First-Gen Fest 2024
Join us for a week-long celebration of UTSA's first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni. Share your experiences at First-Gen Fest on social media using the hashtags #CelebrateFirstGen and #FirstGenFest24.
Monday, November 4
First Gen Fest Celebration Kick Off and T-shirt Pickup
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Retama Galleria, Main Campus
In the Retama Galleria to distribute tshirts to first gens who rsvp in RowdyLink by Nov 1
Monday, November 4
First Gen Fest Speaker Series: Mario Vela
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Student Union 2.03.06- Ash, Main Campus
Assistant Vice Provost of Career Engaged Learning, Mario Vela speaks on his experience as a First Gen college student and the journey that brought him to be a part of the UTSA Family.
Monday, November 4
First Gen Fest Speaker Series: Yeymy Moore
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Student Union 2.03.06- Ash, Main Campus
HCAP Nutrition and Dietetics Lecturer, Yeymy Moore speaks on her experience as a First Gen college student and the journey that brought her to be a part of the UTSA Family.
Monday, November 4
First Gen Fest Speaker Series: Jeffrey Kropp
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Student Union 2.03.08- Anaqua, Main Campus
Assistant Professor of Practice in the Alvarez College of Business' Department of Management, Jeffrey Kropp shares an interactive presentation on his experience as a First Gen college student and the journey that brought him to be a part of the UTSA Family.
Monday, November 4
First Gen Discussion Panel
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
JPL 2.01.20 (limited to 15 people), Main Campus
Discussion Panel of First Gen Students, Staff and Faculty and Move with a First Gen Author or Topic
Tuesday, November 5
First Year First Gen Connection
10:30 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MH 02.02.02 Mentoring Hub
If you are a First Year First Gen student, join us for fun and games with prizes! Connect with other first gen students experiencing their first year at UTSA.
Tuesday, November 5
Klesse College First-Gen Familia
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
EB 2.04.10
Meet fellow first-gen folks from across the college, including students, faculty, and staff... with food and drinks
Tuesday, November 5
First Gen Celebration Event - Always Grateful: Resilience through Gratitude
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Denman Ballroom and Galleria and the Ski Lodge
Join us for a celebration of First Gen students, faculty, staff, and alumni! Guest speaker Rey Saldaña will open our event with his First Gen experience and present an opportunity for all to express their gratitude. Enjoy food and prize, plus games and activities.
Wednesday, November 6
Dreamer and First!
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
HSU 2.207
"Dreamer First!" is an event of First-Gen Fest 2024, specifically designed for students, faculty, staff, and alumni who identify as both first-generation and part of the immigrant community. This networking event offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with first-gen faculty and staff who share similar experiences. Attendees will exchange tips, advice, and strategies for achieving their academic and career goals. Snacks will be provided.
Wednesday, November 6
First Gen, First Impression: Nail your Career!
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
UCC Conference Room (tentative)
Come-and-go event. We're planning on having hot chocolate, apple cider, assorted muffins and snacks. Plus, a game to see if students can guess who the first gen student famous person are and a few give aways as well too.
Wednesday, November 6
First-Gen Research Showcase & Involvement Fair
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
North Paseo Building NPB 5.140
This event will feature research posters done by first-generation undergraduate researchers and information about how first-gen undergraduates can get involved with research.
Wednesday, November 6
First Gen Fest Campus Treasure Hunt
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mentoring Hub MH 02.02.02
Search for all the best resources UTSA has to offer and win prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places!
Wednesday, November 6
Empowering First Gen: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Room, BB 2.06.04
Join the Alvarez Student Success Center for an interactive and empowering event designed to tackle imposter syndrome head-on. "Empowering First-Gen: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome" provides a supportive space for first-gen students to explore and address the challenges of self-doubt and imposter feelings that often accompany their academic and professional journeys. Hear from a keynote speaker who will delve into the nature of imposter syndrome, its impact on career and self- development, and practical communications strategies for overcoming self-doubt. Engage in interactive group activities to assess personal experiences with imposter syndrome and create actionable strategies for building self-confidence and improving career communication skills. Participants will reflect on the insights gained, network with fellow attendees, and leave with practical tools and a strengthened sense of community.
Wednesday, November 6
First Gen Social Hour and Appreciation
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
DB 2.114 Downtown Student Success Center
Open-house event at the Downtown Student Success Center (DB 2.114), celebrating first-generation identity, students, and its rich culture and history. Light refreshments will be provided.
Thursday, November 7
HCAP 1st Gen Beverage Break
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
HCAP SSC 2.02.36
Join us for hot chocolate, apple cider, or coffee and some pan dulce.
Thursday, November 7
First Gen Science Kickback
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
COS SSC Flawn 2.03.02
Join us on November 7th from 12 to 2 PM at the College of Sciences Student Success Center for a special celebration of first-generation scientists! This event is a chance for students, staff, and faculty who are first-generation college students to connect, share stories, enjoy food, and participate in fun activities. Let’s come together to honor the journey and achievements of our first-generation scholars!
Thursday, November 7
Mastering your Minutes
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
HCAP SSC
MS 2.02.36
We will be showing what to do to manage your time and stay organized.
Thursday, November 7
First Gen Scholars Speaker Series: Eduardo Gandara
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Student Union-2.01.26- Pecan Room
HCAP Public Health professor, Dr. Eduardo Gandara speaks on his experience as a First Gen college student and the journey that brought him to be a part of the UTSA Family. He will also share tips for navigating graduate school and life post-undergraduate.
Thursday, November 7
Dinner with Strangers
5:00 p.m.
TBD
Inviting 1st gen students to get to know 1st gen staff and faculty through activities in the Residence Halls.
Friday, November 8
First Gen Scholars Grab 'n' Go Bagel Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mentoring Hub MH 02.02.02
Open to First Gen Scholars Scholarship recipients only. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast!
Friday, November 8
Credit Score and Future of Your Money
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Student Union 2.03.08- Anaqua
Discover how your credit score impacts your financial future and learn key strategies for managing your money wisely.
💡 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your financial future!
Entire Week
FFP First Gen Social Media Short Video
Various Residence Halls
Post a video on our social media of an interview of 4 to 5 FFP students.
Entire Week
First Gen Video
Social Media
A video of First Gen Faculty and Staff sharing their first gen experience and advise for UTSA students navigating their college journey as first gen students
Entire Week
Trailblazing in Honors: First-Gen Journeys
Instagram: @utsahonorscollege
A collection of photos and inspiring quotes celebrating the journeys and success of First-Gen Honors students, faculty, and staff, shining a spotlight on the resilience and excellence of our first-generation community.
