11/10/2026
SUNY Cortland will join colleges and universities across the country this week in celebrating the efforts of first-generation students who are among the first in their families to pursue higher education.
The university’s “Inspired to Be First” event takes place Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Advisement and Transition, located in Memorial Library, Room A-111.
All first-generation students, faculty and staff members can stop by to take photos with friends, enjoy snacks, get stickers and share their motivation for being the first in their families to attend college.
Across the U.S., there are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students making up more than half of all undergraduates, according to FirstGen Forward. The population brings diverse talents and experiences to college campuses while also representing unique needs.
National First-Generation College Celebration Day is held annually on Nov. 8 to commemorate the historic signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
“The State University of New York has a longstanding history of increasing access to higher education and supporting student success and academic excellence through initiatives like the Educational Opportunity Program, ASAP|ACE, and SUNY Reconnect,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “As we celebrate Gov. Hochul’s proclamation of Nov. 8 as First-Generation College Day, we also recognize the campus presidents, faculty and staff who were first-generation college students themselves and continue to expand opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps.
“Today and every day, we honor the extraordinary contributions of first-generation students and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting them as they pursue life-changing educational opportunities and upward mobility.”