Mercy College Recognizes National First-Generation College Celebration Day

Today on National First-Generation College Celebration Day, Mercy College recognizes the achievements of its first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff who have persevered to transform their lives, and the lives of their families, through higher education.

On the path toward receiving a college degree, many first-generation students experience financial, academic and cultural hurdles that are challenging to overcome. Mercy has made paving the way and leveling these hurdles for first-generation students one of its most important missions - from the College’s earliest graduating classes in the 1960s to today.

A large part of fulfilling that mission involves ensuring both the academic and career success of first-generation students and alumni. In the case of Ashley Dieudonne ’20, Mercy made the possibility of obtaining a college degree a reality. “At times, the thought of being a first-generation college student made the journey seem almost impossible," said Dieudonne. "The faculty and staff at Mercy made it so I always felt seen, cared for and genuinely supported. Mercy helped propel me to the life that I always wanted.”

For Paul Falanga ’13, M.S. ’15, Mercy reinforced his sense of pride in being a first-generation college student, and introduced him to opportunities in the classroom and beyond. “[Mercy] opened up doors that I never knew," recalled Falanga. "Being a first-generation college student to me means a sense of pride. Mercy offered me a tremendous amount of support and the quality of education was great.”

In addition to highlighting the sentiments of the College's accomplished alumni, Mercy is excited to share that the next edition of Maverick Magazine features members of the College Community who identify as first-generation and gives a voice to the variety of first-generation experiences. The magazine will be released later this fall term. 

Also, throughout the years, Mercy has captured the stories of our inspiring first-generation students, such as Mercy Scholar Alexus Williams '19. Please click here to view a video featuring Williams and learn more about how the Mercy Scholars program helped her achieve her dream of a college education.