First-Generation Honors Association
The First-Generation Honors Association (FGHA) assists first-generation students in their transition to the Honors College/Academic Scholars Program and Michigan State University and fosters their continued success in college. FGHA is committed to building a sense of community among first-generation students on campus; membership is open to students not in the Honors College/Academic Scholars Program. The group consists of first-generation students and advocates (faculty/staff who strive to support first-generation students) across campus.
The association offers:
- Unique programming tailored to needs of first-generation students
- Academic/personal support
- Social events and networking with students, faculty, and staff
- Leadership opportunities
- Connections to campus resources and opportunities
For more information on FGHA, you may:
- Complete the Membership Interest Form
- Contact advisors Isabella Figueroa (figue112@msu.edu) or Erika Crews (ecrews@msu.edu).
- Follow FGHA on Instagram
2023-2024 E-board
President | Bianca Hami, hamibian@msu.edu |
Secretary | Jeanette Dompreh, domprehj@msu.edu |
Treasurer | Kristina Drabczyk, drabczy2@msu.edu |
Community Outreach Coordinator | Rhea Raut, rautrhea@msu.edu |
Mentorship Coordinator | Priya Patterson Lee, patte561@msu.edu |
Social Events Coordinator | Safa Karaein, karaeins@msu.edu |
Honors Navigators Peer Mentorship Program
The Honors Navigators Peer Mentorship Program connects first-generation students, international students, and students of color with a peer mentor in the Michigan State University Honors College.
Through the Mentorship Program, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Meet other first-generation students at MSU
- Participate in social & professional development activities
- Learn from the experiences of your peers as you transition to and navigate MSU
Visit the Honors Navigators Peer Mentorship Program website to learn more. Please contact Erika Crews (ecrews@msu.edu) or Sadiq Mohammed (mohamm61@msu.edu) with any questions.
MSU First-Generation College Celebration | November 6-10, 2023
Congratulations to the MSU students, staff, and faculty recognized during this year’s Vanderploeg First-Generation College Celebration!
2023 First-Generation Leadership and Innovation Student Awards
- Malcom Charles, TRIO Scholar, Political Science major
- Sophia Masters, FLI Scholar, Business major
- Ty’Carria Trevino, Fisheries & Wildlife major
2023 First-Generation Advocate Awards:
- Courtney Brown, Counselor and Social Worker, Counseling and Psychiatric Services
- Erika Crews, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Honors College
- Marlene Villa, Coordinator for First-generation Student Success, Program Coordinator for First-generation Leadership and Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars
2023 Vanderploeg Scholar of the Year:
- Lizzie Ochoa, FLI Scholar and Honors College member, Human Biology major
2023 First-Generation Honors Association’s First-gen Trailblazer Award
- Destiny Kanning, Human Biology major
2023 Honors College’s Excellence in Community Leadership Awards
- Cheyenne Marchand, Academic Scholar and Honors College member, Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Genomics & Molecular Genetics majors
- Priya Patterson-Lee, Academic Scholar and Honors College member, Drew Science Scholar, Dow STEM Scholar, Neuroscience major
Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events hosted by FGHA and the Honors College!
Past Events
- Meet and Eat | Tuesday, October 3 @ 7-8PM | STEM 1001
- FGHA & HCAB Finals Destressor Night | Tuesday, April 26 @ 7-9PM | 207/208 Eustace-Cole Hall
- First-Generation Celebration | Tuesday, April 12 @ 6PM | 2202 STEM
- Open FGHA Meeting | Tuesday, March 23 @ 7PM EST | Zoom
- Carbs, Careers, & Connections | Tuesday, March 9 @ 6PM EST | Zoom
- First-gen Meet & Mingle | Wednesday, February 10 @ 7PM EST | Zoom
- Scholarships 101 | Wednesday, November 18 @ 11:30AM EST | Zoom
- College 101 Kahoot with FGHA & Honors x 2 | Tuesday, September 22 @ 7:00PM | Zoom
- Open Meeting | Wednesday, March 25 @ 7:00-8:00PM | Zoom
- Finances 101 | Tuesday, March 17 @ 6:30-8:00PM | Zoom
- End-of-Semester Celebration/Finals Study Break| Wednesday, December 4 @ 6:00-8:00PM | Bessey Hall 106
- National First-generation College Celebration | Friday, November 8 @ 9:00-11:00AM | Erickson 226/228
- Meet the E-board | Sunday, November 3 @ 6:00-8:00PM | 207/208 Eustace-Cole Hall