On Monday, Nov. 8, our First-Gen Equity program joined the university-wide First-Generation College Celebration Week kickoff event on the East Mall. Complete with a DJ, photo booth, keynote speakers and a special visit from Hook ‘Em, the event honored our vast community of students who will be the first in their families to earn a four-year degree or higher from a college or university.

Featured below are a few snapshots from the big event. You can also hear first-gen Longhorns share their experiences in this latest episode of Living the Longhorn Life, a podcast hosted by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

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Students from colleges and schools across the university gather on the East Mall to mix, mingle and enjoy a catered dinner.

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Students captured memories on film, posing with festive props and showing their school pride with Hook ‘Em.

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Faculty and staff, many of whom are first-gen college graduates, join in on the festivities to network with students and show their support.

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Visit the First-Gen Equity and the First-Gen Longhorns websites to learn more about their efforts to uplift and support the university’s first-gen community.