UW-Green Bay students, faculty, staff honored at the First-Gen Impact Awards

by Kristin Bouchard · November 15, 2023

UW-Green Bay students at the inaugural First-Gen Impact Awards on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. (Photos submitted)

During First-Gen Celebration week, UW-Green Bay hosted the inaugural First-Gen Impact Awards to recognize faculty, staff, students and programs that are innovating to make a positive impact on the lives and academic success for first-generations college students. This important event was hosted by the First-Gen Phoenix student organization and the First-Gen Student Success Collaborative, a group of university professionals who coordinate university efforts around first-gen student success. UW-Green Bay defines a first-gen college student as one who neither parent/guardian has completed a four year degree. First-generation students are resilient problem solvers, navigating higher education without a parental model or roadmap.

On Wednesday evening, November 8, UW-Green Bay honored 22 individuals/programs that have made a positive and lasting impact on first-generation students over the previous 12 months. The innovative work and meaningful relationships at UW-Green Bay that support and inspire first-generation students have a ripple effect that reaches beyond our campuses and local communities. These impactful relationships have the power to impact families for generations to come.

The event was also recognized by the National Center for First Generation Student Success.

Preceding dinner remarks were shared by Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Kate Burns, First-Gen Student and Board member for the First-Gen Phoenix Organization, Monica Garcia and 2012 First-Gen Alumna and Associate Professor for Psychology at Presbyterian College, Stephanie Freis. Following dinner the award nominees and winners were announced as follows: (Photos from the event are below)

Outstanding First-Gen Serving Program

First-Gen Living Learning Community

New Scholars Rising (winner)

Organización Latino Americana (OLA)

Professions in Human Biology Course

The Mentoring Project

Outstanding First-Gen Advocacy (faculty and staff)

Nicole Becker (staff winner)

John Cheslock

Jillian Jacklin

Lisa Lamson (faculty winner)

Nicole Micolichek