At Penn College, we celebrate the first-generation college student experience. You are a force of inspiration and empowerment. Together, we can transform tomorrow.
Each year we honor National First-Generation College Celebration Day, which is November 8. This commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created federal financial aid programs to reduce barriers to first-generation student success.
First-Gen Student Showcase 2026
3:30 PM on Thursday, November 5
Check out opportunities at the 2026 celebration. All events listed, except Tuesday Night Bingo, will be held on Thursday, November 5 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM in the Professional Development Center at Penn College. All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to stop by, partake in the activities, and celebrate our first-generation students in the student showcase.
Tuesday Night Bingo
In collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement and First Year Transitions, we hosted a special edition of Campus Bingo on Tuesday, November 3 at 7 PM in the Bush Campus Center. Students can win cool prizes including a Happy Planner starter pack and a voucher to be used at Mama Martina's Authentic Mexican Food Truck on Thursday, November 5th.
Enter to Win Giveaways
Stopping by to explore the celebration festivities gives you a chance to enter to win one of the giveaway prizes including a pair of Beats Solo 4 headphones, a Stanley Cup gift set, and more. Stop by between 3:30 and 5:30 PM on November 5 for your chance to explore the event and enter to win.
Little Pine Coffee
Little Pine Coffee Company will be set up between the Professional Development Center and the parking lot by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant from 9-5:30 PM on November 5. Stop by early to grab a treat, and in the afternoon head into the Professional Development Center to check out the celebration.
Mama Martina's Authentic Mexican
Grab a bite to eat from Mama Martina's Authentic Mexican food truck, also set up between the Professional Development Center and the parking lot by Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, between 2:30 and 5:30 PM on November 5. Part of the profits from the day will support the Lambda Xi chapter at Penn College of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students.
Learn More About Open Positions
Residence Life, Student Advocacy, and the Office of Admissions will all be available and sharing information about open leadership positions within their office. Positions include resident assistants, peer mentors, and admissions tour guides.
Learn About Minors & Immersions
Penn College has over 30 minors available to our bachelor-degree students. They are a great way to enhance your resume and help you stand out from other applicants when you are ready to start your job search. Come talk with faculty and students to learn more about required classes and how a minor can enhance your degree experience.
Interact with Resources
Connect with people and offices such as Peer Mentors, the Campus Dietician, Career Services, Disability and Access Resources, Tutoring Services, Global Experiences, Student Engagement & First Year Transitions, and more!
Check out the Student Showcase
Every year students across campus are creating projects in their hands-on coursework. Stop by and celebrate some of the projects of our first-generation students at the student showcase portion of first-gen celebration, also located in the Professional Development Center, between 3:30 and 5:30 PM on November 5.
First-Generation College Celebration Week at Penn College featured an array of exploration and information, highlighted by Lasada “LP” Pippen, a former computer engineer turned motivational speaker.
Penn College hosted a First-Generation Celebration on Thursday – building community, sharing resources and showcasing student achievements.