UMD Libraries Joins Celebration of First Generation Terps

In honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Tuesday, November 8, the Libraries has partnered with the Adele H. Stamp Student Union’s Immigrant and Undocumented Student Life Office to compile a First-Generation Students Resource Guide. 

The guide includes a list of resources for first-gen students, including the First-Gen Terps website, and a list of books available through the University Libraries catalog that are either written by first-generation authors or books that highlight the unique experiences of first-generation students. 

"The Libraries is excited to collaborate for the first time ever on presenting this curated collection celebrating the diversity of the first-generation experience, said Sharona Ginsberg, Head of Student Engagement Services with University Libraries.

“With books ranging from memoir to mythological fantasy to realistic fiction told through slam poetry, we hope everyone can find something that makes them feel seen and represented."

An exhibit of posters featuring the covers and descriptions of books by first-generation authors is now on display in McKeldin Library, Room 2101. First-gen Terps and STAMP will be offering first-gen resources alongside free cookies and coffee in STAMP on November 8 from 11am-2pm.

First-generation students are celebrated annually on November 8 to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965,  which expanded higher education access to historically marginalized students. Nearly 1 in 5 Terps are first-generation college students.