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May 2025 🌸

Cheers to the Last Days of Classes 🎉

The end of the semester is almost here! You've put in so much effort and come so far, and now it’s time to finish strong. In just a few days, classes will be over. The finish line is just around the corner.

First-Gen Class of 2025!

We cannot wait to see and celebrate you next Thursday, 5/8, at the 3rd Annual First Gen Grad Reception! Can't make the reception and still want a first-gen honor cord? Sign Up to reserve and pick up the cord at a later time in May!

RESERVE TO PICK UP A CORD HERE. FORM CLOSES 5/9, 11:59 PM.

EVENT

The 3rd Annual First-Gen Grad Reception

Thursday, May 8
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Biotech G10, 215 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
Link

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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!

If you are a graduating first-gen student, please sign up for your 30-minute slot below.

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. We will have pick-up times when graduating students can sign up to reserve and pick up their cords after the reception. Make sure to follow our Instagram to receive more information about when, and where to reserve and pick up cords.

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. 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.

RSVP

Insider Tips from Our Peer Navigators: Aylin

Ever get bored of studying at Olin, Mann, or Uris library? Try studying at the Vet Library or in the engineering buildings. Just keep in mind that some areas may require card access after certain hours. These spots are a bit different from other study spaces, but they tend to be less distracting.

Got an insider tip you would like to submit and have featured in our newsletter?

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EVENT

FGSU Speaker Series

Friday, May 2
5:00pm - 6:00pm

Private Location (sign in to display)
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Are you a first-generation college student wondering how to land a summer internship, build confidence, or navigate college life? Join us for an inspiring panel featuring first-gen students and professionals who’ve been where you are. Hear real stories, get actionable advice, and discover the unspoken truths about thriving in college and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or looking for your next big opportunity, this is your chance to connect, learn, and empower your journey.

RSVP

Click here to view funding across Cornell

Cornell Wardrobe

RENT PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE HERE

The Wardrobe is a student organization here on campus helping to ensure that access to clothing is not a barrier to professional success. We provide free professional clothing to all students through our rental system and pop-up shops. Below is a photo from our successful pop-up shops in the past. Feel free to reach out to thewardrobe@cornell.edu with any questions!

Class Councils Voting

SURVEY HERE

The Cornell University Class Councils serve as a community-building organization focused on fostering a sense of unity and pride among the four University's undergraduate classes and varied student communities. CCs aim to prioritize relationships with other student organizations and use resources to plan class events, collaborate with other student groups, and establish and execute traditions. The Class Councils strengthen student ties to the University by providing services to Cornell students before and after graduation.

Please take a moment to complete the polling survey for Class Councils!

Pond Lehocky Giordano’s 25 Days of Scholarships

APPLY HERE (LINK EMBEDDED)

ABOUT

Our 25 Days of Scholarships is a nationwide scholarship initiative that will award 25 students across the country a $1,000 scholarship each to support their educational journey. Whether you’re attending a two-year college, four-year university, trade school, or any other accredited educational program, this scholarship is designed to help reduce financial barriers and allow you to focus on what matters most – your education and your future.

Over 25 days starting in June, we will be spotlighting and awarding a deserving student each day with a $1,000 scholarship. Each recipient will be highlighted on our website and social media to celebrate their ambition, goals, and community spirit. Although the final deadline for applications is on June 15th, 2025, we will start announcing winners on June 2nd, so we encourage you to submit your application before then!

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for the 25 Days of Scholarships, an applicant must:

Be enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university, trade school, or other educational program in 2025.
Be in good academic and behavioral standing with your institution or program.
Have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
Agree to be highlighted and celebrated on Pond Lehocky Giordano’s digital channels (i.e. social media or website).

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, fields of study, and regions of the country. Again, we will be announcing the winners on a rolling basis starting on June 2nd, 2025. The final deadline for all applications is June 15th.

First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support

FORM

Reservation for First-Gen Cord Form 2025

Complete the Form