First-Generation College Students Celebrated

On Nov. 8, The University joined hundreds of institutions across the country in celebration of first-generation college students for the National First-Generation College Celebration. 

The University's celebration was organized by THR1VE, which provides support to Scranton's first-gen students, who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. These Royals make up about 22 percent of the undergraduates at Scranton. 

Students took part in activities at the DeNaples Center on Nov. 8 and were also invited, along with the wider University community, to the Fail Forward Panel featuring several faculty, staff and administrators who also identify as first-generation.

"Since our earliest days as St. Thomas College, an important part of our mission has been and will continue to be educating those who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. The accomplishment of earning a college degree is a transformative experience for all students, but for students who are the first in their families to go to college, earning a degree can be life-changing for not only students but their entire family," wrote University President Joseph Marina, S.J., who was a first-generation college student, in a message to the University community this week.

Follow THR1VE on Instagram for more on events like this one.