PHILIPPI, W.Va.— Alderson Broaddus University was pleased to host its inaugural First-Generation Student Day on Friday, December 6. This celebration was part of a nationwide campaign to honor students who are the first in their families to attend college and celebrate the achievements of our first-generation students.

The Office of Student Affairs coordinated the event as a way to bring campus and community awareness to the prevalence of first-generation students currently enrolled in higher education and the exceptional contributions these students are making to society.

“Education has always been very important to me,” said Megan Avery, associate director of housing operations and student engagement. “Growing up in a rural area, education opened avenues that would not have been opened otherwise. I feel very blessed to work for an institution that recognizes that education can change lives and offers the same types of opportunities to students that I was afforded. I hope that I can pour into and inspire our students at AB in the same way that others inspired me.”

First-generation students who attended the event received a button and signed a banner that will hang in the Student Center to commemorate the event. Postcards were available to students to send a message to the person who inspired them to become the first in their family to attend a higher education institution. Students were encouraged to learn more and discuss topics such as what it means to be first-gen, how to navigate campus resources, as well as share their personal stories of identifying as first-generation and overcoming different obstacles throughout college and beyond. 

First-generation students are an asset to the Alderson Broaddus University community. Alderson Broaddus invited first-generation students to participate in the event to enjoy lunch and fellowship with AB’s first-generation faculty, staff, and alumni.

About Alderson Broaddus University 

Alderson Broaddus (AB) University is a private, four-year institution of higher education located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences.

The mission of AB is to provide students with the highest quality education, striving to prepare students to succeed in their chosen disciplines and to fulfill their roles in a diverse society as well-rounded and responsible citizens.