Get Involved

Two individuals pose with food and event signs in front of a purple backdrop, while a third person photographs them. A brick wall and an “FGEN Event This Way” sign are visible in the background.

Get Involved

Connect Through Events & Activities

The FGEN community at the University of Portland is built through connection, collaboration, and the voices of our first-generation students, supported by faculty, staff, alumni, and allies who believe in the success of first-generation Pilots.

There are many ways to be part of the FGEN community—whether you are attending an event, connecting with other first-gen Pilots, taking on a leadership role, sharing an idea, or partnering with us.

One of the easiest ways to get involved is simply by showing up! FGEN offers programs, workshops, and events throughout the year designed to help first-generation students build community, find support, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Explore our FGEN Initiatives to learn more about upcoming events, programs, and ways to connect.

FirstUP Social

The FirstUP Social is a fun welcome event for first-year first-generation students, held during the first few weeks of the fall semester. Come meet fellow first-gen Pilots, make new friends, and kick off your first year by building connections and community through games, activities, and great conversation. It's the perfect opportunity to find your people and start your first-generation journey at the University of Portland!

First-Generation Pinning Ceremony

The First-Generation Pinning Ceremony is a special celebration held during commencement weekend honoring graduating first-generation students as they prepare to cross the stage and begin their next chapter. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters, graduates are recognized for their perseverance, accomplishments, and the milestone of earning a college degree.

Student Leadership Opportunities

For students looking to take a more active role in shaping the FGEN community, there are opportunities to serve as student leaders. FGEN student leaders help create welcoming spaces, support events and initiatives, and contribute to building a stronger first-generation community at UP.

Learn more about our Student Roles & Leadership opportunities.

FGEN Student Leadership

Pilots After Dark X FGEN

FGEN and Pilots After Dark have come together to do a variety of past programming, including but not limited to, Friendsgiving, an event for students on campus to celebrate the bonds they've made in college and First to Bloom: A Spring Reset!, a spring celebration with an number of activities such as candle painting, flower bouquet making, and spring themed mocktails.

More About Pilots After Dark

A behind view of a University of Portland graduate in a cap and gown lifting a bouquet of flowers high in the air.

EspressoUP x FGEN

Past collaborations between EspressoUP and FGEN have brought students a number of themed beverages, such as Pumpkin Spice Chai, Berry Blossom Lattes, FGEN Fizz, Cupids Mocha, and other fun drinks!

Partner With FGEN

Building a strong first-generation community takes collaboration across campus. FGEN partners with departments, programs, and student organizations to create meaningful opportunities and experiences for first-generation students.

Past collaborations have included partnerships with Study Abroad, the Career Education Center, Pilots After Dark, and other campus partners. If your department or organization is interested in partnering with FGEN, we would love to connect.

Reach out to us at firstgen@up.edu.

Want to Get Involved?

Have an idea, want to collaborate, or looking for ways to support the FGEN community? We would love to hear from you! Reach out to learn more about opportunities to get involved, share your ideas, or partner with FGEN.

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