Saint Mary's News & Stories

Supporting First-Generation Students at Saint Mary’s College

Navigating college can be a unique journey for first-generation students, who often have to pioneer their path in higher education. At Saint Mary’s College, first-generation students find more than just an academic institution—they discover a supportive community dedicated to helping them thrive. Through comprehensive programs like the Kessler Scholars, Belles Connect, and personalized career and academic advising, Saint Mary’s is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that academically and professionally empowers first-generation students.

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First-Generation Students Help Others

At Saint Mary’s, nearly a third of the Class of 2027 is considered first generation. As the first-year, first-gens arrived on campus last month, a group of established first-generation students—sophomores, juniors, and seniors—helped make sure this new cohort felt welcome and at home.

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August 17, 2023 Kessler Scholar Program Launches at Saint Mary’s The Kessler Scholars have arrived at Saint Mary’s. The inaugural cohort—19 women who are the first in their families to go to college—came to campus as part of a $1 million, five-year grant that will connect the first-generation students with resources and opportunities across campus. April 14, 2023 Tysus Jackson ’99 Talks About Conscious Giving Are you consciously giving? Tysus Jackson ’99 challenges you to ask yourself this important question. Jackson returned to Saint Mary’s on March 30 for her presentation “Being a Conscious Giver: How a Degree in Social Science Shaped My Career in Philanthropy.” April 3, 2023 Author Craig Ford Challenges Audience to Explore Religious Identity Saint Mary’s College recently hosted a symposium featuring Dr. Craig Ford, a distinguished author, and professor, as well as an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame. The symposium was an enriching experience for our students and community as he touched on the importance of staying religious through the oppression and injustices prominent in today’s world. May 13, 2022 2022 Multiethnic Graduation Celebration As part of the Commencement celebrations throughout campus, the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services hosted the 15th annual Multiethnic Graduation Celebration on Thursday, May 12, 2022. This event formally recognized and celebrated the 40 honorees and their families’ support, sacrifice, resilience, and achievements. October 6, 2021 We Stand in Solidarity with Afghan Women For 175 years Saint Mary’s College has been educating women to make a difference in the world. As an early leader in the education of women, the College continues to respond to the complex needs and challenges of the contemporary world. September 21, 2021 A Conversation About Race and Privilege On September 20, 2021, the Center for Spirituality and the Division for Inclusion and Equity hosted a discussion based on Father Daniel P. Horan's latest book, A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege. August 10, 2021 Commencement Highlight Wearing bright blue stoles intricately embroidered with the French Cross, 29 seniors from diverse backgrounds celebrated the 14th annual Multiethnic Graduation Celebration May 19, 2021.n August 10, 2021 Campus Celebrates Juneteenth The sound of drums could be heard across campus Friday, June 19, to celebrate this year’s Juneteenth—the first year the day is recognized as a national holiday. April 21, 2021 Our Work for Justice Continues As a college community, what can we do in the face of human suffering, anguish, and demands for change? President Katie Conboy and Executive Director Redgina Hill ask for continued work toward racial justice in a letter to students, faculty, and staff.