September 08, 2025
SIU receives grant to boost support for first-generation students
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of just 26 universities across the country to receive a First-Generation College Celebration initiative grant.
“I am thrilled to receive the First-Generation College Celebration Grant, which recognizes the unique journeys and achievements of our first-generation students,” said Lanel Love, assistant dean of students. “This support will allow us to honor their resilience, celebrate their voices and provide meaningful opportunities to build community and belonging. I am proud to stand alongside our first-generation students and celebrate their countless contributions to our campus and beyond.”
The funding will enable the university to enhance and expand its commitment to supporting first-generation college students. The $2,500 grant is provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward, with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Opportunity.
Many Salukis are first-generation
About two of every five SIU students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Each November, a campuswide celebration recognizes and honors these students, and the grant funding will be used in part for that recognition.
“The grant funds will enable us to strengthen awareness of our First-Generation College Celebration Day and support student success through enhanced programs, events and resources,” Love said. “The award provides flexibility in addressing students’ emerging needs and helps us expand opportunities and invest in initiatives that will have the greatest impact on their educational journeys and roads to success.”
Planning is well underway for this year’s celebration on Nov. 8. SIU and its First Saluki Center have held the First-Generation College Celebration since its inception in 2019.
“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses,” said Kimberly Jones, COE president. “This grant empowers institutions like SIU to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”
Maurice Jones, FirstGen Forward chief executive officer, said the sponsoring organizations are eager to “advance the success of first-generation college students” and that the support from TIAA and Strada Education Opportunity provide avenues to “catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities.”