St. John Fisher University Receives Grant to Empower and Celebrate First-Generation College Students in November

St. John Fisher University has received a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration national initiative from the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation.

The funds will be used to sponsor keynote speaker and Fisher alumna Stephanie Woodward during Fisher’s First-Generation Week. Her talk will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in the Golisano Gateway Midlevel.

“Our First-Gen Committee is honored to receive this grant recognizing its commitment to supporting first-generation college students and we are looking forward to welcoming Stephanie back to campus,” said Rene Montedoro, TRIO SSS program advisor and co-chair of the First-Generation Committee. “As a former first-generation student, she will share her personal experiences with our current students, and we are confident that her inspiring journey and dedication to breaking down barriers will resonate with students, faculty, and staff.”

The First-Generation College Celebration, observed nationally every year on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. Fisher was founded to serve first-generation students and continues its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Woodward is the founder of Disability EmpowHer Network and a first-generation graduate of Fisher. In her talk, she will share her journey of overcoming systemic barriers in higher education and becoming a dedicated disability rights attorney and advocate. From her time as an HEOP student to working with Senator Tom Harkin and starting her own organization, Woodward’s talk will focus on resilience, self-advocacy, and empowering young people to pursue higher education and leadership.

“Stephanie was one of the best students it has been my pleasure to teach. I've followed her career with great interest, and am delighted she will be coming back to campus to speak to our current students. I know that she will inspire them, and I hope that many of our First-Generation students will also go on to have careers in advocacy, and like Stephanie return to their alma mater to inspire future generations,” said Dr. Tim Madigan, professor of philosophy and co-chair of the First-Gen Committee.

COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like St. John Fisher University to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments. 

“We are thrilled to partner with St. John Fisher University and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities,” he said.

Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.

For more information about Fisher’s celebration, email Montedoro at rmontedoro@sjf.edu or Madigan at tmadigan@sjf.edu.