SLU to Celebrate Contributions of First-Generation Students

Saint Louis University will celebrate students, faculty, staff and alums who were the first in their families to attend college during the upcoming National First-Generation College Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration in 2017. Nov. 8 was selected to recognize the signing of the Higher Education Act on that date in 1965.

There will be several opportunities at SLU to celebrate first-generation college students' important contributions to their communities. 

Programs and Events

Monday, November 7, 2022
7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena
Kick-off Event: SLU Men's Basketball Game 
First-generation student-athletes, athletics staff and game attendees will be recognized during halftime.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022
For National First Generation College Celebration Day, we will be hosting a fun photobooth on both north and south campus. Grab a donut, a sticker and a photo with the Billiken.

• Outside Starbucks from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Outside Fresh Gatherings, Noon-2 p.m.

Friday, November 11, 2022
First Gen Fresh Friday at the Clock Tower, Noon - 3 p.m. Join us and our friends from Harris-Stowe State University for candy apples, cookie decorating and a live DJ from KSLU. Wear your First Gen t-shirts.

First Generation Students at SLU

Billikens’ First Chapter (BFC)

To support first-generation and other students whose high school experiences were shaped by the pandemic, SLU founded the Billikens’ First Chapter (BFC) program last year. The targeted, first-year experience supports incoming first-year students who meet three of the following criteria: self-identify as African American/Black, Latino(a), or two or more races; high school GPA of 2.51-3.6; undecided/still deciding major; first-generation; or Pell-eligible. Participants of the program are called BFC Scholars.

The program is designed to connect BFC Scholars with campus and community resources. Whether BFC Scholars are looking for a safe space to discuss their transition to college life, ways to get involved on campus or within the St. Louis community, identifying and establishing their success network, or learning how to navigate the academic culture at SLU, BFC is here to assist. Billikens’ First Chapter uses one-on-one meetings with First-Year Navigators, large-scale programming, a cura personalis course and cross-campus collaborations to assist BFC Scholars in their personal, social and academic life at SLU.

Billikens' First Chapter (now RISE)