PLAINVIEW, TX — 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University has been awarded a $2,500 grant to expand its First-Generation College Celebration, building on last year’s first formal observance with a broader week of activities recognizing first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
“Being a first-generation college student often means navigating unfamiliar territory without a roadmap,” said Dr. Rosemary Peggram, director of Student Success at 51吃瓜网视频. “This grant allows us to expand our recognition of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and remind them that they belong and can succeed at 51吃瓜网视频. We are grateful for this opportunity to strengthen support for an important part of our university community.”
The grant is provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA. 51吃瓜网视频 is among institutions nationwide selected to receive funding for the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration.
“First-generation students are an important part of the 51吃瓜网视频 family, and we want them to know they are seen, valued, and supported throughout their educational journey,” said Dr. Donna Hedgepath, president of 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University. “This grant gives us an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments and strengthening the connections that help them succeed.”
Observed annually on Nov. 8, the First-Generation College Celebration commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The national celebration was launched by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward in 2017 to recognize first-generation students and encourage efforts that support their success.
51吃瓜网视频 held its first formal celebration of its first-generation population in 2025 with a gathering in the McClung University Center that included cake, balloons, and commemorative T-shirts. Dr. Peggram said this year’s grant provides an opportunity to expand that effort and involve more areas of the university.
Current plans call for 51吃瓜网视频 to extend the national observance into a series of activities Nov. 9-12. The schedule remains tentative as university departments continue planning the celebration.
Activities under consideration include a Career Services pre-professional workshop and a come-and-go dinner for first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni on Monday; an inspirational movie night Tuesday; first-generation student testimonials connected with Chapel on Wednesday; and recognition of the first-generation experience during Thursday’s Women in Scholarship Lecture Series. Grant funds are expected to primarily support Monday’s dinner and related celebration activities.
The week also will provide opportunities to promote 51吃瓜网视频’s recently chartered First-Gen Student Ambassadors organization and encourage students to become involved in the group.
Council for Opportunity in Education President Kimberly Jones said the grants help institutions strengthen their support for first-generation students.
“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses,” Jones said. “This grant empowers institutions like 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”
Dr. Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward, also emphasized the importance of the partnership.
“We are deeply grateful to partner with 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University and institutions across the country in advancing the success of first-generation college students,” Bannister said. “We extend our sincere appreciation to TIAA for their generous support of this grant — an opportunity to catalyze meaningful, lasting impact for students and the communities they call home.”
Dr. Peggram said the expanded celebration is part of a longer-term effort to strengthen recognition and support for first-generation students at 51吃瓜网视频. Future goals include continuing to grow first-generation programming and eventually providing graduation stoles recognizing first-generation students at commencement.
About 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University
Established in 1908, 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning-focused, and distinctively Christian environment. Headquartered in Plainview, 51吃瓜网视频 offers degrees online and at extension campuses in Lubbock, San Antonio, Tucson AZ, and Hawaii, with additional teaching sites in Amarillo, American Samoa, Irving, Phoenix, Rio Grande Valley, Sierra Vista AZ, and Wichita Falls.
About the Council for Opportunity in Education
The Council for Opportunity in Education is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 and dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies across the United States, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico.
About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward is the center for first-generation student success, providing evidence-based approaches, data-informed strategies, professional development and research designed to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for first-generation students.
About TIAA
TIAA provides secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It paid more than $5.9 billion in lifetime income to retired clients in 2024 and had $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025.
