Engagement opportunities associated with the National First-Generation College Celebration will take place across the three UW campuses. We will continue to update this page with additional information as it becomes available!
UW Bothell
First Generation Celebration
November 5th, 2025
10:30 am – 3:00 pm
UWB Plaza
Join us in celebrating first-gen students on the first of two days of celebration! We will have food, photo booths, and so much more.
For accommodations contact otp@uw.edu
Academic & Career Pop Up *FREE BOBA for first 50 student attendees & volunteers*
November 6th, 2025
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
ARC Overlook
The Academic Pop Up is a place for first-gen students to grab a treat, prizes, and connect with other campus resources like the Learning Commons. The Career Pop Up is a place for first-gen students to utilize resources to advance their career. This will include a career closet, headshots, resume review, and more. This event is a low-stakes, casual opportunity, for students to connect and mingle with faculty and staff, any involvement or volunteers would be truly appreciated!
For accommodations contact otp@uw.edu
UW in Seattle
College of Arts & Sciences Pop-Up
October 24th
12 PM- 4 PM
Red Square
Take a family photo with the College of Arts & Sciences! Stop by and say hello to college leadership, faculty and staff, celebrate your Husky family story, grab exclusive swag, and more. In addition, if you are a first-generation student or alum, we want to hear from you! Once you fill out the form, stop by our pop-up and pick up a First-generation Husky pin.
At the UW, the College of Arts & Sciences is at the heart of it all — home to the broadest range of discovery, creativity and connection. Come learn about all we have to offer students and their families! Stay connected with @UWArtSci on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
For accommodations contact uwfw@uw.edu
Odegaard Library National First-Generation College Celebration Table
November 3rd
All day
Odegaard Library
Celebrate the experiences of first-generation students and learn about UW Libraries resources to support first-generation student success! Stop by the 2nd floor of Odegaard Library Monday November 3rd through Monday November 10th to pick up first-gen buttons, Libraries swag, and take part in activities reflecting on the first-generation experience. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome!
For accommodations, contact vrbancic@uw.edu
First-Generation College Student Celebration with the Health Sciences
November 3rd
10am – 1pm
Li Lu Library, 3rd floor of the Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB)
The Health Sciences Library will be hosting a National First-Generation College Celebration event at our Li Lu Library location on the 3rd floor of the Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB). This event is open to everyone in the UW community, come celebrate first generation students with goodies and giveaways!
For accommodations contact Caitlin Maloy, the School of Nursing Librarian, at cmaloy@uw.edu
First Generation Fireside Chat
November 6th
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Founders Hall Room 180
A panel discussion with self-identified first generation executives moderated by first generation student that are members of an undergraduate and graduate RSO. Audience are UG and G students who identify as first generation.
For accommodations, contact: Michelle Purnell-Hepburn, mpurhepb@uw.edu
Registration required
UW School of Medicine First-Generation Faculty Celebration
November 20th
9 AM- 10 AM
Virtual
Join the Office of Faculty Affairs for a virtual celebration recognizing the remarkable achievements and experiences of First-Generation faculty across the University of Washington School of Medicine! This event will highlight the resilience, creativity, and vibrant community of First-Gen Faculty individuals that bring invaluable perspectives, leadership, and innovation to higher education—enriching our classrooms, research, and campus culture in countless ways. During this event, you will have the chance to hear of the unique and sometimes uncertain journeys of First-Gen Faculty members as they share uplifting words of inspiration rooted in their personal stories of navigating higher education as the first in their families to attain a degree. First-Generation individuals learn how to adapt, lean into challenges, and offer unparalleled creativity when it comes to forging the way as the first, embracing the unknown and crafting their bright futures.
This gathering marks Part 1 of an ongoing series designed to build connections and strengthen relationships among First-Generation UW students, staff, and faculty at UW Medicine & the Health Sciences throughout the upcoming year. All are welcome to attend and show support for our First-Gen community. An in-person event will be held in January to reconnect with the First-Gen community.
If you have any questions, please email somofaprograms@uw.edu
UW Tacoma
We Are First Gen Photo Campaign Unveiling and National First Gen College Celebration
November 7th
12:30pm – 1:30pm
MLG (Milgard Hall) Room 110
At this event, UWT unveils photos that will be posted around campus and online annually spotlighting current UWT students, staff, faculty and alumni. In addition, this event aligns with the national day of celebration for first generation students pursuing their degrees in higher education.