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
Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison ’10W (MS), ’17W (EdD) joined the Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement team in October 2021 as the Director of Affinity Networks and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Programs. Ghislaine brings 20 years of University of Rochester program management expertise, extensive knowledge, and advocacy work in creating equity, diversity, and inclusion programs featuring notable scholars, along with her experience as a Staff Equity Officers Foundational (SEOF) appointee, a co-founder of the Women of Color Circle, and member of the Black Alumni Network and the Women’s Affinity Network. Ghislaine is trilingual (French & Italian) and as a former adjunct French professor with the Department of Modern Languages & Cultures at the University, she has shared her work on cultural competencies with the University community both formally and informally. When Ghislaine is not working she enjoys serving the community through her volunteer work with Garth Fagan Dance Company and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She values interactions and believes that networking is an important part of building strong relationships.
