Signature Events

History: This ceremony started in the Spring of 2018, thanks to the initiative of the First Gen Fellows Registered Student Organization and the support of first-generation faculty and staff at UW Tacoma. During the celebration, each graduating senior is honored and recognized for their accomplishments and contributions. This is an event where all of those who have been part of the collegiate journey of the students will be there to celebrate and show support, including family members, community partners, and UW Tacoma campus faculty and staff.

Description: Every Spring the office of First Generation Student Initiatives hosts an End of the Year Celebration where all First-gen graduating seniors are recognized for being the first in their families to graduate from college. As part of this recognition, the graduates receive a graduation stole representing First Gen Fellows. Traditionally a family member, a mentor, or a friend who has supported the graduating senior during their academic journey places the stole on the student during the celebration. Students are able to proudly wear their stole during the UW Tacoma Commencement ceremonies. This stole has the official emblem of the University of Washington and the First Gen Fellows emblem.

The University of Washington Tacoma recognizes the experience of first-generation students and their success in pursuing higher education. Not only is this day being acknowledged at UW Tacoma, but it is a nationally recognized event that will also be celebrated in many other educational institutions. #CelebrateFirstGen #FirstGenUWTacoma

This celebration is a tri-campus collaboration between the University of Washington Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma.