First-Gen Fest 2026
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 #FirstGenFest26.
Sponsored By:
Monday, November 2
COEHD Celebrates First-Gen
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Campus, Durango Building 2.202
Come celebrate First-Gen Week at the NEW COEHD Student Success Center space while munching on donuts, conchas, and light refreshments.
First Gen Faculty & Student Round Table Discussions
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Student Union, Mesquite Room 2.01.24
What does it mean to be first-gen beyond graduation? Join first-generation faculty from UT San Antonio for intimate roundtable conversations about their educational and professional journeys. Hear their experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable advice while connecting with fellow first-gen students in a welcoming environment. There will be free food!
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Tuesday, November 3
HCAP Student Success Center Presents: “First-Gen Effect”
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
HCAP Student Success Center, MS 2.02.36
First-gen students are invited to join the College for Health, Community and Policy Student Success Center in creating a “Ripple Effect Wall,” where they add their responses to a prompt about their first-gen experience.
First Gen Fest Kick Off
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Retama Galleria
Join us for the First Gen Fest Kick Off! There will be free popcorn and swag! And if you have some spare time, we will be showing Monsters University in the Retama. It’s a VIBE!
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First Gen Panel with Dr. Betty Merchant and Peer Educators
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Paseo 5.140
Join us for a Peer Educator Panel designed for first-gen students. Hear from experienced peer educators as they share their college journeys, discuss challenges they have overcome, and offer practical advice for navigating campus life, academics, and student involvement. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gain insight, and connect with fellow students.
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Wednesday, November 4
Art of Wellbeing: First-Gen “Roots & Resilience” Plant Potting & Grounding
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
H-E-B Student Union 2.207 (The Nest)
Honors College: More Than a Degree: Making the Most of Your College Experience
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
GSR 1.204
College is about more than earning a degree. It's also about discovering opportunities that help you grow, build your resume, explore your interests, and prepare for life after graduation.
Join us for this interactive event designed to help first-generation students learn about the many opportunities available beyond the classroom. Whether you're interested in study abroad, undergraduate research, nationally competitive scholarships, leadership programs, internships, or other experiential learning opportunities, this event will help you explore what's possible and how to get started. During this event you will also have the opportunity to have a short counseling session with our Honors Counselors to talk about how you can get involved in experiential learning.
This event is open to ALL students. Whether you are an Honors student, interested in joining, or just wanting to learn more about experiential learning, we are here to support you!
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First Gen UT San Antonio Alum Panel
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Student Union, Denman Room
Join us for an inspiring conversation with first-gen college alumni who have walked the path you’re on now. This panel will be moderated by the Assistant Vice Provost & Executive Director of the University Career Center here at UT San Antonio, so you do not want to miss it! Hear their stories, gain valuable insights, and enjoy free food while connecting with fellow first-gen students. Come hungry and leave inspired!
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Thursday, November 5
WE OUTSIDE: College Is More Than What Happens in the Classroom
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
John Peace Library, JPL Assembly Room 4.04.22
Join us for a real conversation with first-gen students who have tapped into opportunities through the Najim Ecosystem. Hear how they’ve stepped outside their comfort zones, traveled the world, built meaningful connections, gained real-world experience, and discovered new opportunities along the way.
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From First-Gen Student to Interim Dean
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
HCAP Student Success Center, MS 2.02.36
Join Dr. Rob Tillyer as he shares his journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a Criminology and Criminal Justice professor and leader in higher education. Learn how his passion for research led him to explore topics like crime prevention, victimization, and decision-making within the criminal justice system.
Scrubs, White Coats & First-Gen Stories
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
College of Sciences Student Success Center, Flawn Building 2.03.02
Join us for an inspiring discussion focused on the first-generation student experience and the journey toward a career in healthcare. Learn about overcoming challenges, finding support, building confidence, and navigating the path from college to professional and graduate education. Enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and the opportunity to connect with current first-generation health professions students during this interactive panel discussion. Bring your questions and leave inspired to take the next step in your healthcare journey!
First Gen Fest Celebration
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Central Plaza North Lawn
Resource fair, DJ, free food, fun activities! First-gen students, we want to celebrate you! Join us as we close out First Gen Fest.
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