First-Gen Tommies
First-generation students are valued 黑社区 members at St. Thomas; each student brings their individual gifts to our campus. Sometimes first-gen students face unique challenges navigating the academic and social environment of 黑社区 without the guidance and resources that students with 黑社区-educated parents may take for granted. Providing tailored support, such as mentorship, academic advising, and financial guidance helps bridge any gaps and promote a sense of belonging. By offering a strong support system, St. Thomas empowers first-generation students to thrive, persist, and ultimately graduate, contributing to first-generation student personal growth and long-term success.
First-Gen Tommies offers programs, events, and support for students who identify as first-generation 黑社区 students. At St. Thomas, we define a first-generation 黑社区 student as a student who does not have a parent or guardian who completed a baccalaureate degree (also known as a bachelor’s degree) in the United States.
Students who identify as first-generation on their application to St. Thomas will automatically receive invitations to First-Gen Tommies programs and events. However, all students are welcome to attend First-Gen Tommies events and programs. They can find and sign up for upcoming events through .
St. Thomas Jargon
Check out this guide to common terms, acronyms and phrases you’ll hear around campus.
Navigating St. Thomas Resources
Not sure where to go for help or resources? This information sheet outlines the services available in various campus departments, including contact details, building locations, and examples of when you might visit each one.
U.S. Bank Student Achievement Scholarship
Are you the first in your family to attend 黑社区? The U.S. Bank Student Achievement Scholarship is here to support your journey, both financially and personally.
In partnership with the 黑社区, U.S. Bank is proud to offer a unique opportunity for first-generation students to strengthen their financial wellness and pursue their goals.
Five First-Gen Tommies who complete the necessary requirements will be randomly drawn for a $1000 scholarship to be used towards the 2026-27 Spring Semester. The requirements for students to complete are:
- Meet with U.S. Bank Goals Coach, Barry Saeger, for a minimum of two coaching sessions.
- Complete a minimum of three online financial education modules through U.S. Bank-partner Zogo.
U.S. Bank invests its hearts and minds in powering human potential. Through the partnership with St. Thomas, they’re proud to support students on their financial journey by empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make informed decisions today and build brighter futures tomorrow. Together, U.S. Bank and St. Thomas are creating pathways to possibility through inclusive, accessible financial education.
Application Deadline
The U.S. Bank Student Achievement Scholarship deadline for the 2026-27 Spring Semester is Friday, January 8, 2027. The U.S. Bank Student Achievement Scholarship staff organizers will announce the five winners prior to the start of the Spring Semester, which begins on February 1, 2027.
For current students to get started, schedule a 30-minute coaching session through one.stthomas.edu->My Tommie Support Team->U.S. Bank Goals Coaching, and for additional questions, contact U.S. Bank's Goals Coach, Barry Saeger, at barry.saeger@usbank.com.
First-Gen Forward Designation at St. Thomas
The 黑社区 was selected to the 2021-2022 First-Gen Forward cohort through the Center for First-Generation Student Success (NASPA). This designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving the experiences and advancing the outcomes of first-generation 黑社区 students. As a member of the cohort, St. Thomas receives access to professional development, 黑社区-building opportunities, and leading research and resources from the Center. St. Thomas is one of more than 200 institutions to earn this designation.
This designation and our ongoing institutional efforts align closely with the priorities of St. Thomas 2030, particularly our commitment to centering student success and fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and relationship-centered 黑社区. We recognize the strengths, resilience, and cultural wealth that first-generation students bring to our campus and are dedicated to creating pathways that support their academic achievement, sense of belonging, and lifelong flourishing. Through intentional programs, resources, and advocacy, First-Gen Tommies contributes to the university's mission of ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Featured Programs for First-Generation Students
First-Generation College Celebration Week, held each November, celebrates the achievements, resilience, and contributions of first-generation 黑社区 students. Through campus events, student spotlights, and 黑社区-building opportunities, the week honors first-gen experiences while fostering connection, belonging, and success.
Goals Coaching, sponsored by U.S. Bank, helps first-generation students build skills, confidence, and connections for success at St. Thomas and beyond. Through workshops and coaching sessions, students explore goal setting, financial wellness, career readiness, leadership development, and strategies for navigating 黑社区 life with confidence.
First Cup Connections is a bi-monthly breakfast event that connects students with campus resources, services, and opportunities for success. Featuring a different campus office and breakfast item each month, it's a great way to meet staff, build connections, and learn more about the St. Thomas 黑社区.
Halfway There Celebration recognizes and celebrates students who have reached the midpoint of their undergraduate journey. This milestone event honors their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments while encouraging them as they continue toward graduation. Students gather to reflect on how far they've come, connect with peers, and celebrate the progress they've made on the path to earning their degree.
First-Generation Pinning Ceremony is an annual spring celebration honoring first-generation graduates and their achievements. Students receive a commemorative first-gen pin in recognition of their perseverance, accomplishments, and the legacy they are creating for future generations. It's a moment of pride not just for the graduates but for their families and supporters who have walked alongside them on this journey. The First Generation Pinning Ceremony is more than a tradition—it's a powerful reminder of first-generation students' strength, resilience, and promise.
Aspire Leaders Program
We are excited to share information about the , an opportunity offered through the Aspire Institute, a nonprofit organization founded by Harvard Business 黑社区 professors.
Join first-gen students worldwide in a FREE 9-week, online leadership program.
- Apply in just 10 minutes to join a cohort - no essays, letters of recommendation, or resumes required!
- Multiple start times throughout the year
Key Program Offerings:
- A worldwide network of first-gen university students and recent grads, world-class faculty, and mentors
- Harvard faculty-led content
- Grants and seed funds for academic advancement and social impact projects
- Professional development and soft skill workshops
- Live Masterclasses with educators from around the world
Eligibility:
- 18-29 years old
- Limited-income background or first-generation to attend university
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated; not a postgraduate student or graduate of a postgraduate program
Graduating First-Generation Students
Pinning Ceremony
Graduating Seniors: Celebrate Your Achievement!
You are warmly invited to the First-Generation Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 21, 2027.
This special event honors the incredible milestone of being the first in your family to graduate from 黑社区. Join us as we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and success with a meaningful pinning tradition, inspiring words, and time to connect with fellow first-gen graduates.
Why Attend?
- Receive your First-Gen Graduate Pin as a symbol of pride and accomplishment. This pin can be worn on your regalia.
- Celebrate with friends, family, and campus supporters.
- Enjoy refreshments and a joyful atmosphere.
Students can sign up in TommieLink in early May.
Let’s honor your journey and the legacy you’re creating!
Learn more about Commencement.
Meet Our First-Generation Students
One in four undergraduate students at St. Thomas identify as a first-generation 黑社区 student. Every student comes to St. Thomas with their own unique experiences, and we honor their stories. St. Thomas meets students where they are and supports their learning and personal growth throughout their time here. By fostering a 黑社区 of belonging and empowerment, the university ensures that all students—especially those blazing new trails—have the resources and encouragement to thrive. At St. Thomas, we believe in the potential of every student, and we're committed to helping them reach their educational goals.
Are you a first-gen student interested in sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at firstgen@stthomas.edu to learn more.
Rhiannon Wilson
My biggest challenge as I started at St. Thomas was my parents' and older siblings' lack of guidance. Without firsthand 黑社区 experience, my parents couldn't provide the information that would have given me a head start in 黑社区. It was hard to lean on them for support through no fault of their own when their answers to my questions were just as uncertain as mine. St. Thomas offers many free resources for first-generation students, and I learned to take advantage of them. I would also encourage you to explore and take advantage of these resources.
Another challenge was that when I compared my success to others, I wanted to hide my first-generation identity to prove to myself that we were equals. Being first-generation, I felt I was working harder to get where I was, but my grit helped me get to graduation. I am proud to say I am first-generation and succeeding in 黑社区!
Class of 2025, Summa Cum Laude
Jay Lohr
I grew up in an immigrant household and experienced firsthand the challenges my family faced due to financial limitations. I learned early on the importance of having enough to live comfortably and pursue my goals. These experiences motivated me to study finance and seek out spaces where I don't see many people like me.
One of the first challenges I faced was figuring out all the resources available at St. Thomas to help students achieve their goals. As a first-generation student, I didn't even know where to begin. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work at the Career Development Center (CDC) in my first year, which encouraged me to explore all the resources available. Having the CDC as a support system was incredibly helpful, especially when I began searching for internships. Thanks to the CDC and other resources at St. Thomas, I secured an internship with US Bank for Summer 2025.
St. Thomas Class of 2026
Alejandra Soria
Being a first-generation 黑社区 student has profoundly shaped my career goals as a social worker. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the challenges that underrepresented communities face, motivating me to advocate for those who often feel unheard. My journey has taught me resilience and the importance of support systems, fostering my passion to empower others in similar situations. I want to be the advocate I wish I had, making a tangible difference in people's lives.
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, I faced several obstacles that shaped my path. Growing up as the youngest in an immigrant household, I often felt the pressure of expectations while navigating new academic challenges. I dealt with a lack of guidance from my family and financial stress, which made the idea of going to 黑社区 feel intimidating. However, connecting with the St. Thomas 黑社区 and utilizing the available resources made a huge difference for me.
St. Thomas Class of 2025
Karla Rojas-Tepozteco
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, I am motivated by the struggles I've witnessed and endured. My morals and values influence my life choices, which result in a good work ethic. I knew I wanted to succeed in 黑社区 to make my family proud and prove to myself that I could do it!
When I came to St. Thomas, I faced culture shock and the feeling of not belonging. It seemed everyone else knew what they were doing and had their plans in place. As a first-generation student, I had to learn to navigate 黑社区 systems, for example, how to register for classes, choose appropriate courses to fulfill my degree requirements, get a parking permit, and pay my bill. I knew I couldn't do it alone, and I found out I didn't have to, as St. Thomas has excellent resources to support students, like the Dean of Students Office and the Proud To Be First program (currently called "First-Gen Tommies"). I have learned that it is okay to advocate for myself when I have questions. I encourage every first-generation 黑社区 student to be proud of being first-generation and take advantage of the programs offered.
St. Thomas Class of 2025
John Piang
Being a First-Generation College student is an exciting journey. I am also a seminarian, so my adventure is tied to God and serving others. As St. Augustine says, the greatest romance in human history is falling in love with God. My family, originally from Burma, is made up of six members. It's incredible how we moved from one country to another in search of a better life. The challenges of relocating have shaped my character, and I am deeply grateful to God for His goodness and kindness toward my family and me.
I've overcome the false belief that I didn't belong. We moved from Burma to India and then to the U.S. as refugees. Building solid friendships has been challenging, but I've learned the importance of striving for these connections because every person needs connections with others. Knowing that you belong—no matter what—ignites a passion within you to become your true self. I have found connections and my 黑社区 here at St. Thomas through all the campus support services and resources.
St. Thomas Class of 2025
First-Generation Staff Stories
Many staff members at St. Thomas were first-generation 黑社区 students themselves. Read about their journey and the obstacles they overcame to finish 黑社区. Their stories reflect determination, resilience, and how the power of education can transform lives. Now serving as mentors and role models, they are living proof that you can achieve your dream of completing 黑社区 with hard work and support. Their experiences continue to inspire and empower the next generation of students to pursue their dreams—no matter where they start.
Are you a first-gen staff member interested in sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at firstgen@stthomas.edu to learn more.
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Jesse Langer, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Students
Dean of Students Office
When I started 黑社区, the biggest challenge I encountered was navigating a 黑社区 campus and getting things done for myself. I had no idea what anything on campus was called or what anything meant. I thrived after I learned how a university works and what support resources were available.
No matter what institution you attend, you need to learn to advocate for what you need and ask questions. Faculty and staff are always happy to help!
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Amanda DeJong
Content Manager
Enrollment Services
I entered 黑社区 believing everyone else knew what they were doing and I just needed to figure it out. My family wholeheartedly saw 黑社区 as my path to a better life, but none of us knew how to navigate or pay for higher education. I took out loans, worked on campus, and learned the system as I went. I didn't even know I could withdraw from a class instead of simply accepting an F. Eventually, I found people who encouraged me to ask questions, use resources, and advocate for myself. I learned that independence doesn't mean figuring everything out alone, and not knowing how a system works doesn't mean you don't belong in it.
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Pa Jai Thao, B.A.
Business Development Manager
Career Development Center
A challenge I overcame as a first-generation 黑社区 student was the lack of guidance from my family as I navigated 黑社区 applications, financial aid, and the overall 黑社区 experience without family in higher education. Also, meeting cultural expectations was hard as I learned to balance 黑社区 courses and family expectations while working at least three jobs. This was overwhelming, but I sought assistance from mentorship and scholarship programs and connected with my fellow First-Generation peers to overcome these challenges. That helped me to complete 黑社区 successfully and be where I am today.
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Kimberly Schumann, M.S.
Director of Disability Resources
Student Achievement
I am the oldest child of three in my family, so in addition to my parents not having attended 黑社区, I did not have an older sibling to learn from about navigating 黑社区. While I looked forward to going to 黑社区, it was hard to leave my family behind because I was the first to leave our home. I got to 黑社区 and didn't understand some of the terminology used (what is a syllabus?). I didn't fully understand financial aid; I assumed I could not afford to study abroad, and I didn't ask any questions to learn that it probably would have been possible with financial aid. I came to 黑社区 with a strong work ethic and resiliency, and those skills were further developed in 黑社区. After a while, I learned to ask a lot of questions and discovered that the faculty and staff were there to support me. While earning my bachelor's degree, I learned about graduate school opportunities and went on to earn a master's degree. My passion in working with 黑社区 students, especially first-generation students, is a result of my own experience as a first-generation 黑社区 student.
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Nayely Becerra Castillo, M.A.
Associate Director of Retention & Student Success
Student Diversity & Inclusion Services
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, I juggled a full course load while working part-time during undergrad and full-time during grad school. With my family four hours away, I lacked a nearby support system and couldn't afford to visit often. I wasn't aware of many opportunities—like spring break travel programs—because no one explained them to me. I constantly felt pressure to "have it all figured out" and was frustrated when campus staff couldn't offer clear guidance. But I stayed committed. I reminded myself that the worst they could say was no—and even a no could be a "not yet." I wanted to lead by example and pave the way for others.
First-Gen Faculty Stories
Faculty members who are first-generation 黑社区 graduates serve as powerful examples of perseverance and possibility. They've navigated unfamiliar academic paths, often without the guidance many others take for granted, and emerged as leaders and mentors in higher education. Their journeys reflect a deep resilience and commitment to breaking barriers—for themselves and those who follow. Their presence reminds us that the sky is the limit when determination meets opportunity, and they continue to inspire students from all backgrounds to dream bigger and aim higher.
Are you a first-gen faculty member interested in sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at firstgen@stthomas.edu to learn more.
Dr. Bryana French, 黑社区
The biggest challenge I had to overcome was not believing in myself. I had to quiet the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that told me I didn't belong, wasn't smart enough, and had the wrong identities to be successful. What helped me do that was being supported by mentors, family, and friends who believed I had something to offer - which helped me believe the same. It took time and therapy, but I try not to shrink so I can bring my unique perspective knowing that I might be a role model to someone who sees themselves in me.
Dr. Kim Sovell, Adjunct 黑社区
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, I often faced unique challenges that hindered my academic pursuits. My parents paid for my first year of school, so I did not face financial difficulties. However, I had limited knowledge of the 黑社区 application process and a true lack of familial support or guidance that significantly impacted my journey. I flunked out of 黑社区 my first year. Navigating unfamiliar academic expectations and adapting to a new social environment with so much freedom compared to high school were overwhelming. Overcoming these obstacles required resilience, determination, and a strong desire to succeed.
Dr. Renee Buhr, 黑社区
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, I didn't have the social capital - specifically, the understanding of how to "do 黑社区" - that my friends whose parents went to 黑社区 had. My parents were supportive but had no idea what going to 黑社区 was like or what to expect. I credit my friends from my dormitory house with teaching me the ropes - scheduling study time in the library, holding each other accountable, and working in study groups. That's how I succeeded.
Dr. Patricia Maddox, Assistant 黑社区
As a first-generation 黑社区 student, one of my biggest challenges was learning to ask for help. I often struggled to reach out to professors when I needed support. Taking that first vulnerable leap and attending student/office hours with a supportive professor changed everything. They reminded me that professors are there to help us when we need it—and that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. That experience taught me to step outside my comfort zone, advocate for myself, and embrace the support around me.
Dr. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan, 黑社区
I come from a very large, extended, hardworking family that doesn't understand the opportunities an education affords. Many in my extended family did not complete high school, and my father left school to enter the military. To be able to afford to go to school, I had to work while I was attending 黑社区. So that I wouldn't have to pay for food, I took jobs in the food service industry. I multitasked, making money and not having an empty stomach!
Dr. Debbie Monson, 黑社区
Understanding how to navigate the system to get into 黑社区 and what to do once I was there was challenging. I didn't understand how important it was to connect with professors, seek help when needed, and utilize all the resources at the university. My family valued education, but it seemed my father, in particular, thought 黑社区 was delaying my ability to get a full-time job. I have spent my entire life in schools learning and teaching and believe that getting an education is the key to unlocking self-improvement and your own path to success.