FIRST-GENERATION
Are you a first-generation college student? The challenges you face are real — but so are the qualities of resilience, determination and commitment you bring to your academic journey.
At UW-Whitewater, we are first-gen proud — and first-gen Warhawks are not alone. Fully one-third of undergrads are first generation, as are more than half of the students on our Rock County campus.
Find out how we support and celebrate our proud Warhawks.
FEATURED FIRST-GEN WARHAWKS
Meet some of the recent first-generation Warhawks who have thrived on campus.
Warhawk Cassie Parrell, a music education student, came to UW-Whitewater from Black Earth. Not having close family members who could help was initially hard for her, but she was able to chart her own path and become a much more organized person — even studying abroad in Maynooth, Ireland.
“Having to do everything myself made it clear I was all on my own. And the reality is everyone has their own path, everyone has their own story.”
Jaelyne White, an entrepreneurship and innovation major from Poynette who earned her BBA in 2024, shares her path as a first-generation college student at UW-Whitewater for the Universities of Wisconsin.
“(At UW-Whitewater) I got to learn what it was to be a first-generation college student coming from a low-income background — not really having a direct pipeline to tutors and resources and mentors was, I think, the best way to start off for me.”
Brayden Jones, a finance major from Milwaukee, proudly wore a first-generation student stole at commencement on May 11, 2024. A participant in our Hired Before Graduation campaign, Jones was hired as a reconciliation specialist with U.S. Bank in Milwaukee.
"I'm most proud of getting through COVID, continuing my degree, and being a first-generation student."
Maria Pacheco’s passion for learning, coupled with her mother’s push to continue her education, led her to enroll at Rock County in 2022.
“URock has a family-like community that really helps students feel like they belong. It’s a supportive environment that helps us transfer successfully to a four-year college.”
First-generation Warhawks share their stories
Being the first of your family to attend college has its challenges, but the obstacles you face and the relationships you make will set you up for life. At UW-Whitewater, we are proud of our first-gen Warhawks. Hear their stories and advice for future generations of first-gen students.
36% of Warhawks are first-generation
54% of Rock County campus students are first-generation
54% of U.S. undergrads are first-generation
Resources for first-gen Warhawks
One Stop: A space dedicated to student success
As a first-gen student, you have questions that need to be answered. One Stop is the place for you. Located in room 129 of the University Center, One Stop is convenient and accessible — we offer one-on-one support either in person or online.
Our office is equipped to help you with everything from financial aid, financial services, scholarships, advising appointments, and course registration to student life and more. If we can’t provide an answer, we’ll connect you — on the spot — to the right office or to people who can assist.
Questions? Contact One Stop at onestop@uww.edu or 262-472-5050.
First-Generation College Celebration
UW-Whitewater is proud to participate in the annual First-Generation College Celebration, a national effort led by First-Gen Forward.
Held on Nov. 8, FGCC Day not only champions first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also seeks to foster systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success.
UW-Whitewater’s 2024 First-Gen College Celebration
- kick-off event on Monday, Nov. 4
- A pop-up exhibit outside Roberta’s Art Gallery Nov. 4-8
- Tabling with freebies on both campuses
