Neumann University and first-generation students go hand in hand. In a recent article titled, “Neumann grows enrollment, adds new majors,” found on the university’s website from 2024, it was noted that sixty-five percent of 2024’s first-year class is first-generation, compared to the fifty-three percent from the previous year.
Recently, the office of Academic Affairs held at the Bachmann main lobby where first-generation students had the opportunity to put their names on a board along with names of people who have supported them in their college journey.
Samiyyah Lucas, an undergraduate first-generation student, stated that to her, “It means that I have to work harder and be better, to set a path for my younger siblings to let them know that they can do it.”
She added, “It feels good. Parents set it up for you even though they couldn’t themselves,” on reflecting how it feels to be a first-generation student.
However, Neumann students aren’t the only first-generation students on campus. Many faculty and professors are as well.
Spanish professor and Spanish Language Program Director, Sister Linda Sariego, is also a first-generation graduate. She reflects on her parents stating that, “It makes me grateful that I could make my parents grateful and proud for the good instincts and appreciation for learning that they taught me.”
Sister Linda has also seen her share of graduates who, like her, are first-generation Hispanic students. She says that “It adds another level of pride, since it is a part of my heritage and I see others in similar backgrounds, continuing to achieve and to reach educational milestones.”
