This is an article summary from Rutgers Launches New Weeklong Celebration of First-Generation Students
Celebrating First-Gen Students
Rutgers University is launching its first weeklong celebration for first-generation students this November, expanding a tradition that began in 2017. Supported by a #CelebrateFirstGen grant, the event addresses the unique challenges faced by nearly 18,000 undergraduates systemwide—including 30% of students in New Brunswick, 58% in Newark, and 55% in Camden—who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
Throughout the week, Rutgers-New Brunswick will host a resource fair, faculty workshop, and an induction ceremony for Tri-Alpha, the national first-generation honor society. Similar activities are planned at Rutgers-Camden and Rutgers-Newark. Dr. Tiffiny Butler, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the accomplishments of first-generation students, faculty, and staff while fostering a supportive network on campus.
Among those spotlighted are biochemistry and Spanish double-major Samantha Vintimilla, whose parents immigrated from Ecuador. Determined to fulfill her parents’ dream of seeing her attend college, she established a collaborative website connecting first-generation students to academic resources and relaunched the Rutgers First Generation Student Union. Another success story is Brandon Mejia, a jazz performance and information technology major from Newark, who has benefited from Rutgers Future Scholars and is active in student leadership groups. Both Vintimilla and Mejia will be inducted into Tri-Alpha and speak about their journeys.
With this expanded celebration, Rutgers reaffirms its dedication to supporting first-generation students through financial aid, mentorship, and community-building initiatives, helping them thrive on campus and beyond.