CMU celebrates its first-generation students the whole month of November
Colorado Mesa University embraced the spirit of National First-Generation Day by hosting a diverse range of events throughout November to celebrate its remarkable first-generation students, recognizing their resilience, determination and commitment to higher education. Among these events, the Fearless First-Gen Forum took center stage, offering an insightful and engaging discussion on the challenges and triumphs of students that are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Held at the Admissions Welcome Center, the panel included CMU students, faculty, alumni and notable community leaders including City of Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout. The forum, moderated by Colorado Representative Rick Taggart, delved into the unique journeys of the panelists, shedding light on the hurdles they faced and their achievements as first-generation individuals.
Students from various programs across the Grand Valley, including Grand Junction High School Upward Bound, Riverside Education Center, Migrant Education Program and Central High School Upward Bound and Student Senate were present at the event.
Thank you to the following Fearless First-Gen Panelists for sharing your stories:
- Adylene Bautista-Adan, CMU Pre-Nursing, GJHS Alumna
- Jesus Robles, CMU Sport Management, CHS Alum
- Harumy Salgado-Figueroa, CMU Mass Communication, GJHS Alumna
- Anna Stout, CMU Alumna, GJHS Alumna, Mayor of Grand Junction
- Javier Tellez, CMU Assistant Professor of Geology
- Kara Walter, CMU Assistant Professor of Economics
CMU’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity extends beyond National First-Generation Day, ensuring that every student's story is heard and celebrated throughout the entire month of November and beyond. Continuing the celebrations, CMU will host a Fearless First-Gen Forum at its Montrose campus. Join us on Tuesday, November 14 from 5-7pm in Cascade Hall to support our first-gen students.