Trailblazers of tomorrow: First-Generation Student Celebration

When and where is the First-Gen Student Celebration?

The First-Gen Celebration will be held Sunday, May 3, at 1:00 p.m. in Varsity Hall, Union South. Union South is located at 1308 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53715. The ceremony will go on until about 3:00 p.m.

Yes! You must apply to Graduate with the university AND register for the First-Gen Celebration to attend the First-Gen Student Celebration. Space is limited, so we can only accept up to 400 individuals – including graduates and their guests. Graduates can invite up to two guests.

Please arrive by 12:45 p.m. and check in at the registration table outside Varsity Hall on the second floor.

You are welcome to come dressed in your cap and gown. Please keep personal items to a minimum, as there is nowhere to store them other than at your seat. We cannot take responsibility for items left behind, so please bring only what you need and leave valuables at home.

Please note that we do not allow large signs in the venue, as they can obstruct the view of another guest.

The event will begin with 30 minutes of food & mingling, followed by a formal ceremony at 1:15 p.m. You are welcome to take photos before and after the ceremony. Professional photos will be taken during the ceremony. All photos will be available to you in a link sent out via email, after the event.

The doors to Varsity Hall will open around 12:30 p.m. We encourage you to arrive with your guests so you can all easily sit together.

Please note that registration is required for your guests to attend – Register for First-Gen Celebration

There is a 30-minute reception before the ceremony from 1:00 -1:30 p.m.

A buffet reception will be available with a varied menu to accommodate the dietary needs of those who prefer vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free options, among others.

Please inform our planning team at fgli@studentaffairs.wisc.edu if you or your guests have any accessibility issues. We will do our best to meet your needs. The venue is accessible for attendees who use a wheelchair, including a ramp for the stage. Letting us know well in advance ensures a welcoming experience for you and your guests.

• 12:30 p.m. Doors open
• 1:00 p.m. Reception begins
• 1:30 p.m. Ceremony begins
• 3:00 p.m. Ceremony ends

No, this event is not streamed or recorded.

We are happy to accommodate the needs of all graduates, and the best way for us to meet your needs is to know about them in advance.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of accommodations you can email the planning team fgli@studentaffairs.wisc.edu about, and we will work together on accommodations so you can participate fully in the event.

• Accommodating those with mobility impairments
• Knowing in advance the location of gender-inclusive restrooms
• Prayer and/or Wellness room locations
• We will handle anything you wish to share or request with respect and discretion. This is your ceremony, and we seek to be as welcoming as possible.

If you would like, you’re welcome to come to the event dressed in your cap and gown. Be mindful that you will walk down a few stairs as you make your way off the stage (unless using a wheelchair). Please wear shoes that you feel comfortable walking in. Also, remember that we are celebrating YOU, so feel free to come dressed in your favorite outfit for pictures.

The UW Bookstore rents caps and gowns. You can visit the Bookstore’s Rental Page for more information.

Yes! Many students also wear stoles, awards, corsages, medallions, or leis to represent their campus involvement or cultural heritage.

Parking information for guests is available on the official Commencement Website. However, parking will be extremely difficult to find during the weekend, and traffic will be even worse. Please plan accordingly.

Good question! It’s likely that you are being invited to multiple recognitions this spring. You may have an event specific to your interests and demographic, like this one, in addition to the campus-wide commencement at Camp Randall. You may also receive invitations for your school/college, major, or academic department.

Our celebration is unique in that we invite any student who identifies as First-Generation for a special ceremony! It also offers a distinct opportunity to get your name called and walk across the stage to receive a special stole and pin from Student Success and Belonging.

Check out the official Commencement website for more information about commencement. You can find anything and everything related to UW–Madison’s general graduation ceremony.

Please contact the planning team at fgli@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

We are excited to share this special day with you and your guests, and we hope that this event will give you the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!