First-Generation Celebration Week

November 5, 2026

Dear Students,

Each year during First-Generation Celebration Week, the University of South Carolina is proud to shine a spotlight on the thousands of first-generation Gamecock students who have made a bold choice for themselves and their families by seeking a college education.

This year’s celebration is planned for the week of Nov. 8-14, and I hope you will explore the resources and events designed especially for you and your fellow first-generation students.

Both my wife, Ero, and I are the first in our families to earn college degrees, and we have spent most of our lives in higher education. We know that a college education is life-changing for first-generation students and their families, and we also know the challenges that many first-gen students face. The University of South Carolina is committed to helping you succeed.

To help you make the most of your opportunities, our First-Generation Center provides guidance and support to students and offers academic, financial and campus resources to empower you to meet your goals.

During First-Generation Celebration Week, USC will offer a variety of activities and events to celebrate you and introduce you to some of these resources. Among the events are:

  • Breakfast with first-generation faculty and staff members.
  • Recognition Ceremony to celebrate students, faculty, staff and alumni.
  • Spoken Word and Creative Expressions Night, featuring first-generation students sharing stories of resilience.
  • Workshops about graduate school, research, experiential learning and money management.
  • Events hosted by USC colleges and schools to connect you with first-generation peers, faculty and staff in your academic discipline.
  • First-Gen Celebration Tailgate & Connections Fair on Greene Street, with food, giveaways and games.
  • Service Saturday for first-generation students, faculty and staff to give back to the community.

We hope you will enjoy this special week. We are invested in your success and we look forward to seeing what you will achieve at the University of South Carolina!

Sincerely,

Michael D. Amiridis
President