On Nov. 8, Indiana University and its five regional campuses – East, Kokomo, Northwest, South Bend and Southeast – will come together to commemorate national First-Generation College Celebration Day. I am not a first-generation student, but my mother and father are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

My parents left the devastation of post-WWII Japan to pursue dreams of higher education in the United States and begin their journeys of socio-economic mobility and opportunity. Their courage in being “firsts” has inspired all their children and grandchildren to pursue and attain college degrees. This is the great legacy of first-generation students, creating pathways for success for those to follow and then transcend.

These inspirational journeys can be seen and felt every day on IU’s regional campuses, where approximately one-third of our entering class is first-generation. Championing the successful socioeconomic mobility of all our students – students who live, learn and stay in our communities to support the quality of life and growth of our state – is the passionate work of our regional faculty and staff.

In commemoration of First-Generation College Celebration Day, our chancellors have written articles about their students who are “firsts” and the great campuses they call home. The articles have been published by 11 news organizations throughout the state. Here are their stories:

 

IU Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford

I lead as a champion for student success, knowing I have the responsibility as an educator and leader to pay it forward for future generations.

 

IU South Bend Chancellor Susan Elrod

We educate the “brains” that are here in the region, so they stay and contribute to the vibrancy of our cities and towns.

 

IU Northwest Interim Chancellor Vicki Román-Lagunas

First-gen students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree have earned an education that is truly transformative: opening doors to professional opportunities.

 

IU Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada

When first-gen students earn college degrees, they show others, including their own children, what’s possible.

 

IU East Chancellor Dennis Rome

Students and alumni know that if college was not accessible, affordable, high-quality Indiana University education, their lives would be dramatically different.

Ken Iwama is Indiana University’s vice president for regional campuses and online education.