The 3rd Annual First-Gen Grad Reception

The 3rd Annual First-Generation Graduation Reception, hosted by the Dean of Students' First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support (FGLI Student Support), aims to celebrate and commemorate all graduating first-generation students at Cornell University through an amazing celebratory event! This year, we are collaborating with the First Generation Student Union (FGSU) to bring the festivities.

All first-gen graduates, undergrad and graduate level, will receive a free first-generation honor cord to recognize their accomplishments as the first to graduate with a 4-year degree in their family. This is a come-and-go-style reception with a live DJ, catered food, a photo booth, a raffle, a professional and private graduate portraits lottery*, and more!

First-Gen graduating students, please sign up for your 30-minute slot.

📸 UPLOAD YOUR PICTURES TO BE PART OF THE SLIDESHOW AT THE RECEPTION HERE! 📸


FAQ
1. Can I attend the First-Gen Graduation Reception?
This celebration commemorates the graduation of the first-generation class of 2025 and the winter graduates of 2024. This celebration is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who identify as first-generation college students. Cornell defines “first-generation” as students with parents or guardians who did not obtain a 4-year degree within the U.S. or abroad.

2.  If I cannot attend the reception, can my friend go in my place to pick up my first-gen honor cord?
No. You can reserve to pick up a first-gen cord here. Reservations are REQUIRED due to limited cords. Form closes on 5/9, 11:59 PM.

3. Can I bring my family and friends to the reception?
Due to limited space, we ask that you bring only 1 guest. Attending graduates will need to document in their RSVP that they are bringing a plus one in the description box. If your guest is also a graduating first-gen Cornellian, then they can RSVP as normal.

4. What is the dress code?
You are welcome to wear whatever you find empowering! We will have a photographer at the reception.

5. *What is the private First-Gen Graduation Portraits Lottery & how do I enter?
The First-Gen Graduation Portraits Lottery is a private and exclusive event for only first-generation Cornellians who entered and won the lottery. From there, the lucky winners will participate in a FREE and professional shoot for headshots in places like the Law School or A.D. White Library. To be eligible, first-gen graduating Cornellians will have to 1) register and attend the grad reception and 2) complete the post-grad reception survey to enter. 


For any questions, please contact Pa Nhia Yang, Assistant Director, at py229@cornell.edu