As we move into the spring semester at Southern Methodist University, we want to take a moment to celebrate a significant achievement from the fall. We proudly recognized 25 first-generation students who graduated this winter. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance has led them to this incredible milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.
Being a first-generation student comes with unique challenges. These students have had to navigate their paths with determination and grit. Their graduation is not only a personal achievement but also a powerful testament to their resilience and commitment to their goals.
The image above shows just a few of our first-gen graduates that came by our office one last time to celebrate their success. We presented each student with a first-gen stole, a meaningful symbol of their journey and achievements. Additionally, we gifted each student an SMU alumni mug and personalized letters from our first-gen allies. These heartfelt messages offered words of encouragement and pride, reminding our graduates that they are part of a strong and supportive community.
These graduates are trailblazers, paving the way for future first-gen students. Their success stories inspire others to pursue higher education and demonstrate that, with perseverance and support, they too can achieve their dreams. As we continue into the spring semester, we are excited to support our current and future first-gen students. We look forward to celebrating more successes and milestones as they work toward their goals.
We invite the entire SMU community to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our winter graduates. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the strength of our first-gen community. Congratulations to all, and here’s to a successful and inspiring spring semester!
To honor their achievements, we have included a list of our First-Gen winter graduates below. Each name represents a story of perseverance, dedication, and success. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing their continued impact in the world.
| Allison Martinez |
Andrea Fuentes Sevilla |
Ashanti Galbreath |
| Connor Chisick |
Hana De Silva |
Jack Carroll |
| Jakub Jan Kaczynski |
Jamaya Parker |
Jameelah Ali |
| Joshua Lill |
Keilah Eletu |
Maddy Penwell |
| Marci Toscano |
Maria Cruz |
Marina Ljubicic |
| Monet Munoz |
Onyx Rodriguez |
Pablo Arroliga Mejia |
| Princess Igwe-Icho |
Sabrina Almazan |
Sara Banda |
| Scarlett Pencak |
Tenielle O’Brien |
Zach Wallace |
