Jessica Bendzick/ Winonan
First generation students make up 45 percent of the Winona State University population, Darci Mueller, and advisor to the First-Gen Warriors club, said. And the club will be hosting the First-Gen Awareness Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Gazebo to recognize those students.
Along with Mueller, First-Gen Warriors Club advisors Charlie Opatz and Kate Parsi are helping organize the event, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the club.
The club’s main goal is to celebrate and support first-generation students, which are students who do not have a parent who graduated from college with a four-year degree.
Mueller said sometimes students seem ashamed that their parents did not graduate with a four-year degree. Being a first-generation student is not something to hide; rather, it is an accomplishment the whole family can be proud of, Mueller said.
Three years ago, Mueller, Opatz and Parsi collaborated together to write a proposal to receive funding to increase the retention of first-generation college students. The grant was approved, and, with the money, the trio started up First-Generation Orientation classes and the First-Gen Warriors Club.
The purpose of the club is to enable first-generation college students to connect with one another. First-generation students are known to leave college at a higher rate than other students, the First-Gen Warriors stated.
Opatz said the recognition first-generation students are starting to receive is encouraging.
For example, he mentioned how, at Winona State’s Spring 2014 Commencement, President Scott Olson recognized all first-generation Warriors by asking them to stand up. Nearly half of all students rose to their feet.
“A lot of faculty and staff likely do not realize that almost every other student they see is a first-gen,” Mueller said. “We want people to know that first-gens are here.”
Opatz also stressed how much they want to help first-generation students be successful.
“Typically, first-gen college students have a lower retention and graduation rate than their non-first-gen counterparts,” Opatz said.
To continue celebrating and supporting first-generation students, the club is looking to host other events throughout the year, such as recruitment fairs and open houses for incoming freshmen.
At this year’s fair, there will be games such as “pop pong” and beanbag toss, live music from Winona State’s Jazz Combo and popcorn and puppy chow sales.
Additionally, President Scott Olson will be in attendance to address the crowd.
In exchange for purchasing a $1 ticket, students will receive a cup of 1919 Root Beer and the option to play whichever game they choose. The ticket will be entered into a drawing for gift cards from Subway, Mugby Junction and Kwik Trip.
In the case of rain, the fair will be held in East Hall, Kryzsko Commons.
