Celebrating Middlebury’s First-Generation Students

First-Gen Celebration

Middlebury honored the nearly 400 members of the campus community who are the first in their families to attend college at a reception in Coltrane Lounge last Friday. The event was part of the Council for Opportunity in Education’s national First-Generation College Celebration Day, which is held annually on November 8 in commemoration of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

“That act created the federal financial aid programs to fund student educational experiences and make key investments in programs such as the Federal TRIO programs,” noted Steve Zatarain ’15, assistant director of the Anderson Freeman Resource Center (AFC), to the gathering in Coltrane.

“That was also a time in which we enshrined in higher education an investment in students who are accomplishing something unbelievably difficult, which is to be the first people in their families to navigate higher education.” 

The Middlebury reception, sponsored by the AFC, was the kickoff to a week of special events aimed at gathering first-generation students, faculty, and staff in celebration of their accomplishments.

“I feel very grateful to walk alongside each of you, as you’re thinking about your time here,” said Zatarain.
“I appreciate you for your tenacity, your bravery, and your problem-solving capabilities.”

In his role as assistant director of AFC, Zatarain directs intercultural life and the First-Gen Experience, which includes the First@Midd orientation program, and a robust slate of activities for first-generation students focused on community building and student success. The AFC sponsors first-gen workshops and a series of guides to help navigate college, along with numerous opportunities to build connections, from off-campus excursions to alumni reunions.

To learn more about the Anderson Freeman Resource Center and programs for first-generation students visit the AFC.