PROUD TO BE FIRST

Dear PROUD TO BE FIRST Class of 2020 graduates,

Congratulations — we are so excited for all of you! I want you to know how honored we are to celebrate this momentous achievement with all of you. As a first generation college graduate myself, I remember the pride my family and I had in that accomplishment.  This May, it is so rewarding to know the graduates in the Class of 2020 and their loved ones are feeling that same joy and excitement.  

PROUD TO BE FIRST at NYU celebrates all graduating seniors who are the first, or among the first, in their families to earn a bachelor's degree, and all graduate and professional school students who were the first, or among the first in their families to earn their bachelor's degree and are now receiving their advanced degree.

In Spring 2020, the NYU Division of Student Affairs solicited submissions from our first-generation graduates and their families, friends and loved ones, as well as NYU faculty, staff, and administration. These tributes — which celebrate our amazing first-gen grads — were compiled into an online tribute, which can be viewed here.

To celebrate all of our amazing first-gen graduates, we will continue to add congratulations to this online collection until July 1, 2020. If you have not yet had a chance to participate, please send your submissions to firstgen@nyu.edu. Similarly, if you would like to request for content to be edited or removed, please email us.

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy the celebratory messages. Congratulations, once again! I cannot wait to see what you will go on to achieve!  

Marc Wais
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
New York University