Because nearly 70% of our undergraduate students are first-generation, supporting their success is vital. The College’s efforts have paid off — last summer Alverno was chosen as one of seventy-six new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24. To be selected, the College displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students. Some of these efforts include the formation of the student organization FIRST@Alverno, recognizing first-gen students with a specially created cord at graduation, and hosting a First-Gen Week that included a multi-cultural food fair and first-gen tee shirts.
“This is a special opportunity to invest further in our first-generation students,” said Danielle Gioia, director of Student Success. “As a first-generation student myself, I know how important it is to make the college journey less complicated, more accessible, and more supportive for students and families alike. Being accepted to the First Scholars Network enables us to collaborate with other institutions as we enhance our capacity to support first-gen student learning, navigation, confidence, and success.”
Paulina Romo-Ureno, class of 2024, is a first-generation student who says she feels like she truly belongs at Alverno. “Transitioning to college can be intimidating and nerve-wracking, but Alverno does a great job supporting first-generation students,” she says. “Everyone here wants to see you succeed in life and they would do their best to help you out in any way they can.”
