Why Celebrate on November 8?

FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students (First-Gen Forward Website, 2025).

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FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE WEEK 

First-Generation College Week is Here! This week is all about celebrating YOU — our amazing first-generation college students! 

Join us as we honor the achievements, resilience, and stories of those who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting first-gen students, faculty, and staff, sharing resources, and building connections that foster community and belonging across campus. 

Let’s come together to celebrate your journey and everything it means to be #FirstGenProud!

#FirstGenWeek #GVSUFirstGen #LakerForALifetime

Come celebrate, acknowledge, and learn more about the first-generation college student experience!

Check out the different events below!

RSVP HERE