Educational Opportunity Program and
Special Support Programs
National First-Generation College Day
National First-Generation College Student Day is a dedicated occasion to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and pioneering spirit of students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Recognizing the unique challenges they face, this day not only honors their personal and academic accomplishments but also highlights the strength and determination it takes to break familial and societal barriers.
Through this celebration, we aim to raise awareness about the experiences of first-generation college students, foster a supportive community, and advocate for resources and policies that enhance their college experience. Join us in saluting these trailblazers as they pave the way for future generations, setting precedents in academia and beyond.
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Location: Resnick Student Union (RSU) Rooms 105 &106
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
National First Generation College Day is open to all who are interested in participating, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
The term "first-generation college student" can be defined differently by various institutions and organizations. Generally speaking, a common definition is:
"A first-generation college student is an individual who is the first in their immediate family to attend and/or complete college. This typically means that neither of their parents earned a four-year college degree."
However, it's important to note that nuances in this definition can exist. TRIO programs, for example, extend the definition to include students if neither parent received a four-year college degree in the United States which highlights the “hidden curriculum” and nuances of navigating schools in a different country.
- National First-Generation College Day is November 8 – to honor the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
- The Higher Education Act created the programs that coined the term "first-generation" to college students: TRIO Programs.
- First-Gen students are any students whose parent did not complete a 4-year degree.
Celebration Events
Rigoberto (Rigo) Flores, a first-generation graduate from San Jose State University earned both a bachelor’s and a master's in communication studies. Rigo joined the Learning Center at Fresno State in the summer of 2022 as the Tutoring Assistant Coordinator. As the Tutoring Assistant Coordinator, Rigo works alongside our tutoring coordinator on program development, tutor recruitment, and tutor training.
Jerry Gomez is an alumnus of California State University, Fresno, where he earned his Master’s in Student Affairs and College Counseling. Jerry was a first-generation student and was a participant of the College Assistance Migrant Program and also worked for EOP as a Peer Mentor. He then worked for Student Involvement for five years to help foster a sense of belonging for all Bulldogs Students.
Currently, he serves as the AgTEC Outreach Counselor at Reedley College. Jerry's primary
objective is to recruit first-generation adult learners who work in Agriculture to
complete an Agriculture Foundations Certificate and empower them to complete an Associate's
Degree.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jerry finds joy in various activities during his
free time. He actively participates in group fitness classes, honing his skills and
staying active. Running is another passion that keeps him engaged and energized. Additionally,
Jerry's deep love for soccer manifests in his enthusiastic support for the sport.
Overall, Jerry is a dedicated and passionate professional committed to enhancing student
life and fostering a supportive environment for all college students.
Ximena Guzman is a proud first-generation college graduate from Fresno State, where she earned a B.S. in Public Health-Community Health and a B.A. in Chicano Studies. She currently serves as a Health Educator at Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC), working within the LiFT (Lifting Families and Teens) Program. Through her work, Ximena is dedicated to empowering families across Fresno County by strengthening communication and connections between adolescents and their trusted adults.
Lisa Xiong is the proud daughter of Hmong refugees and a first-generation college graduate. She earned her B.S. in Forensic Behavioral Science and an M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling (SACC). Her passion lies in empowering students and creating spaces where Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voices can be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Lisa has supported students through a variety of roles in Academic Success Coaching, the Study Abroad Program, and leadership in graduate student organizations. Currently, she serves as the Student Success Project Coordinator for the AANAPISI program, where she leads the Asian American and Pacific Islander Criminology (AAPIC) Peer Mentor Program. She is dedicated to building a supportive community and helping students gain the confidence and tools to become mentors who bring culturally responsive services to campus and beyond.
JanNessa Williams, MSW, is a former foster youth who turned her life experiences into a passion for helping others heal and grow. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Fresno State and now serves as Program Manager (transitioning to CalAim Director) at Live Again Fresno, where she works with youth and families facing challenges similar to the ones she’s overcome. JaNessa believes in creating safe spaces, sharing stories, and showing that no matter where you come from, you have the power to build a new future.