organization, Western's 1st Generation Society (W1GS). According to Jacquelyn Miller of WIU Retention Initiatives and W1GS adviser, the organization is designed to give students a way to be more connected with other first generation students and with the University. The society works to educate its members about the resources available, get them involved in campus activities and become active volunteers.

Alleena Blackwell, a sophomore elementary education major from Davenport, IA at the WIU-Quad Cities campus, said as a first generation college student, Western has provided her with various opportunities to start reaching her goals. She plans on obtaining her master's from WIU and to become a school principal in the future.

"The staff and faculty at Western definitely make you feel welcomed and can accommodate all your needs," Blackwell added. "I've been able to start preparing for my future career and achieve everything I've always said I wanted to."

The Office of Retention Initiatives (ORI) and the Student Development and Success Center (SDSC) have a number of student success programs in place to help students, including the Leatherneck Care Referral program, which gives students, families, faculty and staff, an opportunity to refer students and situations to staff for personal follow-up. This program helps to ensure students are not falling through the cracks and have access to resources and support at WIU. The offices also provide additional resources and education for first-generation college students and families.

"We're incredibly fortunate, and thankful, to have an amazing group of first-generation college students who have chosen WIU," Executive Director of Retention Initiatives Justin Schuch said. "Resources such as the Leatherneck Care Referral, mentorship programming and more are focused directly on assisting our students to ensure their success at Western."

The ORI also coordinates the Building Connections Mentor program, in which volunteer faculty and staff serve as mentors to assist in the transition to campus throughout the first semester, while the Connections Mapping program provides insight and early intervention opportunities.

First generation students who need assistance and more information about WIU can visit wiu.edu/firstgeneration. For all resources and support initiatives in place for students at Western, visit wiu.edu/fye.


Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing