SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is set to honor first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and families throughout November. Approximately 30% of NMSU's student body comprises first-generation college students.

The Las Cruces campus will host its sixth annual first-generation celebration with various events planned for the month. A key event will be a tabling session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Corbett Center Student Union's first-floor lobby. The City of Las Cruces will present a First-Gen Proclamation at 10:15 a.m.

Departments across the campus will participate in this celebration by providing information, cookies, T-shirts, and photo props. Marko Mohlenhoff, TRIO McNair Scholars Program director and co-chair of the celebration, stated that the presence of first-generation students enriches the learning environment and decision-making processes on campus.

Additional events include an Honors College First Generation Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a screening of “Real Women Have Curves” from 6 to 8 p.m. at Corbett Center auditorium.

Doña Ana Community College will hold its celebration featuring testimonies, food, dancing, and prizes from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Sunland Park Campus Commons.

NMSU Alamogordo plans a cookout and discussion panel at noon on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Student Union Building to honor first-gen students and their families.

At NMSU Grants, self-expression posters will be displayed during an event on Nov. 4.

Lorenzo Pino from the first-gen committee expressed commitment to ensuring all students feel connected despite being distant from the main campus.

Mohlenhoff emphasized that first-generation students often face significant challenges but leverage their cultural capital and problem-solving abilities for future success which benefits both NMSU and New Mexico communities.

First-generation stories will also feature in NMSU’s Hotline newsletter and social media channels throughout November.

For more details or to share stories via the "I Am A First Gen Aggie" form visit https://nmsu.link/firstgen or contact Mohlenhoff at 575-646-3603 or markom@nmsu.edu.