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Spring Visits!
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First Scholars National Program Manager, Jodi Gonzalez, visited University of Kentucky and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in January, attending the spring semester kick-off events at both schools. Jodi said, "At both sites it was a pleasure to visit with all of the scholars and peer mentors in the First Scholars Program. I enjoyed gathering information from them about our program to date, the successes they are having, and leading them in an activity focusing on dreams and goal setting. As is validated in this newsletter, we have amazing students in our program."
Diane Schorr, Executive Director, enjoyed visiting with First Scholars at University of Alabama's spring semester kick-off event in January. Program Coordinator Jessica Franks worked with the scholars to build a sense of community that is very apparent. During the visit, Diane conducted several student focus groups to gain feedback about the program. She reported, "Several students said initially the scholarship was the most important aspect of the program. However, during the course of the semester, they realized that having support from Jessica, their peer mentors and each other was just as important. It was wonderful to hear participants confirm the importance of the programming."
The inaugural Program Coordinator Institute will be held in Dallas from April 23- 26. This training session will be a tremendous opportunity to review and improve our procedures, share best practices and build upon working relationships to further the synergy of the network!
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| UK's President Meets First Scholars | |
The University of Kentucky's President, Dr. Eli Capilouto and First Lady Dr. Mary Lynne Capilouto hosted a reception for students in the First Scholars program in February. Eric and Deb Suder attended the event and met with First Scholar freshman and sophomore students. The reception at Maxell Place was a great opportunity for the scholars to experience a business-like reception. They enjoyed interacting with the Suders and the President of the University and being able to ask questions about the program and university projects.
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| Fall 2011 Semester Program Results | |
Based on the information available, First Scholars participants are demonstrating success in academics compared with other first generation students and the general student populations at our affiliate universities. The universities are compiling other official results which will be released later this year.
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First Scholars GPA
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First Gen* Population
GPA
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General Population GPA
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UK freshmen
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3.23
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2.6
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3.0
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UK sophomores
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3.1
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2.67
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2.9
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UA freshmen
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3.2
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2.83
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3.01
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SIU freshmen
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3.1
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2.21
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2.28
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* First Scholars uses a narrower definition of first generation (students whose parents have no education beyond high school) than the definition used by universities and the federal government (parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree).
A total of 20 scholars among the three universities made the Dean's List or Honor Roll - 8 at Alabama, 8 at Kentucky and 4 at Southern Illinois!
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Student Success Stories
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Academics isn't the only way First Scholars defines success! The research states that while at college, first generation students are less involved in on-campus activities. (Lundberg, Schreiner, Hovaguimian, and Slavin Miller,2007). A shout out to our program coordinators Jessica Franks (UA), Martina Martin (UK) and Christina Gilroy (SIU) for encouraging scholars to become involved in campus organizations and other opportunities. With their support, First Scholars are becoming campus leaders and actively engaging in service activities to enhance their college experience.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Damian Zieminski was selected as a Resident Assistant starting in fall 2012. In this vital role, he will be responsible for other students in the residence hall and provide student development programming.
- Amie Conway was named an Orientation Leader with SIUC's New Student Programs office. She will have the opportunity to meet incoming students, including the next group of First Scholars! These positions will allow Damian and Amie to develop their leadership skills and make an impact with other first generation students!
- Cody Hepner is working with the Aviation Management Society to help plan their annual banquet. Cody's task is to find a keynote speaker. He is extremely excited to have this role, since he is the first freshman to work with the student organization in this capacity.
- Amber Blackert, Ale Esparza, Nicole Kmiotek, Victoria Manna, Britney Schroeder, Damian Zieminski, and program coordinator Christina Gilroy traveled to Marysville, Tennessee for an alternate spring break trip. They were joined by student groups from Eastern Illinois University, Coastal Carolina University and Kutztown University in a Habitat for Humanity sponsored project to build homes for tornado victims.
University of Alabama
- Kymberlee Sherrell was selected for the Avanti Orientation Team to work with incoming students at the Bama Bound orientation sessions.
- Amanda Johnson was selected to participate in the Women's Initiative Program, a mentoring and career development program for students in the School of Business.
- Amber Abbott was selected to participate in the UA Women Leaders in Action program, a highly selective leadership development program. Amber and the three other UA candidates attended a national conference in Washington, D.C. in March and will spend the upcoming academic year developing and implementing a community action project.
University of Kentucky
- University of Kentucky First Scholar Kim Shelton successfully completed an alternate spring break to Jaibon, Dominican Republic. Seeking an opportunity to grow and expand as an International Studies major, Kim took advantage of an amazing opportunity to travel abroad to teach English to 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students as a part of the Orphanage 360's Teach Corps-English program. Upon her return Kim shared the following, "The look on those children's faces when they would learn a word or phrase was just priceless! I haven't found anything yet that makes me happier than doing what I can to make others happy."
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| Planning Year Progressing at WSU and U of M | | Washington State University and University of Memphis are gearing up for their first cohorts of scholars to begin in August. Both universities used a number of strategies to promote this new opportunity to their first generation student populations resulting in outstanding applicant pools. Washington State University had 269 applicants at their deadline and University of Memphis had 170 applicants! Both selected their cohorts of 20 First Scholars and are in the process of sending confirmations and finalizing their initial program planning! |
| Stay tuned... |
Our next update will include details from our Program Coordinator Spring Institute, program results, and exciting details about First Scholars 2.0!
Executive Director
The Suder Foundation
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About the First Scholars program
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First Scholars addresses the challenges first generation college students may face during their college experience. Our program provides scholars with information and personalized support designed to place them on equal footing with students whose families have a college going history. Programming includes connecting students to campus, optimizing their college experience, expanding career and community engagement opportunities, and guiding their transition to the future. |
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