National First-Generation Student Week is in full swing, and Utah State University (USU) is joining academic institutions across the country to acknowledge and celebrate the resiliency and achievements of first-generation college students. The university's celebrations are manifested in various ways, including social gatherings and recognition events to honor these trailblazers. In particular, USU is marking the occasion with events at multiple campuses, ranging from the Blanding campus, which features a weeklong series of festivities culminating in a banquet, to Brigham's "First-Gen Fill Up," where students are given a space to unwind and connect over drinks.
The efforts to support first-generation students at USU are embodied in the Aggie First Scholars program, housed within The Center for Academic Belonging and Learning Excellence. This initiative was co-founded by Executive Director Heidi Kesler and student Felipe Casteñeda, who initially established the program with a modest ensemble of students. "Celebrating trailblazing first-generation student Aggies — known as Aggie First Scholars is a commitment to opening pathways and changing futures," explains USU Today. What started as a small-group effort has since burgeoned to provide support and community to USU’s Logan campus and across statewide campuses.
At the Logan campus, this year's celebrations are particularly poignant, with Interim President Al Smith offering heartfelt remarks at the 9th annual I Am First Banquet. "Aggie First Scholars was founded by Executive Director Heidi Kesler and Felipe Casteñeda, an ambitious first-generation student who wanted to create a community where others like him could thrive," noted USU Today. To wrap up the week of recognition, the Center for Academic Belonging & Learning Excellence is set to unveil its new space on November 7, from 2-4 p.m., located on the second floor of the Merrill-Cazier Library. The unveiling invites the Aggie community to join the celebration and enjoy light refreshments.
Aggie First Scholars has grown significantly since its inception, reflecting the enduring commitment of USU to the advancement of first-generation students. This year's program expansion and the new center's introduction are a testament to the program's dynamic growth and Kesler and Casteñeda's foundational vision. "Since then, the program has continued to grow and expand, serving first-generation students at USU’s Logan campus and across statewide campuses," USU Today reported.
