Gen1 In the News

         The Gen1 program was recently featured in an article in The Villager, the Stevenson University school newspaper.

First-generation students take the spotlight at Stevenson

by Tamara Lovelist

            Stevenson University has partnered with the Council of Independent Colleges CIC/Walmart College Success Award to initiate the Generation One (Gen1) Program. This program is designed to help first generation college students transition into understanding college life and everyday experiences. Each student is paired with a faculty or staff member who was a first generation college student as well.

A large number of invitations were sent out to qualified students who were first generation, meaning their parents or supporters did not attend or complete college courses. The first 30 students who responded were welcomed into the program.

Dr. D. M. Greene, Gen1 Facuty Leader and Associate Professor of Communications stated that “the program is off to a great start, I believe the students were shy at first, but now they seem more committed to the program. Students are beginning to get more involved with campus activities and are joining many clubs here at SU". Andrew Twigg, Senior Intern has created a Facebook page and blog which allow he and Greene to interact with program participants.

            When asked how has this program influenced his life as a college professor and leader of this program, Green explained, “I’ve had to tap into my skills that I didn’t even know were inside of me; a lot of skills had to be put into practice that are different from teaching in the classroom. I have become an event planner, a counselor, liaison, public speaker, and confidant”.

            Primary to this program is it mentorship aspect. Sarah McDowell, Director of Internship Programs, is currently mentoring two Gen1 participates, she stated, “I am excited about the program and glad that I am able to give back and encourage students with insight from my experiences and mistakes from being a first generation student as well.” Greene stated, “I was very surprised at the degree of willingness in the volunteers that desired to participate in the program; many of the mentors had their own personal stories from being a first generation student”.

          On October 15, 2010 the Gen1 students are taking a field trip to the Newseum in Washington, DC. Next semester, they are participating with Project Ascent. Project Ascent's aim is to help individuals discover and develop the communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills that truly enables the students to feel like a member of a team.