First-generation students are resilient and overcome hurdles that most college students never face. The Brave to be First Achievement Ceremony is held each year to recognize all graduating first-generation students and celebrate various achievements of our first-gen students, faculty, staff and alumni.
May 1, 2024 at 6 p.m. in UC Annex
Reception to follow ceremony.
All graduates MUST RSVP . Award nominations are due by April 5, 2024 and should be submitted using the links below. Award recipients will be selected via a first-generation student selection committee.
Graduating First-Generation Students
GenONE invites any first-generation graduating student in 2024 (Spring 2024 and Fall 2024) at UNC Pembroke to complete this form to RSVP for the Brave to be First Achievement Ceremony. Graduates will be recognized and receive a medallion to wear at graduation that represents their success as first-generation scholars. All graduates
MUST RSVP here to receive a medallion.
Brave to be First-Generation Student of the Year Award
Honors one graduating undergraduate student who has shown resilience, determination, and grit as a first-generation scholar. This student has gone above and beyond to prove that being first-generation is an amazing accomplishment being the first in their family to graduate college. This graduate has overcome barriers and paved a path for success for their peers. The nominee must demonstrate continued success in academic, professional, and personal growth.
Previous Recipient: Shania Cedillo, 2022
GenONE Trailblazer Award
Honors three undergraduate students (freshman, sophomore, and junior) who have pursued and met ambitious personal and professional goals while demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and campus engagement during their time at UNC Pembroke. These students, no matter what obstacles they face, have blazed a trail of success behind them leaving a lasting impact on their mentors, peers, and community.
Previous Recipients: Seth Norris (Junior), Ny'aices King (Sophomore), and Hannah Scrattish (Freshman), 2022
Award for Outstanding First-Generation Student Advocacy
Honors one faculty member and one staff member or administrator who supports first-generation students' education and serves as an exemplary advocate for first-generation students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. It is not required that nominees identify as first-generation students themselves.
Previous Recipient: Dr. Michele Fazio & Elena Locklear, 2022
Next Gen Alumni Excellence Award
Recognizes an exceptional alum of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke who were the first in their family to obtain a degree and whose professional achievements, career and contributions to their community have modeled the way for the next generation.
Previous Recipient: Rev. Dr. Terry Hunt