Supporting First Generation College Students

By Laurie Baker

It is a privilege to have several SUNY Geneseo alumni as employees and volunteers at The Summit, including our VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Twanda Christensen; Vice Chair of our Board, Mollene Benison; and myself.

I came to this part of New York State specifically to attend SUNY Geneseo and I fell in love with the area and the people here. As a native Long-Islander, arriving on the Geneseo campus was emotionally meaningful. Its rural setting, views of the Genesee Valley, and magnificent sunsets are breathtaking and grounding. The small, quaint village continues to be deeply connected to the college. Plus, the fact that many of the retail establishments have been around for several decades provides a source of comfort and nostalgia for alumni and serves to reinforce the deep connection that so many feel.

I was recently invited to join the Geneseo Foundation Board. Geneseo Foundation Directors provide advice and counsel to the organization on a broad range of issues. We come from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise, but we all share one ideal: to make an impact on the lives of SUNY Geneseo students and enhance the culture within the college.

Coinciding with my appointment to the Foundation’s Board, The Summit made a gift to support five first-generation scholarships, and two first-generation student events during the academic year. We made an additional gift this fall to the SUNY Geneseo Pantry which provides temporary supplemental food relief to students at no cost. Our donation helped fill the shelves with staples such as cereal and protein bars and personal hygiene items. At The Summit, we are committed to giving back, and supporting first-generation students is a wonderful way to fulfill that mission. 

Of the 7.3 million undergrads attending American colleges and universities, approximately 20% are the first in their family to attend a four-year college. Fifty percent of these students come from low-income families and are statistically more likely to be a member of a racial or ethnic minority group. Nearly one-quarter of students who started at SUNY Geneseo last fall were first-generation students. The college has a robust program of resources and services tailored to assist their transition by helping them build confidence, develop social and academic skills and establish a sense of belonging that contributes to their academic success and retention. The program is committed to making the experience inclusive, meaningful, and memorable through supportive networks. Many of the faculty and staff were themselves first-generation college graduates.

While each student’s college journey differs, first-generation students often face unique challenges. Even with successful role models such as Former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Oprah Winfrey – today’s first-generation students may experience academic, financial and social difficulties.

I encourage all first-generation students, wherever they may be studying, to take advantage of the resources offered to them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. There are always people willing to assist – they just need (and want) to be asked. Get involved in campus life. There’s always something going on and new people to meet! And most importantly, believe in yourself.