FIRST-GENERATION NETWORK
Mission
The First-Generation Network is a supportive and welcoming community for alumni, students, and their families. We provide access to mentorship, networking, and resources that empower individuals to navigate the University of Rochester experience with confidence.
What does it mean to be a First-Generation student? It means being the first in your family—or among the first—to pursue higher education. The First-Generation Network is open to all who share this experience, as well as those committed to supporting these college students and alumni in their academic and professional journeys.
The First-Generation Network welcomes those who share in the first-generation experience and those who would like to participate in supporting first-generation college students and alumni from the University of Rochester.
What we can do together
Turn aspirations into achievements.
- Share opportunities for student success within our community on Facebook.
- Access resources designed to support students.
- Partner with the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections to create internship and employment opportunities for Rochester students.
Guide the next generation of firsts.
- Participate in the university-wide mentorship program.
- Join the First-Generation Network group on The Meliora Collective to connect with fellow students and alumni.
Empower future firsts.
- Volunteer with the First-Generation Network to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Us
Dr. Nkiruka (Nky) McGinnis joined the Advancement team at the University of Rochester in 2022. She brings over 20 years of higher education advancement and alumni engagement experience working at the University of Pittsburgh, American University, George Washington University, Georgetown University and Towson University. At these institutions, she has focused on both fundraising and engagement strategies, including the inaugural Multicultural Alumni Reunion Weekend at American University, the development of identity-based affinity networks at two different institutions before partnering with the Black Alumni Network Scholarship Fund and “Why I Give” series here at Rochester. She has served as a conference presenter for multiple higher education advancement organizations and is an active member of the University of Rochester’s Advancement DEI committee. With a passion and expertise in working with identity-based affinity volunteers and as a leader in higher education advancement, she looks forward to continuing to build and strengthen engagement efforts within identity-based affinity networks and DEI programming while also facilitating strategies for supporting DEI fundraising priorities.
