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Events


First-Generation Initiatives honors all trailblazer students during their journey here at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and celebrate these scholars with a variety of special events throughout the academic year. 

Fall Events

First-Gen Vols: Welcome Back Celebration | Monday, August, 29 | 3:00pm-5:00pm | Student Union 270 | All first-gen Vols are invited to jumpstart the semester by visualizing their goals, picking up free school supplies, and networking with peers.  Drop-in for a minute or stay and have some snacks!!

RSVP Here!

First-Generation Pioneer Medallion Info Session | Wednesday, August 31 | 4:00-5:00 | Zoom | First-year, First-Generation scholars are eligible to earn the Pioneer Medallion through active involvement on campus. Attend an information session to learn more!

RSVP here!

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Wednesday, September 7 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast of Chik-Fil-A, fruit, pastries and conversation with their first-gen peers and career coaches from the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration. 

 

First-Generation Pioneer Medallion Info Session | Thursday, September 8 | 4:00-5:00 | HSS 101 | First-year, First-Generation scholars are eligible to earn the Pioneer Medallion through active involvement on campus. Attend an information session to learn more!

RSVP here!

First-Gen Friday: First to Go & What to Know | Friday, September 16 | 12:00-1:00pm | I-House Great Room 100 | Have questions about what to expect during your college experience at UT? Join First-Generation Initiatives and campus partners to learn how you can be successful at UT! Lunch Provided!

RSVP Here

First-Gen Vols: Real Life After Rocky Top: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking | Tuesday, Sept. 20 | 4:00 – 5:00pm | Frieson Black Cultural Center 102/103 | Refresh, refine, and practice strategies for effective public speaking in any professional setting.

RSVP Here!

First-Gen Social Event | Wednesday, September 28 | 5:00-6:30pm | I-House Great Room | Come join a friendly but competitive game of trivia with other first-gen Vols! The team with the most points at the end will win a prize! Dinner Provided!

RSVP here!

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Wednesday, October 5 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast of Einstein’s bagels, fruit, pastries and conversation with their first-gen peers and student leaders from around campus.

First-Gen Social: AT Workshop | October 13 | 4 – 5:30pm | Student Union 262C | Come build a wooden keepsake with other first-gen Vols led by AR Workshop! Snacks Provided!

Space is limited to 25 students!

RSVP here!

First-Gen Vols: Real Life After Rocky Top: Powering Up Your Personal & Professional Brand | October 19 | 4 – 5pm | International House Great Room | Learn how to start building your brand, communicating who you are, what you do, your core strengths and skills, and what you bring to the table.

RSVP here.

Pay It Forward Alumni Speaker Series | Ivie Burns | October 24 | 12-1pm | Zoom | First-Generation Initiatives and Alumni Affairs welcome Ivie Burns, UT Alumni and Financial Advisor as the first Alumni Speaker of the Fall semester.  Join Ivie as he shares his top financial tips for college students.

RSVP here.

First-Gen Friday: Stress Less & Carry On | October 28 | 11am – 1:30pm | Frieson Black Cultural Center 102/103 | Drop in anytime to build your own stress less kit and learn about best practices to stay stress free the rest of this semester with tips and tricks provided by First-Generation Initiatives and the CHEW!

Lunch Provided! RSVP here.

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Wednesday, November 3 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast of Panera breakfast sandwiches, fruit, pastries and conversation with their first-gen peers and student leaders from around campus.
First-Generation Student Celebration Week | November 7 – 11 | Mark your calendars for the 5th annual First-Generation Student Celebration Week!  Stay tuned for more information.
  First-Gen Week 2022 Kickoff Celebration | Nov. 7 | 11am-1pm | HSS Lawn | All First-Gen scholars, faculty, staff and supporters are invited to join in the 5th Annual First-Gen Week Kickoff Celebration with food, games, and giveaways! Visit the First-Gen Week website to learn more!

First-Gen Movie Night | Nov. 8 | 6:30pm-8:30pm | Student Union Plaza | Join us for First-Gen Movie Night as we view Top Gun: Maverick. There will be popcorn, snacks, exclusive First-Gen swag, and a great opportunity to meet others in the First-Gen community!

 First-Gen Paint the Rock & Pizza | Nov. 9 | 12:00pm-1:00pm | The Rock | All First-Gen scholars, faculty, staff and supporters are invited to paint The Rock! Stop by for pizza, a #FirstGenVols group photo, and giveaways! Visit the First-Gen Week website to learn more!

First-Gen Resource Fair | Nov. 10 | 11:00am-1:00pm | Student Union, Room 262 | Join First-Generation Initiatives and other campus partners at the First-Gen Resource Fair to learrn tips on how to end fall semester strong and start spring semester off on the right track! Lunch and free first-gen swag will be provided. Visit the First-Gen Week website to learn more!
First-Gen Lady Vols Basketball Game Takeover | Nov. 10 | 6:30pm | Calling all first-generation students, faculty, staff, and supporters to cheer on the Lady Vols basketball team as they take on the University of Massachusetts. All attendees will receive an exclusive first-gen rally cloth. RSVP here.
Celebration of First-Generation Veterans | Nov. 11 | 2:00pm-4:00pm | Veterans Success Center | A special shout out to all Veterans who are also first-generation college students! Stop by the Veterans Success Center for free swag and goodies. This drop-in event is open to the entire campus community. Happy Veterans Day!
 First-Gen Family Fellowship | Nov. 11 | 11:00am-1:00pm | International House Great Room | Mark the conclusion of First-Generation Celebration Week with the rest of the First-Generation campus community and celebrate #FirstGenPride! Visit the First-Gen Week website to learn more!

Pay It Forward Alumni Speaker Series | Clay Hart | November 17 | 2-3pm |SU 169 | First-Generation Initiatives and Alumni Affairs welcome Clay Hart, UT Alumni and Banking Executive as the second Alumni Speaker of the Fall semester.  Join Ivie as he shares what to expect after life on Rocky Top.

RSVP here.

First-Gen Friday: Financial Planning for First-Gen Vols | November 18 | 1 – 2pm | International House Great Room 100 | Making financial decisions can be complicated. Join First-Generation Initiatives and the Center for Financial Wellness for an interactive workshop where you will learn how to make smart decisions for your financial future. Lunch Provided! RSVP Here.
 Real Life After Rocky Top: Professional Networking Dinner & Social | November 29 | 5 – 6:30pm | Student Union 377A | First-Gen Vols are invited to practice and refine their networking skills over a formal dinner. Dress is business casual. RSVP Here.
 First-Generation End of Semester Social | November 30 | 3 – 5pm | International House Great Room 100 | Let’s celebrate the end of the semester with a First-Gen CarniVOL! Come enjoy fun games, carnival food, and win some giveaways!

Carnival Snacks Provided! RSVP Here.

Pay It Forward Alumni Speaker Series | Tony Murchison | December 1 | 3-4pm |SU 169 | First-Generation Initiatives and Alumni Affairs welcome Tony Murchison, UT Alumni and president of the LGBTQ+ Alumni Council as the third Alumni Speaker of the Fall semester.  Join Tony as he discusses ways to combat imposter syndrome.

RSVP here

Spring Events

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Tuesday, January 24 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast and conversation with their first-gen peers and leaders from around campus.

Menu: Chick-fil-a, pastries, fruit, coffee, juice

Spring Welcome Back Celebration | Wednesday, January 25 | 3-5pm | SU 262ABC | All first-gen Vols are invited to jumpstart the Spring semester by visualizing their goals, picking up free school supplies, and networking with peers. Drop-in for a minute or stay and have some snacks!!

Menu: Hot pretzel bar, chips & salsa, water, and sweet tea 

First-Gen: Grocery Bingo | Friday, January 27 | 12-2pm | SU 262 ABC | Join First-Generation Initiatives and the Big Orange Pantry as we kick off the spring semester with a friendly bingo competition! Eat lunch, play games, and win prizes! Prizes include meal kits from Big Orange Pantry and swag from the offices! RSVP here!

Menu: Assorted sandwiches

Study Abroad for First-Gen Vols | Friday, February 3 | 11am-12pm | SU 270 | Interested in taking your academics abroad? Join First-Generation Initiatives and the Programs Abroad Office to learn about where you can go, how to pay for it, and everything in between from a panel of students who have studied abroad! Please RSVP here!

Menu: TBD

Pioneer Medallion Info Session | Wednesday, February 8 | 4-5pm | HSS 114 |The First-Generation Pioneer Medallion is awarded to first-year, first-generation students for their commitment to academic excellence, achievement, and leadership. Come learn how you can earn this medallion! Snacks provided.

Emerging Leader Info Session | Tuesday, February 14 | 4-5pm | HSS 114 | Learn about First-Generation Initiatives new $500 scholarship! The First-Generation Emerging Leader Scholarship is awarded to students classified as sophomores and juniors for their commitment to academic excellence, scholarly achievement, leadership development. Snacks provided.

First-Gen Vols Real Life After Rocky Top: Student Leadership Panel | Wednesday, February 15 | 3-4:30pm | SU 270 | First-Generation Initiatives and the Center for Student Engagement present a panel of students leaders from across campus.  Join us and learn why it’s important to join student organizations, take on leadership roles, balance academics and expectations. RSVP here.

Menu: Assorted sandwiches

Networking In Neyland for First-Gen Vols | Friday, February 17 | 6:30-8:30pm | Neyland Stadium, Lauricella Room | You’re invited for a night of networking with UT Alumni and your first-gen peers.  Don’t let this amazing opportunity pass you by!  RSVP here.

Dress: Business Casual

 

First-Gen Vols Trivia Night | Tuesday, February 21 | 5-8pm | Frieson Black Cultural Center | We’re bringing trivia back! Come join a friendly but competitive game of trivia with other first-gen Vols! The team with the most points at the end will win a prize! RSVP here.

Menu: Brenz pizza and wings

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Thursday, February 23 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast and conversation with their first-gen peers and leaders from around campus.

Menu: Bagels & cream cheese, pastries, fruit, coffee, juice

First-Gen Vols: Spring Retreat | Saturday, March 4| 9am-2pm | SU 262ABC |First-Generation Vols are invited to attend the First-Generation: Reflection and Connection Spring Retreat. Attendees can expect to connect with other first-gen vols, build a support system, reflect on aspirations, and explore their strengths and values. RSVP on Handshake.

Menu: Hot breakfast and assorted sandwiches

Pay It Forward Alumni Speaker Series | Cynthia Finch | March 7 | 2-3pm | SU 262B| First-Generation Initiatives and Alumni Affairs welcome Cynthia Finch, UT Alumni, and USA Today’s Woman of the Year! Join Cynthia as she shares her experiences as an advocate in the city of Knoxville.

RSVP here.

 

First-Gen Vols Real Life After Rocky Top: Resume & Cover Letter Writing Workshop | Thursday, March 9| 4-5:30pm | I-House Great Room 100 | First-Gen Vols are invited to learn how to create a dynamic resume and cover letter that will set them apart from the rest of the crowd. RSVP here.

Menu: Moes’ Burrito Boxes

First-Gen Friday: Let’s Taco About | Friday, March 24 | 12-1:00pm | FBCC 102-104 | Join First-Generation Initiatives and the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration in a chat to learn how to find an  internship, land a dream job, and more. RSVP here.

Menu: Hot taco bar

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Wednesday, March 29 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast and conversation with their first-gen peers and leaders from around campus.

Menu: Panera breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fruit, coffee, juice

First-Gen Monthly Social: Get the Scoop | Thursday, March 30 | 4 – 6pm | I-House Great Room 100 | Get the scoop from FIrst-Generation Ambassadors! Have the chance to chat with First-Generation Ambassadors about their experiences, how to get involved, and answer any questions you may have while enjoying some ice-cream! RSVP here.

Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony | Tuesday, April 11 | 4 – 6pm | SU 362 | Join First-Generation Initiatives and the Tri-Alpha Executive Board as we induct the newest members of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society for First-Generation students. 

Menu: TBD

First-Gen Chat & Chew | Monday, April 17 | 9 – 11am | Greve 220 | All first-gen Vols are invited for casual breakfast and conversation with their first-gen peers and leaders from around campus.

Menu: Chick-fil-a sandwiches, pastries, fruit, coffee, juice

Pay It Forward Alumni Speaker Series | Jennings and John Dooley | April 20 | 2-3pm | SU 169| First-Generation Initiatives and Alumni Affairs welcome Jennings and John Dooley. Join the Dooley’s as they shares their experiences during and after their life on Rocky Top.

RSVP here.

 

First-Generation Awards Ceremony | Wednesday, April 26 | 4-5:30pm | SU 377A | Join us as we celebrate our First-Generation scholars!  We will celebrate recipients of the following awards: Pioneer Medallion,  Trailblazer Award, and the First-Generation Advocates Award. RSVP here.

Menu: TBD

First-Generation End of Semester Breakfast | Wednesday, May 3 | 9:00-11:00am | International House Great Room 100 | First-Generation Vols are invited to celebrate the end of the semester with a drop-in breakfast buffet and conversations with their peers and first-generation staff! RSVP here.

Menu: Holley’s Gourmet Market & Cafe

First-Generation Graduates Reception | Monday, May 8 | 4:00-6:00pm | SU 377A | Congratulations to the Class of 2024 First-Generation Spring, Summer, and Fall Graduates!  Join us as we recognize and celebrate the achievements of our first-gen graduates with a catered meal, remarks by special guests, and more! RSVP here.

Menu: TBD