Finding belonging and building legacy: UK celebrates first-generation Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2025) — When first-generation college students arrive at the University of Kentucky, they carry with them more than backpacks and class schedules. They bring the hopes of families, the weight of new beginnings and the courage to step into spaces no one in their family has before.

At UK, nearly one in four undergraduates identifies as a first-generation college student. Supporting those students is central to the university’s mission to advance student success and Kentucky. Through units like CARES First-Generation, housed in the Office for Student Success, the university provides tailored academic guidance, mentoring and community-building opportunities that help every student feel seen, supported and empowered to achieve their goals.

This fall, the university once again honored those journeys through First-Generation Week, a celebration of resilience, community and pride.

For Tatyana King, a program advisor with CARES First-Generation, the week served as both a celebration and a reminder of what makes the UK community special.

“It’s more than just a week of events,” King said. “It’s a reminder of the sense of belonging that exists here for students who are the first in their families to navigate college.”

Throughout the week, students laughed, connected and reflected at events like the Tri-Alpha induction ceremony (an honors society for first-generation students), SINGO (musical bingo) and the First-Generation Mixer. As the celebrations unfolded, King said she was reminded of why this work feels so meaningful to her.

“Being part of something like the Tri-Alpha induction is such a privilege,” she said. “We get to celebrate our students’ hard work and remind them that their accomplishments matter — to their families, their peers and to the university as a whole.”

That sense of pride, she added, is what fuels the office’s work long after the week concludes.

CARES First-Generation’s impact stretches throughout the academic year, offering first-generation Wildcats not only resources, but a network of people who understand their journey. The team works every day to make sure students have the tools, relationships and confidence they need to thrive — through one-on-one advising, peer mentoring, study labs and leadership opportunities.

“CARES First-Generation is dedicated to increasing retention, persistence and graduation,” King explained. “We focus on helping students build the skills, connections and confidence needed for long-term success.”

Walter Malone, program director for CARES, said that same dedication drives every initiative his team leads.

“I see every day how our team’s commitment, compassion and creativity make a lasting difference in our students’ lives,” Malone said. “Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create a space where being the first is celebrated, where challenges are met with understanding and where every student feels seen, supported and empowered to define their own success.”

For students like Loganann Runice, a sophomore in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, those celebrations reflect a much deeper, personal journey — one marked by hard work, growth and gratitude.

“Being a first-generation college student means more to me than just earning a degree; it represents the opportunity to make a real difference in my life and in the lives of my friends and family,” Runice said.

Runice found her place at UK through the CARES Advisory Council, a group of student leaders who meet regularly to share experiences and strengthen programming for first-generation peers. The council, she said, has helped her develop her voice and find belonging on campus.

“Being part of the council has given me a platform to share my ideas and contribute to initiatives that improve the experience for other students,” she said. “It’s helped me grow personally while also making a positive impact on my community.”

Across campus, the week offered students and staff alike a chance to pause and reflect — to celebrate accomplishments, yes, but also to acknowledge the courage it takes to be the first.

“Seeing UK dedicate an entire week to celebrating first-generation students is incredibly meaningful,” Runice said. “It gives us the chance to be seen and recognized for the effort it takes to get here.”

As the week came to a close, King said her hope was that students walked away not only proud of what they’ve achieved, but certain of the community standing behind them.

“Beyond this celebration, the office supports students year-round,” she said. “We’re here to help them build confidence, connect with others and realize they belong here.”

That sense of belonging, Runice said, has transformed how she sees herself and her future.

“If someone had asked me at the end of my senior year how nervous I was about coming to college and pursuing my dreams as a first-generation student, I probably would have given a scared, hesitant answer,” she said. “Now, when I’m asked, I can confidently share my goals and my vision for the future, knowing that I have the ability to achieve them. I wholeheartedly credit this growth to CARES and the first-generation community at UK. I can look ahead with excitement and no longer feel ashamed when I say my ultimate goal is to go to medical school. The CARES community has supported me every step of the way, and I know that support will continue long after I graduate.”

About CARES First-Generation

Located in McVey Hall, CARES First-Generation offers holistic advising, peer mentoring, study sessions and leadership opportunities through initiatives like the CARES Advisory Council and the Learning Lab. The office also coordinates events throughout the year that promote academic success, connection and personal growth for first-generation Wildcats.

Students, faculty and staff can learn more or get involved at studentsuccess.uky.edu/cares-first-generation.