“You belong here.”

That was the message woven throughout this year’s First-Gen Week at the University of Vermont, a campus-wide celebration held November 3–8 in recognition of the more than 1,200 UVM undergraduates who are the first in their families to attend college.

The week opened with keynote remarks from UVM President Marlene Tromp, who shared her own first-gen story and reflected on the strength and promise of the university’s first-generation community.

“As a first-generation college student myself, I remember what it meant to step onto a campus and not know exactly what came next,” Tromp said. “That experience shaped me. And it’s something I see echoed in the stories of our first-generation students here at UVM. They are resilient. They are resourceful. And they are redefining what’s possible — for themselves, and for their families.”

Tromp also announced the creation of a new fund to expand opportunities for first-generation students at UVM. The Royer Fund for First-Generation Students, established through a generous gift from UVM alumna Christy Royer Violin ’99, will provide critical support for research, internships, graduate school preparation, and emergency needs.

“This gift is more than a financial commitment,” Tromp said. “It’s a message to our first-generation students that they belong here — and that someone who once walked a similar path believes in them.”

A Week of Celebration and Support

Throughout the week, FirstGen@UVM hosted a range of events focused on empowerment, connection, and identity.

Zyakkiriah Rhoden '22 G'23, First Scholars Coordinator and her First-Gen student ambassador team coordinated bouquet-building event, workshops on purpose and meaning-making, and professional headshots for use on LinkedIn and job applications. She's the first full-time coordinator focused on first-generation students at UVM and her work is critical to the success of so many students on campus. 

The centerpiece of the week was a keynote address and faculty/staff workshop led by Dr. Jason K. Wallace, a scholar, author, and first-generation college graduate. Drawing on personal narratives and research, Wallace challenged faculty and staff to recognize the systemic barriers first-gen students often face — and offered practical strategies to affirm and champion their success.

Other events included a facts-and-myths pop-up about first-gen experiences, a reception for first-gen faculty and staff, and a hands-on workshop for students exploring how to make meaning from their personal journeys.

"We Are All Here to Root for You"

For Brit LeBeau ’17, a UVM alum and professional advisor in the Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources, the week was a powerful reminder of how much progress has been made.

“I thought everyone knew more than me,” said LeBeau, reflecting on her own first-gen experience. “Turns out that’s not true at all. Faculty used acronyms I didn’t understand, and I thought I was the only one who didn’t get it. But that wasn’t true either.”

LeBeau now makes a point to reassure the students she works with: “As a first-gen student, it may seem like you're missing some context and that there's nothing out there to help you figure it out. But that’s not true either. There are plenty of resources for you here at UVM. From the First-Gen office, to your advisor, your faculty, and other staff members. We are all here to root for you.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Support and Strengthening Community

For Dani Comey, Director of the Center for Academic Success, which houses the First-Gen program, the energy of First-Gen Week and the creation of the Royer Fund signal more than celebration — they mark a turning point.

“We’ve always been committed to walking alongside our first-generation students,” said Comey. “This gift expands what’s possible. It allows us to think more boldly about how we support students not just during their first year, but all the way through graduation.”

FirstGen@UVM is dedicated to holistically supporting first-generation college students at the University of Vermont. Through a combination of programming and one-on-one guidance, the initiative connects students with essential resources, builds community, and advocates for their success.

Comey hopes to deepen the program’s reach and impact in the years ahead. “Our goal is to ensure that every first-generation student at UVM has the tools, relationships, and confidence they need — not only to stay, but to thrive and graduate on time.”

Go Deeper

There's a lot more to learn about first-generation students and alumni at UVM. Below are ways you can dive deeper:

• Learn more about how UVM supports first-generation students.

• Follow the First-Gen program on Instagram to keep up with stories and highlights. 

• Read about how Hannah Smith '24 persevered to become the first person in her family to graduate from college. 

• Read about how Rose-Marie Tarbell-Lyman '53 navigated being a first generation college student in the late 1940s.