Florida State University is holding a week of events to celebrate First-Generation College Celebration (FGEN) week from November 5 through November 12. The celebration, which began in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward, aims to recognize students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to attend college.
The Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), part of the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Undergraduate Studies, has collaborated with several departments to organize activities that support and honor first-generation students.
A main event during FSU FGEN Week 2025 is the Legacy Conference. This three-day conference will feature interactive workshops, student panels, and networking opportunities. The sessions are based on the theme “From First to Fearless: Legacy in the Making,” highlighting the resilience of first-generation students and connecting them with professionals and campus resources.
“The Legacy Conference is more than an event; it’s a student development experience,” said DeOnte Brown, who will begin his new position as dean of Undergraduate Studies Nov. 14. “It affirms the unique strengths and stories of first-generation students while equipping them with tools to thrive academically, professionally and personally. By centering personal experience, community and legacy, FSU fosters a culture of excellence that reverberates across campus and beyond.”
Other events include a Shark Tank-style competition co-sponsored by Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and FSU Innovation Hub. Students can present ideas addressing challenges faced by first-generation college students for cash prizes. There will also be opportunities for students to connect at Market Wednesday at the Thagard Building.
More information about CARE programs can be found at care.fsu.edu.
