PROUDLY FIRST-GENERATION
Are you a first-generation college student? The challenges you face are real — but so are the qualities of resilience, determination and commitment you bring to your academic journey.
At UW-Whitewater, we are first-gen proud — and first-gen Warhawks are not alone. Fully one-third of undergrads are first generation, as are almost two-thirds of the students on our Rock County campus. And 47% of students who transfer to the Whitewater campus and 73% of those who transfer to the Rock County campus are first-gen.
Find out how we support and celebrate our proud Warhawks.
First-Generation College Celebration
UW-Whitewater is proud to participate in the annual First-Generation College Celebration, a national effort led by First-Gen Forward.
Held on Nov. 8, FGCC Day not only champions first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also seeks to foster systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success.
UW-Whitewater’s 2025 First-Gen College Celebration
- A kick-off event at noon on Monday, Nov. 3
- A pop-up exhibit outside Roberta’s Art Gallery Nov. 4-8
- Tabling with freebies on both campuses
35% of Warhawks are first-generation
58% of Rock County campus students are first-generation
54% of U.S. undergrads are first-generation
2024 FIRST-GEN EXHIBIT
In the 2024 First-gen College Celebration exhibit, portraits of nine Warhawks — students, faculty, staff and alumni — created by photographer Craig Schreiner were presented with the subjects’ own reflections on their experiences.
Glenn Hayes, professor of music
“My father had a third-grade education, and my mother had an eighth-grade education. All they talked about was that I would go to college. And for me it was the natural thing to do. Until I got to college, I had never had a class in music theory. But this was my passion. I knew I had to be a music educator. (A college education) allowed me to follow my passion. It gave me the world.”
Terri Jones, program coordinator, King/Chávez Scholars Program
“Some of the challenges I faced were navigating and learning how to do things for the first time. Thankfully I had the Upward Bound Program to show me the way, that I could have a future in education if I had the right opportunities presented to me. Give yourself a chance. Always count the small wins. Seek assistance and those opportunities and those people you want to learn from. It is all worth it in the end.”
Xitlaly Antonio, biology major
“Being a first-generation college student is a lot of pressure, but it makes me feel accomplished. I’m very glad I made this decision. Now being in college, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. It’s a lot of work, but I am handling it better as the days go by. No matter what the path you take, I think college will help somehow. You can never stop learning. Knowledge will be your best bet and your biggest tool.”
Isabelle Clowes, pre-nursing student
“My mom has her associate’s in nursing. My parents didn’t know a lot about the college process when I first started. TRIO helps a lot. Otherwise, you have to be persistent about trying to do what’s best for you. You make your future yours.”
Holly Wayne, class of 2001 with a degree in marketing
“Navigating a college life was different coming from a very small town — understanding and navigating the financial portion of it as well as the freedoms that come with going to college. The most fun part was getting involved in student organizations and, Whitewater being a little bit smaller, I was able to find great mentors among my professors. The university will support you and help you find a way. The college relationships will help carry you through to the next chapter in your career.”
Joshua Reed, director, Career Services
“It was all brand-new for me. What I was seeking was a place of comfort, people I could connect with. I was a really shy kid. What I tell students now is that in college you get an opportunity to reinvent yourself, and that’s what I did. I stepped out of my comfort zone, walked the halls, and walked out of my dorm. Once you get there, you take ownership of that process because you know how much it means.”
Corey A. King, chancellor
“Being the first person to go to college and graduate in my family is something very special and dear to me. I’m proud that I was able to lean into the wisdom that my parents taught me. My father was a sanitation worker. My mom worked in people’s houses, cleaning homes. My parents did not go to college, but found a way for me to go to college.”
Jenny Krzyszkowski, director, First Year Experience
“I want to be that person students can go to as a resource. I was in their shoes before. The financial aid piece and learning FAFSA was a challenge for me, and understanding scholarships and what is available. There are a lot of opportunities beyond the first year — It’s a matter of knowing what they are. Be comfortable with moving forward and asking questions. We’re here to help you.”
Brian Cordova-Flores, marketing and finance major
“My dad has always been there for me. He’s always wanted me to go to college. He didn’t get the opportunity to go to college, and that’s something that he wanted to do. I always had that goal too — to go to college. (College) is pretty much all a new experience. I have to seek out the people I need to help me out. I had to depend less on my parents, but they were always there to support me.”
FIRST-GEN WARHAWKS STORIES
Meet some of the recent first-generation Warhawks who have thrived on campus.
First-gen Warhawk Jaelyne White
Jaelyne White, an entrepreneurship and innovation major from Poynette who earned her BBA in 2024, shares her path as a first-generation college student at UW-Whitewater for the Universities of Wisconsin.
“(At UW-Whitewater) I got to learn what it was to be a first-generation college student coming from a low-income background — not really having a direct pipeline to tutors and resources and mentors was, I think, the best way to start off for me.”
First-gen Warhawk Cassie Parrell
Warhawk Cassie Parrell, a music education student, came to UW-Whitewater from Black Earth. Not having close family members who could help was initially hard for her, but she was able to chart her own path and become a much more organized person — even studying abroad in Maynooth, Ireland.
“Having to do everything myself made it clear I was all on my own. And the reality is everyone has their own path, everyone has their own story.”
First-gen Warhawk Maria Pacheco
Maria Pacheco’s passion for learning, coupled with her mother’s push to continue her education, led her to enroll at Rock County in 2022.
“URock has a family-like community that really helps students feel like they belong. It’s a supportive environment that helps us transfer successfully to a four-year college.”
First-gen Warhawk Brayden Jones
Brayden Jones, a finance major from Milwaukee, proudly wore a first-generation student stole at commencement on May 11, 2024. A participant in our Hired Before Graduation campaign, Jones was hired as a reconciliation specialist with U.S. Bank in Milwaukee.
"I'm most proud of getting through COVID, continuing my degree, and being a first-generation student."
First-generation Warhawks share their stories
Being the first of your family to attend college has its challenges, but the obstacles you face and the relationships you make will set you up for life. At UW-Whitewater, we are proud of our first-gen Warhawks. Hear their stories and advice for future generations of first-gen students.
Resources for first-gen Warhawks
One Stop: A space dedicated to student success
As a first-gen student, you have questions that need to be answered. One Stop is the place for you. Located in room 129 of the University Center, One Stop is convenient and accessible — we offer one-on-one support either in person or online.
Our office is equipped to help you with everything from financial aid, financial services, scholarships, advising appointments, and course registration to student life and more. If we can’t provide an answer, we’ll connect you — on the spot — to the right office or to people who can assist.
Questions? Contact One Stop at onestop@uww.edu or 262-472-5050.
