The First Forward+ network aims to uplift first-generation college students, GAIN cohorts, and the adoptee community with a week of events during November 8–14.
Approximately 25 percent of the Gustavus student body identifies as first-generation college students, which is generally defined as a student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year bachelor's degree. First-generation students are twice as likely to leave college without completing a bachelor’s degree than their peers, according to a report from the Common App. The First-Generation Advisory Team, a task force of staff, faculty, and students, is working to change that through programming, resource sharing, and influencing system change to support students’ success.
Gustavus is honoring National First-Generation Celebration Day and First Forward+ Week from November 8–14 with several on-campus events and dinners, plus the annual A Royal Affair gala.
First Forward+ is an internal campus network that brings together the Gustavus first-generation community and Tri-Alpha honor society, all four years of GAIN (Gusties Attaining Interpersonal Networks) student cohorts, and ARC (Adoption Recognition Community). In addition to events hosted during First Forward+ Week, the network also welcomes students to attend First Gen Fridays, a community-building event that occurs each Friday from 2–3 p.m. in the Center for Inclusive Excellence.
Schedule of Events
- 2026-27 Tri-Alpha Honor Society Induction Ceremony: Sunday, Nov. 8, 3–4 p.m., Center for Inclusive Excellence
- National First-Generation Celebration Day: Monday, Nov. 9, campus-wide
- Visit the First-Generation Advisory Team tabling outside the Marketplace in Jackson Campus Center from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. for free swag, giveaways, and information for first-generation students and allies.
- First-Generation Celebration: November 10–13, campus-wide
- Throughout the week, administrative offices and academic departments are encouraged to show their first-generation pride by posting balloons and signs indicating the first-generation faculty, staff, and students who work and study there. Fill out this form to request promotional materials.
- First Forward+ Open House & Scavenger Hunt: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Center for Inclusive Excellence
- Tri-Alpha Honor Society Tabling with Trivia & Prizes: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. , outside Marketplace in Jackson Campus Center
- First Forward+ Student Dinner: Thursday, Nov. 12 | 5–6:30 p.m., Three Crowns Room
- A Royal Affair Gala: Saturday, Nov. 14, 5–11 p.m., JW Marriott Hotel at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. Learn more and purchase tickets.
“With a growing population of first-generation students, we work to elevate support and visibility for these students knowing that improving systems and support for them will positively impact the experience of every student,” says Mary Hellwege, a student support specialist in the Academic Success Center at Gustavus.
“It has been wonderful to see so many other first gens in the same space,” says Kendall Wiggins ʼ27, a geology major from Cordele, Georgia. “Sharing stories and snacks with people who understand the struggles and successes that come with the territory is so special.”
First-generation students can experience a unique weight on their shoulders to succeed for reasons greater than themselves but often lack the institutional knowledge or social capital to effectively navigate higher education systems, explains Hellwege. “They are, however, often extremely accomplished, capable, and resilient,” she says. “We seek to build up their positive sense of identity as barrier breakers.”
Gustavus has enhanced strategic support by leveraging available data, improving outreach mechanisms, and providing training for faculty, staff, and students to better maneuver these systems.
After eight years of attending college at a number of institutions, Natasha Grad ʼ27, a political science major, is on track to graduate from Gustavus this spring. As a first-generation student, she has circumvented the academic system without the institutional knowledge many other students have in place. “It can sometimes feel like everyone else is in on a secret I don’t know,” she says.
With the guidance of professors, mentors, and Gustavus alums, she’s created a support network to help her navigate internship applications and post-graduation decisions. “The people who work at Gustavus care so much about the students and their success,” she says. “That genuine interest in my life and my future has helped push me through.”
Before starting college, Kendall felt nervous about finding her niche — clubs she could join, a department she liked, a major that fit. “Being a Gustie has exposed me to how much there really is out there,” she says. “With so many things to try, it can feel overwhelming, but I've had people along the way who have helped me hone my interests, both academic and personal.”
