Niraly Patel ’22
“I [was] extremely grateful to be a part of the College of Business. It has truly transformed me as an individual. I have learned so much and my professors are the best.”
First in family, first to Lynchburg
We are committed to the success of our first-generation students. There’s something special about being first. The first in flight, first person on the moon, the first African-American president. First impressions, first place, and being among the first in your family to attend and graduate from college is special too!
We value the contributions of our first-gen students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni. And we celebrate them too! At Lynchburg, we define first-gen as anyone whose parent or guardian did not obtain a four-year college degree.
Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society
In March 2019, the University of Lynchburg established Virginia’s first Tri-Alpha Honor Society chapter for first-generation college students. Members include students, faculty, staff, and administrators. To qualify, students must have 30+ credit hours and a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
National First-Generation College Student Day
National First-Generation College Student Day, celebrated on Nov. 8, honors those who are the first in their families to attend college. It raises awareness of the challenges they face and highlights the need for support and resources. The date marks the 1965 signing of the Higher Education Act, which expanded federal financial aid and college funding.
Student
Spotlights
Rachel Parent ’21
“As a first-generation college student, I was not sure what exactly college would be like. I had a very basic understanding of what I wanted to do, so knowing this about myself, I went into college wanting to pursue those curiosities.”
Ariel Lineberry ’22
“At Lynchburg, you’ll find endless resources and people willing to help you with any questions you may have. It’s a community ready to welcome anyone, with plenty of opportunities to become a leader.”
