San Juan College recently celebrated First-Generation Student Day, recognizing the resilience and dedication of students and staff who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
TRIOHosted by the SJC TRIO Programs, this annual event highlights the contributions and successes of first-generation college students.
What is First-Generation Student Day?
Observed every November, First-Generation Student Day commemorates the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this historic legislation expanded access to higher education by establishing federal financial aid programs and funding investments in colleges and universities.
Programs like the Federal TRIO Programs—including those at San Juan College—were created under the HEA to support limited-income and first-generation college students by promoting access, retention, and degree completion.
TRIO Programs at San Juan College
San Juan College proudly supports first-generation students through its four TRIO Programs:
- TRIO Upward Bound
- TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
- TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
- TRIO Student Support Services STEM-H
These programs empower students by offering resources and guidance to help them achieve personal and academic success.
Celebrating Student Success and Systemic Change
First-Generation Student Day is more than a celebration—it's a recognition of the systemic barriers first-generation students face and their role in driving social change. The event honors students’ contributions to their communities while highlighting the importance of dismantling obstacles to educational success.
Inspiring Words from Guest Speaker Edward Tabet-Cubero
San Juan College welcomed Edward Tabet-Cubero as the keynote speaker for the event. As the Deputy Chief of Staff/State Director for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Tabet-Cubero shared his inspiring journey as a first-generation student overcoming challenges.
Tabet-Cubero, a champion for educational equity, has an extensive background as a classroom teacher, award-winning school administrator, and nonprofit director. Among his many accolades, he was named a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Fellow in 2014 and received the Matías L. Chacón Award from the New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education in 2019.
Empowering Messages from Students and Staff
Several SJC students shared personal stories of triumph, resilience, and the importance of seeking support. These powerful testimonials underscored the diversity and dedication of SJC’s first-generation student population.
Brandon Fercik, a TRIO EOC advisor, reflected on the event: “We can do hard things. The students’ stories were inspirational and demonstrated the resilience, dedication, and diversity of SJC’s first-generation student population. I left feeling empowered, inspired, and motivated to continue the mission of helping first-generation college students succeed in academics and in life.”
Building a Brighter Future for First-Generation Students
San Juan College remains committed to supporting first-generation students through events like First-Generation Student Day, as well as ongoing resources provided by its TRIO programs. Together, these efforts celebrate the accomplishments of first-generation students while paving the way for their future success.
