MC Office of Student Success to host First Gen Celebration Week activities Nov. 9-13

Mississippi Christian University (MC) will celebrate the achievements of its First Generation students, faculty, staff and alumni during the Office of Student Success’s inaugural National First Generation College Celebration Week, scheduled for Monday through Friday, Nov. 9-13, on the Clinton campus.

The week’s activities commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded college access nationwide.

MC is a member of the First Gen Forward Network, a national higher-education initiative that helps colleges and universities improve support and outcomes for first-generation college students. MC has previously participated in a national daylong celebration of its First Gen students, but this year marks the first weeklong slate of activities.

MC defines a First Generation college student as any individual whose parents or legal guardians did not complete a four-year college or university degree. More than 250 first-generation undergraduate students attend MC.

Marilyn Tullos, MC director of First Gen support, said National First Generation College Celebration Week is her department’s biggest event of the year.

“This is an opportunity for First Gen students to celebrate their identities, network and compare stories with other first generation students and share in each other’s successes,” Tullos said. “We want these students to feel empowered and to understand that they are not alone: other students are navigating the same path.

“MC values these students and offers many resources to help meet their physical, emotional, spiritual and academic needs. We want them to feel supported and encouraged at MC.”

She said MC First Generation faculty, staff and alumni are also invited to the series of events, which include:

"First Gen Voices," 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, on Pedestrian Street

MC students can learn what it means to be a First Gen student and discover whether they qualify for the distinction at an interactive information booth. Tullos said the MC First Gen Student Advisory Council requested this event.

“It’s an opportunity for the council members to advocate for First Gen students and share their unique perspective in a question-and-answer setting,” she said.

"First Gen Game Night," 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9, in the M Club Room in Alumni Hall

First Gen students can relax, play board games and enjoy the company of other first generation students.

"First Gen Sweet Success," 11 a.m to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Lower Commons

In partnership with the MC Office of Student Engagement, the Office of Student Success will host a party for First Gen students that will include snacks, treats and a soda cart. Attendees of the week’s biggest event will receive a gift recognizing their status as First Generation students.

"Poppin' with Purpose," 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Office of Student Success

MC Office of Student Success coaches will answer questions from First Gen students, who can enjoy fresh popcorn while learning about the campus resources available to them.

"Paving the Path," 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall

During Chapel, Dr. Ben Goff will offer a special prayer for First Gen students as they blaze new academic trails for their respective families.

"Prize Day," 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 13, on Instagram

The week’s festivities will conclude with a virtual giveaway for First Gen students. Pick up a ticket at each of the week’s events, visit FirstGenMC1 on Instagram and enter a drawing for various prizes.

For more information about MC’s First Gen Student program, visit mc.edu/success/first-generation-college-students or email Tullos at mltullos@mc.edu.