First Generation Islanders
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi proudly recognizes and supports first-generation students, defined as students whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree, and celebrates the contributions they make to the Islander community.
Each year, TAMUCC joins colleges and universities nationwide in recognizing the National First-Generation College Celebration, led by FirstGen Forward and the Council for Opportunity in Education. The celebration honors first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni and marks the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
In 2026, TAMUCC was selected as 1 of only 4 institutions nationwide to receive the maximum $5,000 #CelebrateFirstGen grant award from FirstGen Forward from a pool of more than 250 applicants. With support from the grant, College Access & Outreach will host an expanded First-Generation Week from November 2–5.
Events include:
Monday, Nov. 2
Mixer/Kickoff Party
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – UC Lone Star 142A
Start First-Generation Celebration Week with free Jefe’s Street Tacos and campus resources. A First-Gen panel will be held at 11:30 a.m. featuring voices from the Islander community.
Holiday Bingo with CAB
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – UC Rotunda
Join CAB for an evening of bingo and First-Gen Week sponsored prizes. This event offers students a fun way to take part in the week’s celebration.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Bluesday Banner11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Breezeway
Stop by the Breezeway to celebrate being First-Gen and leave your mark on the First-Gen community banner. Students can share a message and help create a visual display representing First-Gen Islanders across campus.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Izzy’s Tailgate: Whiteout!
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Turtle Cove Parking Lot
Join fellow Islanders for Izzy’s Tailgate before the women’s basketball game. Celebrate First-Gen Week with Islander spirit and campus involvement.
Women’s Basketball vs. OLLU
7 p.m. – Dugan Gym
Cheer on the Islanders as TAMUCC continues the First-Gen Week celebration during the women’s basketball game.
Thursday, Nov. 5
PNC Debt Management Workshop
3 p.m. – Join Us Virtually
Learn practical strategies for managing debt and making informed financial decisions during college and beyond. Registration is available through the QR code.
Volleyball – Senior Night / Neon Night
6:30 p.m. – Dugan Gym
Close out First-Generation Celebration Week by supporting Islander Volleyball during Senior Night and Neon Night. First-Gen students, faculty, and staff will be recognized during the match. Faculty and staff who would like to participate in the on-court recognition between sets 1 and 2 should contact David Barrera at David.Barrera@tamucc.edu for free tickets.