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 Associate Professor and Chair, Department of English
"Don't be afraid to ask for help; professors and staff are here to support and guide you."
Karen Bridges Marketing and Communications Coordinator
"You are already so strong, resourceful, and successful just by being here, and you belong here."
Aimee Davidse Academic Program Counselor, 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 Counselor
"Ask questions. Always. We are here to help and assist students through their higher education experience."
Father John Donato, C.S.C. Vice President of Student Affairs
"My first years in college prepared me for my studies abroad in Italy and then gave me confidence as I entered the workforce."
Becca Henley Program Manager, Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement
"You will find that so many people at UP are so excited just that you are here on campus and they will be more than willing to make some time to meet with you, you just have to ask. "
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: Pamplin 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 Administrative Assistant to the Associate Provost
"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."
Herbert Medina Provost
"Having to learn how to navigate the university system taught me perseverance, independence, how to be tough, how to work harder than my peers, etc. The experience has helped me in every aspect of my professional life."
Connie Ozyjowski Associate Director, Donor Engagement
"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."
Casey Shillam Dean, School of Nursing
"I learned to embrace opportunities to take on leadership roles and knew those experiences would directly lead to my ability to be successful."
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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