First-Gen Celebration 2024

10:00 a.m. – Get ready for an unforgettable lunchtime experience! Join us at the B.F. Roberts hotspot for a dynamic spoken word battle, Poetry Slam, hosted by the Collegiate TRIO Programs and Thee Aristocrats & Health Science Program. Witness inspiring performances from first-generation students as they share their journeys through poetry, freestyle, storytelling, and more!

Don’t miss a special performance by the talented MADDRAMMA troupe, and explore our Empowerment Zone for valuable campus and community resources focused on financial literacy and mental health. Hear from a representative from the Latasha Norman Center on the power of creative expression in emotional healing.

Plus, enjoy music from our DJ and delicious eats from Krazyway Eatz, Smokin7, and Munchies on Da Go! Free wristbands will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Let’s celebrate creativity, resilience, and community together!

11:30 a.m. – Unleash your inner scientist at STEM Beauty: In the Lab! Join us for a hands-on Lab & Learn workshop in Room 320 of the John A. Peoples Building at 12:00 p.m. Dive into the exciting world of cosmetic science as you craft your own lip balm and body wash using natural ingredients.

What to Expect:
✨ Create personalized products to take home
✨ Learn about safe, natural skincare formulas
✨ Gain practical lab skills and explore STEM career opportunities in the cosmetics industry

Don’t miss this chance to blend beauty with science! See you there!

6:00 p.m. – Join us for a virtual election watch party hosted by Upward Bound and Talent Search programs! Connect with pre-college participants and their families as we follow live election results and hear from esteemed speakers from the MS House of Representatives and Mississippi Votes organization. Let’s engage in the democratic process together!

5:00 p.m. – Get moving at Hip Hop Aerobics on the Greens! Join us for an energetic workout with a local Jackson trainer, set to your favorite hits. Let’s prioritize health and wellness together, because a healthy body supports a strong mind through every step of your college journey! 

8:00 a.m. – Level up your giving this JSU First-Gen Day of Giving! Your donations will support Thee First To Finish Campaign, funding vital enrichment programs for our first-gen scholars. Let’s invest in their future and help them thrive on their educational journey! Every contribution makes a difference.

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10:00 a.m. – Join us for the Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Inductions, celebrating the achievements of our First-Gen college students! This special ceremony will take place in Ballrooms A & B, honoring the dedication and accomplishments of our newest members in the National Honor Society. Let’s come together to recognize and uplift our future leaders!

12:00 p.m. – Join us for First-Gen en Blanc, a French-inspired celebration honoring our first-generation college students! Inspired by the iconic Le Dîner en Blanc, this elegant event invites students, staff, faculty, administrators, First-Gen donors, and select external partners to gather and connect. Let’s celebrate the unique journeys and remarkable accomplishments of our First-Gen scholars together!