First-Generation Celebration

Background Image: Illustration of a winding road to the mountain top where a TC flag pole is erected

I'm First | Teachers College, Columbia University

FORGING A FUTURE

First Gen Celebration Week

Share Your Story Support First-Gen Scholarship

Celebrating First-Generation Students

In the words of TC faculty member and fellow first-gen student Dr. Carmen Martínez-Roldán, first-generation college students inspire us “to keep reimagining new ways to honor a diversity of voices and experiences.”

We are so pleased that TC is celebrating the impact and experience of our first-gen community and their deep commitment to learning.

Join Us For Our First Gen Week Celebration!

In honor of the many students within the Teachers College community whose hard work and resilience have led them to be the first in their families to attend college or graduate school, TC has planned a week-long celebration beginning Monday, November 7, 2022.


Nov. 7

First Gen Mix and Mingle

Monday, November 7, 2022 at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: ZB 109

Open to all self-identified first generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni the First Gen Mix and Mingle is a drop-by reception for Teachers College to come together and build community with other first gen members.

Nov. 8

First Gen: Share Your Story

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - All Day

Location: [Virtual] Instagram Stories (@tc_gradlife)

GSLD will be highlighting First Gen TC students on our Instagram page (@tc_gradlife) and throughout
First Gen Week at TC. Want to be featured? Connect with us at gsld@tc.columbia.edu or on Instagram!

Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are all invited to participate.

Nov. 9

Demystifying the IRB

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Grace Dodge Hall 279

Let’s demystify the Institutional Review Board process! The first hour will be a presentation that covers the importance of the IRB in research, protocol submission tips, and the criteria for IRB review and approval. The second hour will be an informal coffee hour chat about the IRB process.

This event is open for current TC students.

Nov. 9

Cookies & Conversation @ GSLD

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | First Come, First Serve

Location: Building 528, Suite 155

Visit Graduate Student Life & Development's (GSLD) office and enjoy free cookies. Don't forget to pick-up your first gen swag at the front desk, while supplies last!

Nov. 10

Headshots and Hors D’oeuvres

Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Building 528, Suite 157

Students & Alumni: Sign up in advance for this TC NEXT premier event: Headshots & Hors D’oeuvres. Snack with us, and get your free professional photo taken for LinkedIn, as well as an on-the-fly LinkedIn Review, and an answer for any of your other quick career-related questions. Time slots are limited!

Nov. 11

TC Community Dinner

Friday, November 11, 2022 at 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm

Location: Grace Dodge Hall 179

This closing event during First Gen Celebration Week at TC is to bring people together, build community, and create a sense of belonging. Due to the intimate nature of the community dinner, this event is lottery based.

Student/Alumni Stories


Support First-Generation Students

First-generation students are trailblazers who bring unique and diverse perspectives to our community and carry forward our legacy of equity and inclusion.  Support them today with a gift to Teachers College.

TC First Generation Celebration at Convocation 2019

Community Stories


Tim Wentworth

Open quotesAs a first-generation student myself, I deeply appreciate and honor the challenges that each of our first generation students have confronted and overcome to reach a place of excellence and opportunity in their lives. They are role models for their families and their communities!Close quotes

Tim Wentworth
Teachers College Trustee

Faculty Stories


First generation students applaud at graduation

Past Ceremonies

An annual tradition of TC's Convocation, watch our recent Diversity & First-Generation Celebration ceremonies:

Read the Diversity & First-Generation 7th Annual Celebration Letters

Back to skip to quick links