This past week, St. Joe’s participated in the National First-Generation College Celebration Day, annually recognized Nov. 8 to commemorate Lyndon B. Johnson’s passage of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and hosted its 2025 First-Generation College Celebration Week Nov. 3-7. As a Jesuit institution rooted in Ignatian values and led by University President Cheryl McConnell, Ph.D., who describes herself a “proud first-generation college graduate,” this celebration reflects the principles the university should continue to uphold.
Nov. 8 also marked the 60th anniversary of the act, which expanded the federal government’s role in higher education, including increased federal funding, scholarships and low-interest student loans. This also entailed expanding resources and creating opportunities for those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.
In August, St. Joe’s was named a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, recognizing the university’s efforts in supporting first-generation students. FirstGen Forward is a nonprofit of nearly 500 institutions that work together toward a mission of creating opportunities for first-generation students through “monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities.”
Currently, there are over 1,000 first-generation students across the Hawk Hill and University City campuses, which represent a significant portion of St. Joe’s student body. “Cura personalis,” or “care for the whole person,” at its best embodies this principle when it’s universally applied to everyone in our community, especially those who face excess barriers.
According to the university website, St. Joe’s is “committed to educating and caring for the whole person across all aspects of identity.” As a diverse community, it is imperative to continue fostering inclusive spaces for students of all backgrounds to feel welcomed and self-assured in their identities and academic journeys.
The university being represented by a first-generation graduate as its president is indicative of a greater message: First-generation students will accomplish great feats when given a community of support, necessary resources and encouraging mentorship. Celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration Day and associating with FirstGen Forward Network encourages wider recognition and understanding for the first-generation student college experience, as well as the potential these students hold.
