Maybe you're wondering, "Who else is FGEN besides me here at UP?" Learn about some of the many faculty and staff here on The Bluff who are among the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university. In fact, why not reach out to them directly and learn a bit more about their experiences, both as a student and as a member of the University of Portland campus community? We hope that their stories inspire you and encourage you to thrive as a first generation student here on the Bluff.
Simon Aihiokhai
Associate Professor of Theology
"During my undergraduate studies, I had three professors who helped me to become what I am today."
Valerie Banschbach
College of Arts & Sciences, Dean
"As an administrator now, I am very committed to supporting initiatives that intentionally connect first-gen students with one another and with first-gen faculty and staff."
Genevieve Brassard
Professor, Department of English
"Don't be afraid to ask for help; professors and staff are here to support and guide you."
Aimee Davidse
Associate Director of Academic Counseling & Student Success Initiatives, College of Arts and Sciences
"My experiences as a FGEN truly paved the way to my profession. Each year my confidence grew and I became a stronger individual."
Matt Deschner
Admissions, Associate Director
"Ask questions. Always. We are here to help and assist students through their higher education experience."
Father John Donato, C.S.C.
Special Assistant to the President for Mission Holy Cross, President's Office
"My first years in college prepared me for my studies abroad in Italy and then gave me confidence as I entered the workforce."
Randy Hetherington
Assistant Professor, School of Education
"Being FGEN and having to navigate my own way through the muddle of first and second year, I believe awoke in me a higher level of independence than I had at high school and introduced me the concept of servant leadership in a formal way."
Montana Hisel-Cochran
Instructor of Leadership, Professional Development, and Global Acumen: School of Business
"I learned that it is okay to ask for help, and it is okay to make mistakes, and I won't always be good at everything."
Marija Kovacevic Hobbs
Associate Director of Alumni Engagement
"My college experience was life-changing. I would not have made the personal or professional contacts I did had I not attended the University of Portland."
Deana Julka
Associate Professor, Psychology
"Faculty/staff want you to succeed - come and ask questions - we invite them!"
Jericho Knight
Director of Faculty Relations and Sponsored Research, Provost's Office
"The professors and staff want to be a resource to you and love to help you learn and succeed."
Jeromy Koffler
Director of Student Activities
"I think what helped me the most was having that close group of friends to support me, especially throughout my first year."
Patricia McDonald
Graphic Design Manager
"Find a circle of people (whether at an internship, volunteering, online groups, like-minded) with shared interests who encourage one another."
Connie Ozyjowski
Assistant Vice President for Advancement Services, University Relations
"Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help, even if it seems like a silly question."
Michael Pelley
Director of International Student Services
"Learning how to be a better student can, and will, have a positive impact in other areas of your life."
José Velazco
Digital Lab Coordinator
"I believed that education was a tool that could help me succeed as a first generation immigrant."
Father Art Wheeler, C.S.C.
Associate Professor, History; Pastoral Resident, Mehling Hall
"During my thirty years at the University of Portland, I have taught and lived with many first generation students, many of whom qualified for scholarships, fellowships, admission to graduate and professional schools, internships, studies abroad programs and many other opportunities."
Aaron Wootton
Professor, Mathematics
"Perhaps the best piece of advice I can offer is the following: speak to people. Different people have tremendously different experiences, and more often than not I find people are willing to share those experiences in ways from which you can learn."
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