First-gen Wildcats celebrated during week of events

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2025) — Mark your calendars, Wildcats — National First-Generation Day is coming up on Nov. 8. The University of Kentucky is once again rolling out a celebration to honor the incredible achievements of our first-generation community; a week packed with exciting events, inspiring stories and opportunities to connect and celebrate what it means to be First-Gen proud.

While the national celebration takes place each year on Nov. 8, UK makes it a weeklong affair because one day simply isn’t enough to celebrate the strength, resilience and accomplishments of our first-generation community. Hosted by the Office for Student Success and CARES First-Generation, this year’s First-Generation Week will bring the UK community together!

Since the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward launched the inaugural celebration in 2017, hundreds of universities, nonprofits and schools have joined in, recognizing the trailblazers who are first in their families to pursue higher education.

At UK, the celebration goes beyond the week; it’s part of an ongoing commitment to empowering first-generation students every step of the way. Through tailored support, academic resources, leadership development and community-building programs, CARES First-Generation ensures that first-gen Wildcats don’t just attend college — they thrive in it! From the moment students step onto campus to the day they cross the Commencement stage, they are supported, seen and celebrated as essential members of the Wildcat family.

This year’s First-Generation Week promises to bring even more excitement, connection and Wildcat pride, with a full lineup of events that highlight community, creativity and campus spirit.

Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the week:

Monday, Nov. 3

• Kickoff Celebration | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cats Den at the Gatton Student Center
  • Join for food, games, music, Polaroid pictures and community fun as First-Gen Week kicks off.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

• Plant Your Roots | 1-3 p.m. | Frazee Hall 103
  • Plant your own succulent, paint a pot to hold your succulent in and enjoy some free energy drinks.
     
• Making Well-Being the First Choice | 5-6:30 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Suite (East Wing)
  • Create and decorate your own goal journals, play trivia to win prizes and chat with well-being professionals.
     
• Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony | 6-7 p.m. | Esports Lounge
  • Celebrate the new Tri-Alpha Honor Society inductees.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

• Is Grad School for Me? | 11 a.m.-noon | McVey Hall CARES Student Lounge
  • Discover what it takes to prepare for grad school and be a competitive applicant.
     
• Green Dot Bystander Student Workshop | noon-1:15 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Room 331
  • Whether you’re new to Green Dot or looking to enhance your skills, this event offers practical steps for making a difference.
     
• First-Gen Community Game Night | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Woodland Glen V Classroom
  • Play, relax and connect with fellow first-gen students and AG advisors.
     
• SINGO! | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | McVey Hall CARES Student Lounge
  • Sing your way through a fun twist on bingo: music, prizes and laughter guaranteed.

Thursday, Nov. 5

• Student, faculty and staff mixer | noon-1:30 p.m. | Lucille Little Fine Arts Library
  • This mixer will provide a space for faculty, students and staff to interact, share stories and bond over provocative questions, music and appetizers.
     
• Career Conversations with a First-Gen Professional | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Room 330AB
  • Hear from first-gen professionals about navigating their career journeys.
     
• Gatton B&E Major Exploratory Event | 3-5 p.m. | Gatton B&E Room 183
  • Play, relax and connect with fellow first-gen students and 1G advisors.
     
• Revive and Thrive Gathering | 4-5:15 p.m. | Gatton B&E Venture Studio Room 124
  • Join to engage in fun interactive activities to reduce stress and optimize brain activity — food provided.
     
• Beginner Friendly Yoga | 5-6 p.m. | McVey Hall Room 106
  • Unwind with a relaxing yoga session open to all students. A limited number of mats and props will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Thursday, Nov. 6

• First Fridays: R&B Bing | 6-8 p.m. | Gatton Student Center Ballroom A
  • Close out the week with R&Bingo — a musical spin on bingo featuring your favorite hits.

Whether you’re a first-generation Wildcat or simply a proud supporter, everyone is invited to join in the celebration! Stop by an event, share your story and help shine a spotlight on the determination, spirit and success of UK’s first-generation community.

Find the full list of First-Gen Week events here. 

For more information about year-round services and opportunities for first-generation students, visit the CARES First-Generation Office in McVey Hall, Room 104.