Posted: Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The University of Evansville will participate in the third annual First Generation College Student Celebration on Friday, November 8. This event, hosted by the Council for Opportunity for Education (COE) in partnership with the Center for First-generation Student Success, is celebrated by institutions nation-wide.

UE welcomes first generation college students to its campus and strives to create an atmosphere where they can succeed and develop their talents. This fall, approximately 25% of the school’s full-time undergraduates are first-generation college students.

All UE first generation college students are invited to participate in a special course that covers such topics as exploration of careers and majors, time management, study skills, stress management, internships and study abroad, and financial aid opportunities.

The University has also established a Student Success Lab designed to help students achieve academic success. While open to all students, the lab’s resources are particularly useful to those who are the first in their family to attend a university. Students who utilize the lab have access to supplemental instruction, academic coaches, library services, career development, and assistance in discovering the right academic path.

November 8 marks the 54th anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of poor students become the first members of their families to earn college degrees.

In addition to the services above, UE students have the support of the following faculty and administrators (and more!) who serve as examples of individuals who were once in their shoes as first generation college students: 

• James Berry, associate professor of anthropology
• Jeffrey Braun, professor of physics
• Vincent Campese, assistant professor of neuroscience
• Dana Clayton, dean of students/vice president of student affairs
• Troy Coppus, clinical education coordinator of athletic training
• Jared Fulcher, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
• Lisa Hale, visiting assistant professor of education
• Elizabeth Hennon, associate professor of psychology
• Cris Hochwender, professor of biology
• Su Jin Jeong, assistant professor of public health
• Ralph Larmann, professor of art
• Lori LeDuc, assistant director of human resources
• Patti Lippert, executive assistant to the president
• John Layer, associate professor of mechanical engineering
• Todd Matteson, associate professor of art
• Eric McCluskey, assistant professor of music
• Leanne Nayden, Lecturer in School of Education
• Lisa Nikolidakis, assistant professor of creative writing
• Annette Parks, professor of history
• Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, president of the University of Evansville
• Mari Plikuhn, associate professor of sociology
• Elizabeth Powell. associate professor of biology
• Diana Rodriguez Quevedo, associate professor of Spanish
• Peter Schmidt, associate professor of mechanical engineering
• Rob Shelby, chief diversity officer
• Holly Smith, senior director of marketing and communications
• Mark Spencer, director of athletics
• David Unger, professor of mechanical and civil engineering
• James Ware, professor of religion
• Katie Whetstone, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy

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