First Generation Celebration

First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity. Visit campus and take part in activities, speaker panels, and FREE food while learning more about first-generation college students.

• 11 a.m: Activities begin
  • Cap decorating for upcoming graduates
  • Crafting postcards and thank-you letters
  • Social media photo opportunities
  • Free FGCC swag
• 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m: First-generation panel – Ridgewater students, staff, and faculty share their experiences and advice
  • Hutchinson: Bradley Wolfe, Mary Gruis, Mary Leyk, Davontay Stevens (facilitating)
  • Willmar: Lizeth Rios, Sufyan Harbi, Jill Benson, Kari Kuhlman, Mark Taylor (facilitating)
• 12-12:15 p.m: Keynote Speaker
  • Hutchinson: Mike Kutzke
  • Willmar: Ron Ferguson
• 12:15 p.m: Free food on campus
  • Hutchinson: Hot Turkey Sandwiches & Chili from Joanie’s Catering
  • Willmar: Cafeteria

This made my mom so proud as she was not able to even finish high school, and my dad also had to drop out after the 4th grade to help on the family farm. I have siblings that also attended technical and community colleges for their degrees, and I was the only one to complete a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree as well. I wanted to set an example for my kids, both of whom finished college, and almost all of my nieces and nephews have also completed college degrees.

– Mary Leyk, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health

I didn’t learn about some of the services offered by college until graduate school. I wasn’t the best student either because my parents weren’t able to help me build the study skills necessary to be successful. I figured everything out eventually though. I try to encourage my students who are struggling and connect them to resources they may not know about. I try to be a helper because I appreciate my instructors who encouraged me along the way.

– Dr. Bradley Wolfe, Communication Studies Instructor