first generation News

First-generation psychology student Diamond Whitley is committed to building a better future for all — especially those in foster care.

Earning her bachelor’s in hospitality management and landing a job at Universal Orlando Resort means just as much Theresa Kieu ’21 as it does to her parents, who emigrated from Vietnam as teenagers.

Haitian native Bianka Paul refused to let losing everything stop her from pursuing the life she wanted.

The largest gift in the university’s history will strengthen proven pathways to opportunity, fueling student success, academic  excellence and faculty research for generations.

After enduring childhood abuse, Anthony Daniels spent years in the court system and social services. That experience has inspired him to become a lawyer — like the ones who helped him.

When Oneisha Eugene completes her degree next summer, the accomplishment will be a dream achieved for her immigrant parents — including her father who has been recovering from a brain injury for nearly two decades.

Until George Walters-Marrah ’20 went into a UCF lab for the first time, he didn’t know if scientists existed. The first-generation college graduate will continue being one at Stanford this fall.

Gustavo Camero says lowering production costs of computers is key to potentially making technology more affordable for underrepresented youths.

When first-generation student Emyli Peralta crosses the commencement stage Dec. 13 she’ll carry with her research experience inspired by her passion for dentistry.