First-Generation Alumni Advocates

The First-Generation Alumni Advocates Program connects first-generation WKU Alumni with first-generation WKU students to offer support and guidance. Advocates share their stories, create awareness and directly engage with first-generation students from recruitment to graduation and beyond.

WKU Defines First-Generation student as one where "neither parent graduated from a traditional four-year college.” Contrary to popular opinion, it does not mean that you are the first one in your family to attend college. In addition, someone is still considered first generation if their parents or guardians graduated with an associate degree (two-year degree) or attended college but did not graduate, or if they had a sibling graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Participation is open to first-generation WKU alumni or allies who are interested in supporting first-generation students. Levels of participation include:

  • telling your story (articles, graphics, videos)
  • sharing your insight from being a first-generation student by responding to regular questions by email or engaging with social media posts
  • attending events and tabling at campus functions for first-gen students
  • serving as a speaker or panel member for first-gen student events such as orientations, panels/forums, class presentations or dinners
  • networking with or mentoring first-generation students
  • donating to scholarships and initiatives that support first-gen students

 
Volunteer Here!


First-Generation Alumni in Residence is the newest way that WKU is celebrating first-gen alumni. WKU’s First Gen initiative, which currently boasts more than 140 faculty, staff and alumni advocates, is designed to increase student success and sense of community for first-generation Hilltoppers. The University’s commitment was recently confirmed by being selected as a member of the First Scholars Network for 2023-2024. Together, the Alumni in Residence program and the First-Generation Initiative are bringing this group of five alumni to campus to help all students, including our first-generation students, learn from their journeys and their experiences on the Hill and beyond