Scarlet-First Success Stories
First-generation college students and alumni are often successful thanks to a powerful combination of internal drive, resilience, and unique perspectives that set them apart. Want to see their impact? Explore some of the incredible work first-gens—past and present—are doing at Rutgers and beyond!
Art Student’s Crocheted Creations Spark Conversation, Community, and Connection
What began as a pandemic hobby for Adayna Wallace has evolved into a passion project, a campus conversation starter, and a possible future club at Rutgers–Camden.
The sophomore visual arts major and Honors College student can be seen around the university wearing her own creations of crocheted wares, like her hats emblazoned with the recognizable Rutgers block R graphic. Students and administrators have often stopped to ask Wallace about her woven work, which has grown into an entire collection with different styles and stitches.
A Robust Communiversity: Rutgers Statewide @ Brookdale
Set to graduate in 2026 with a degree in social work, first-generation student Brilliza Jimenez exemplifies how the Statewide Partnership creates a seamless path for high-achieving students to earn a Rutgers degree right in their own communities.
January Graduates Launch Careers and Fulfill Dreams Ahead of May Commencement
Rutgers celebrates the resilient Class of 2026 winter graduates. Among those featured are Maro, Angeles, Mikell, and Melissa, four first-generation students who are already blazing a trail in their respective fields.
A Student Veteran’s Path from Flight to Education
Michael Gorzynski has been fascinated by flying since he was a kid, recalling that the only things he ever made from LEGO® bricks were planes.
After flying and maintaining Blackhawk helicopters all over the world for the U.S. Army, the first-generation transfer student has joined Rutgers–Camden this fall to launch a mission of his own.
A Rare Rutgers Vintage
Rich Moran RC’72, a proud first-generation college graduate who has been a successful entrepreneur and college president, is now a winemaker and prolific author.
On and Off Campus, Officer Supports Rutgers-Newark and Its Neighbors
Jamie Hendrix, a proud first-generation college graduate and EOF alum, continues to exemplify resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of education. For more than 20 years, she has been a familiar presence on and off campus at Rutgers–Newark, serving as Lieutenant and Commander of the Community Affairs Unit for the Rutgers Police Department.
Meet the Class of 2029: Inspired by Their Families to Change the World
Members of this year’s incoming class have been inspired by their families and have already turned their motivation to make a difference in the world into action.
Violeta Yas RC’07: A First-Generation Story
Discover how first-generation alumna Violeta Yas journeyed from balancing jobs as an immigrant student at Rutgers to becoming an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and respected bilingual voice in broadcast journalism.
Zimmerli’s Bilingual Efforts Extend Beyond the Gallery Walls and Into the New Brunswick Community
First-generation students and alumni at the Zimmerli Art Museum are passionate about making the museum more accessible and inclusive for all. Among them are Assistant Curator of Community Engagement Barbara Cepeda, Museum Educator and Rutgers alum Jessie Garcia, undergraduate student Karla Masin, and graduate student Hanna Cherres. Together, they have contributed their skills and expertise to a multi-tiered project that is transforming the facility into a bilingual space.
New Medical School Students Don Their White Coats for the First Time
Incoming students reflect on what this moment means to them
Donning a white coat at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) marked a homecoming for Kofi Asare ‘29, a first-generation student from Ghana, who grew up in New Jersey but attended college out of state.
“It’s the culmination of my prayers and the blessings on the way, not just for myself, but for people who look like me,” Asare says. “Receiving a white coat enables me to show people that going to medical school is possible for anybody. It’s confirmation that I belong and am capable of becoming a physician who can make a positive impact.’’
From Fear to Freedom and Hope: A Venezuelan Student’s Journey
Pursuing a college education and the American dream, Rafael Escalante departed the embattled South American nation and made his way to New Jersey
Rafael Escalante escaped politically motivated persecution as a teenager in Venezuela to find his place – and a brighter future – at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
In Thailand, a Fulbright Scholar Teaches English to Children Before Attending Law School
Chelsea A. Fernandez, a first-generation student who majored in political science and criminal justice at Rutgers-New Brunswick, aims to become an attorney
Rising Senior Becomes Third Beinecke Scholar in Rutgers History
The prestigious national honor supports students immediately after college through graduate school
Rigo Salvatierra, 20, is always looking for a way to help others. Before he came to Rutgers, he considered working in the biosciences to find a cure for dementia because he thought it was the most impactful career he could pursue.
Then people started marching in the streets during the pandemic fighting for social justice, which changed Salvatierra’s perspective.
Missed our previous features?
Catch up on some of last year's coverage of first-generation student life, achievements, and perspectives.
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