Succeed from the Start
When asked what advice Duquesne student Caterina "Cat" Veneziano (pictured above) has for other first-generation college students like herself, she explained that
being first-gen can be challenging—but also so rewarding. "It’s exciting to see the joy my family holds helping me pursue a dream they have
had all their lives. Be proud you are a first-generation college student!"
"Find people you can rely on and trust to help you through the process," she encourages, "and make the most out of your college experience." At Duquesne, we're here to help you do just that.
Duquesne University is one of 80 new members selected for the 2024-2025 FirstGen Forward
Network, a national scaling model that brings together higher education leaders from
around the country to share data, model innovation and scale impact to first-generation
student support. Our first-generation college students—students whose parents or guardians did not
obtain a four-year degree from a college or university—receive direct support and
opportunities to engage in the many aspects of the Duquesne campus community. Here are just some of the ways we encourage our first-gen students to get involved:
We're so proud of them.
Commitment to First-Generation Student Success
First-Gen Life at Duquesne
Approximately 30% of all students at Duquesne University identify as first generation.
Our first-gen students have worked hard to get here.
First Gen Students, Alumni & Leadership