FIRST-GENERATION NETWORK
Mission
The First-Generation Network is an inclusive support network for first-generation alumni, students, and their families that provides access and opportunities for mentorship, networking, and community-building through first-hand knowledge of navigating the University of Rochester.
What does it mean to be a First-Generation student? It means that one is the first or one of the first members of a family to go to college. 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.
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 dreams into reality.
- Share opportunities for first-generation success with our community on Facebook.
- Access first-generation resources.
- Connect with the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections to offer summer internships or full-time employment for Rochester students.
Mentor the next generation of firsts.
- Sign up for the university-wide mentorship program.
- Join the First-Generation Network group on The Meliora Collective to network with other alumni and students.
Inspire future firsts.
- Volunteer with the First-Generation Network.
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.
