February 25, 2015
Events celebrate first-generation college students
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Several activities are set as Southern Illinois University Carbondale celebrates First Generation College Student Awareness Week. The events, with the theme “Making My Family Proud,” run Saturday, Feb. 28, through Thursday, March 5.
The goal is to support and encourage first-generation SIU Carbondale students whose parents did not earn bachelor’s degrees.
The week starts with the opportunity to watch a men’s basketball game against Drake at 3:05 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring a special section of reserved seating and including halftime recognition. The first 100 first-generation students who sign up will receive a free T-shirt. Sign-up is available in the participating offices: Student Support Services, McNair Scholars and First Scholars program, Upward Bound, or Non-Traditional Student Services.
Other activities include a documentary, “This is My Story,” a film profiling first-generation SIU Carbondale students who share life stories, challenges and accomplishments from attending college. The film begins at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 2, in the Student Center Auditorium.
On Tuesday, March 3, from noon to 2 p.m., faculty, staff and students will participate in a dialogue on how generational status affects college success. The discussion will be in Morris Library’s American Heritage Room, located on the third floor.
A financial literacy fair, which will provide tips on budgeting, responsible borrowing, setting financial goals and understanding credit cards, is from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 4. The event is in the Student Center’s Illinois Room. Representatives from Old National Bank, Regions Bank and the SIU Credit Union will be available to provide suggestions on financial literacy.