First Generation Graduate to Speak

10/25/2016 

Charlotte Pass, an associate professor of literacy at SUNY Cortland, will share her personal story and some wise tips about overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to achieving a college education, during a community roundtable on Thursday, Nov. 3, at SUNY Cortland.

Pass, who has taught at the College since 2009, will present “Reflections of a First Generation College Student” from 8 to 9 a.m. in the College’s Park Center Hall of Fame Room.

Sponsored by the President’s Office, the event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at 7:45 a.m. The Park Center is located off Tompkins Street and parking is available in the Park Center and Professional Studies Building lots.

A question-and-answer period will follow Pass’ presentation.

“I remember clearly when I received the results of the PSAT as a sophomore in high school and detected that the odds of my receiving a Ph.D. based on my scores was only 8 percent,” Pass recalled. “Now I know that it’s the national standard and that no one received a higher score.

“In my angry state at the time, I determined that I would beat the odds, no matter what,” Pass said. “With the support of my high school teachers, my guidance counselor, my family, and my institution of choice, I did just that.”

Pass chose the University of Alabama to pursue her dream and there she earned a B.A. in liberal arts in 1988. Between 1995 and 2005 she achieved three master’s degrees from the same institution, first in English, next in secondary education, English/language arts, and finally in secondary education, English as a second language. In 2007, Pass proudly received a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

After joining the College as an assistant professor in the Literacy Department, Pass was promoted to associate professor in 2012. In 2013, she gained the status to teach courses at the graduate level. She has presented her scholarship to peers at conferences of the New York State Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.

“I wasn't beating the odds just for myself but for those family members for whom college was not an option, such as my parents,” Pass said. “I had to go all the way, or it didn’t count.”

During the roundtable, Pass will recount how individuals can assist those who don’t have the same opportunities as others to be part of that 8 percent.

For information about the roundtables, visit the Community Roundtables webpage or contact the Special Events Office at 607-753-5453.