Celebrating National First-Generation Week November 2025

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is proud to join the national celebration of First-Generation College Student Week, a time to recognize and honor the experiences, achievements, and journeys of first-generation students.

Being first-generation student means you’re the first in your family to go to college or earn a four-year degree. It’s an exciting milestone, but it can also come with challenges. From figuring out college systems on your own to balancing family expectations and personal goals, first-gen students bring incredible determination, resilience, and perspective to our community. Their stories remind us what it means to break new ground.

Throughout the week, SPH will be hosting and supporting events that celebrate our first-generation students and professionals. We invite all students, staff, and faculty to join us in recognizing and uplifting the first-gen experience.

We’ll also be sharing stories from SPH’s own first-generation faculty. Highlighting their academic journeys, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable journeys of first-generation students and engaging in conversations that uplift and inspire our SPH community.

First-Generation Week Events