First-Gen Graduation Celebration Pictures
Get your first-gen graduation celebration photos through the link below. Thanks to everyone who joined us!!
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Upcoming Events & Programs
Spring 2025 First-Gen Grad Celebration
The Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Tivoli Turnhalle. Please RSVP using the link below.
Click Here to RSVP
FAFSA, CAFSA, and Scholarship Support Day
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025| Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm | Location: JSSB 2nd Floor — First-Gen Initiatives, Orientation, Immigrant Services Program, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, Denver Scholarship Foundation, and C2 Hub Scholar Support invite you to a FAFSA/CAFSA/Scholarship Support Session. Families/supporters are welcome to attend to assist their student in the application process. High school seniors are invited. Food will be provided while supplies last.
Register Today!First-Generation Initiatives partners with colleagues and offices from across campus and in the Denver community to offer events and programs that support the engagement of First-Generation students.
National First-Gen College Celebration Day
Celebrating the First-Gen Identity
On November 8th, colleges and universities across the country celebrate and recognize the students, alumni, faculty, staff who identify as first in their families to pursue and attain a college degree.
This date commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions, and funded programs like TRiO Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Educational Talent Search in an effort increase the access, retention, and graduation of first-generation, low-income students.
The date is now known as National First-Generation College Celebration Day.
At MSU Denver we celebrate First-Gen students for the entire week! Connecting first-gen students, faculty and staff to resources and events. National First-Generation Week programming focuses on celebrating our first-generation students, supporting first-gen students in navigating their college journeys, sharing best-practices for faculty and staff, and building a community of champions in support of their success.
MSU Denver Programming (Nov. 6-12)
MSU Denver Fall 2025 Programming (November 4 – 8)
First-Generation Student Panel | Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:30pm | JSSB 211
First-Gen Festivities | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 4:30 – 6:30pm | JSSB 211
Brew & Belong Coffee Series: Community Circle on First Gen and Conflict Resolution | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 3:00 – 4:45pm | JSSB 203
First-Gen Social Media Takeover! | Saturday, November 8, 2025 | All Day | MSU Denver Instagram
First-Generation Graduation Celebration
MSU Denver’s First-Generation Graduation Celebration is a celebration of YOU! The obstacles you overcame before and during your college journey, the contributions you’ve made to our campus community but also to future generations of your family members, and to the trailblazer you’ve become as a career-ready Roadrunner alum.
All first-gen students receive First-Generation Honors Cords as the first in their family to complete a college degree, and that’s truly a reason to celebrate!
Register Today at the link below! Remember to use the hashtag #MSUDenverGrad and to tag @msudenverfirstgen so we can see and share all your photos on Instagram.
Event Photos: Take a moment to re-live the magic, the joy, and the unforgettable memories of the First-Generation Graduation Celebration through these incredible Event Photos.
Can’t Join Us: If you’re unable to attend the celebration, e-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll give you instructions on how to pick up your First-Generation graduation cord.
Resources for First-Generation Students
Immigrant Services Program
Nearly 80% of Immigrant students are also first-generation students. The Immigrant Services Program at the Metropolitan State University of Denver is an academic and social support program that aims to increase enrollment, retention, and graduation of undocumented, DACA, immigrant, and refugee students.
More Information
U.S. Bank Financial Wellness Center
Our friends at U.S. Bank have partnered with First-Gen Initiatives to share their Financial Wellness Center with first-gen students and families. Play games to enhance your knowledge, reinforce your understanding, and boost your financial confidence.
More Information
Roadrunner Success Guides
Universities can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the many offices, departments, and processes that make up a normal term or academic year. The guides offer a “how-to" in successfully navigating your path to graduation, from paying tuition to understanding your grades to registering for courses.
Access the GuidesFirst-Generation Initiatives partners with partners from across campus and in the Denver community to offer resources that support the success of First-Generation students.
Click the button to send First-Generation Initiatives an email and we will help connect you to the resources and programs that help you find success at MSU Denver.
Follow us on Instagram for additional ways to connect with staff and faculty partners, or to build community with fellow first-generation students and alumni.