Duquesne Recognized for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. 

“As a first-generation student, I know firsthand the importance of fostering an environment where all students can thrive,” said Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, Duquesne's senior vice president for Student Life. “From the beginning, Duquesne has been dedicated to walking alongside students and providing necessary support to ensure all students can fulfill their potential.”

To date, 429 institutions of higher education have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Duquesne also was one of 65 institutions awarded funds to put toward the annual First-Generation College Student Celebration.

“Through the application process, it was evident that Duquesne is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward.

In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on June 6, 2024. As a Network Member, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.

After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops, diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight, robust data-sharing, guidance of expert coaches and more. 

“We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know Duquesne will be a significant contributor,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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