UNCG loves to celebrate a “first” – especially when that “first” is a college degree. That’s why it launched the First-Generation Commencement Stole Project early in 2024. It provides the stoles free of charge for first-gen Spartans to wear as they cross the stage at Commencement. More than 200 graduates wore the stoles as they crossed the stage in Spring 2024. 

At UNCG, around 50% of students in each class are the first in their families to attend a four-year university, and UNCG is proud of the pathways to economic prosperity it forges for students. Both The Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report rank UNCG No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility.

“Wearing the first-generation stole reminded me of the hard work I put in and all the sacrifices my parents made so that I could achieve this,” said Catherine Sanchez-Hernandez ’24, who graduated earlier this year.

This effort is one of several initiatives on campus that recognize UNCG’s first-gen students. Another example is “First G at the G,” a week of programming designed to build community and increase student success. 

Diana Roman, chair of the First-Generation Student Success Committee, explained: “Although many of our students are first-generation, they might not talk to their peers about this status. We want these students to feel celebrated.”

“Wearing the first-generation stole at Commencement meant a lot to me,” said Kimberly Catalan ’24. “I hope this allows others to look up to me and keep pushing through.”

A variety of campus partners make this program possible. After a successful spring 2024 initiative, Campus Enterprises again sponsored stoles for the December 2024 ceremony.

A campaign to fund stoles for Spring 2025 is open until December 13, 2024. Learn more about the program – and see how to support this initiative – by visiting the First-Generation Commencement Stole Project online.

by Mercer Bufter ’11 MA