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.
“As a first-generation student, I know firsthand the importance of fostering
an environment where all students can thrive. From the beginning, Duquesne has been
dedicated to walking alongside students and providing necessary support to ensure
all students can fulfill their potential.”
"Creating a supportive environment for first-generation students is a priority.
As a former first-gen student, I understand the challenges these students can face
in fully acclimating to college. Duquesne takes pride in providing our first-gen students
with the resources they need to make the most of their college experience."
“My biggest motivation is my family and God. They mean the most to me, and to
know that I am not only representing myself, but my family, is all that matters.”
"My children have been with me on A-Walk, they’ve joined me in class and seen
me doing lab work. We are helping them grow and starting a new generation of learners
in our family.”
"As a first-generation college student, being a Gussin Endowed Scholar means
the world to me. This opportunity gives me a chance to make my family proud.”
"Being the first in my family to afford college is a big deal. There was a lot
of talk around that with Duquesne Admissions and my family."
"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!”
"Duquesne truly become a home away from home, and I grew so much – as a person
and a future nurse. Attending Duquesne has been one of my best decisions."
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
