Paving the way as the first to achieve higher education is a feat that First-Generation Celebration Day honors across the country on November 8th, led by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success. The Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of Healthcare Equity recognized the remarkable achievements and experiences of First-Generation faculty across the University of Washington School of Medicine this month.
This event highlighted the resilience, creativity, and vibrant community of First-Gen Faculty individuals that bring invaluable perspectives, leadership, and innovation to higher education—enriching our classrooms, research, and campus culture in countless ways. We heard the unique and sometimes uncertain journeys of First-Gen faculty members as they reflected on navigating higher education as the first in their families to attain a degree. First-Generation individuals learn how to adapt, lean into challenges, and offer unparalleled creativity when it comes to forging the way as the first, embracing the unknown and crafting their bright futures.
Thank you to our panelists for participating that included Dr. Celeste Berg, Dr. Douglas Wood, Dr. Suzanne Hoppins, Dr. Mithya Lewis-Newby, and Dr. Stephanie McLaughlin. Their stories capture the value of showing up authentically in our personal and professional lives.
Learn more from the UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity about how the UW Tri-Campus Community celebrated.
