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 Assistant Professor of Theology
"During my undergraduate studies, I had three professors who helped me to become what I am today. "
Yvonne Ayesiga Residence Life
"My experience as a first-generation college student made me resilient and hardworking."
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."
Brendan Brunner Residence Life
"The greatest lesson I received from navigating my undergraduate education as FGEN was the value behind perseverance and the humility in asking for help. "
Bryce Buckley
"I had no idea how much I loved higher education until I started working on campus and actively participating in student organizations."
Eddie Contreras Assistant Provost for International Education, Diversity and Inclusion
"Because the four-year college experience was different for my parents, they didn't know about many aspects of college life, so I had to advocate for myself and learn on my own by trail and error."
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."
Ezequiel Delgado-Cervantes Assistant Hall Director, Christie Hall
"Speaking from personal experience, there are numerous academic, social, personal, and spiritual resources available to all students. Utilize every person and tool available at UP to help you navigate college successfully."
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."
Casandra Esparza Admissions Counselor of Diversity & Inclusion
"Everyone on campus is here to help our students become successful, especially those that are struggling with the transition to college life."
Allen Hansen Shiley School of Engineering, Technician Supervisor
"I still have a passion to learn something new ever day of my life, and it all started because I proved to myself that I could do it and enjoy it."
Becca Henley Academic Program Counselor, College of Arts and Sciences
"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. "
Yuri Hernández Osorio Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Student Activities
"I would advise student to speak up and to not let others people's narratives of you define who you are and what you can accomplish."
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 Financial Aid Counselor
"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."
Sr. Angela Hoffman Chemistry Professor
"Find out about and use all the resources available that will help you."
Deana Julka Associate Professor, Psychology
"Faculty/staff want you to succeed -- come and ask questions -we invite them!"
Gwynn Klobes P4 Program Director, Pamplin School of Business
"Use this four years to explore who you are as a person so that you are better able to find a right fit vocation in life."
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."
Laurie Laird Director, Moreau Center for Service and Justice
"Seek support from other FGEN students as well as faculty and staff. There are so many resources available to you but sometimes faculty and staff aren’t aware of what you need."
Elizabeth Lee Director of Institutional Research
"Sure college is a time to earn a degree to set you on a successful career trajectory, and yet it’s also a time to evolve and nurture emerging interests."
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."
James Pena Hall Director, Schoenfeldt Hall
"I cannot recommend finding a mentor highly enough. So much wisdom, experience, and support to be shared from people like these!"
Katie Richardson Academic Program Counselor, College of Arts & Sciences
"My advice to any first gen students facing challenges would be to reach out and ask questions. "
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."
Paula Tower Biology Lecturer
"Lots of us know what you are facing and knowing that a professor overcame challenges can empower you."
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."
Erin Zarafshan Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Financial Affairs
"So many of us have been in your shoes and can offer a listening ear or advice. "
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