The University of Lynchburg values the contributions of our first-generation students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni. Currently, 21% of our undergraduate student population are first-generation students, meaning neither of their parents obtained a four-year college degree.
We are committed to the success of our first-gens and resources are available to aid students in their journey towards graduation and beyond.
Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society (Tri-Alpha)
In March 2019, the University of Lynchburg chartered the Kappa Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students. We were the first chapter of the society in Virginia and are now one of only four chapters in the commonwealth . The society consists of students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the University. To qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha, undergraduate first-generation students must have completed at least 30 credit hours and earned a 3.2 or higher GPA.
Coalition for College
The University of Lynchburg has joined the Coalition for College, a diverse group of more than 150 public and private colleges and universities across the U.S. working to improve college access for first-generation and lower-income students. Lynchburg is one of 18 new members for the 2020-21 academic year. Coalition member schools are united in their mission to support students and provide responsible financial aid. The goal is to boost students’ success in college and beyond.
National First-Generation College Student Day
The University celebrated National First-Generation College Student Day with President Alison Morrison-Shetlar, a first-generation student herself. She wore one of the Hornet red “I’m First” t-shirts distributed to first-gen students, faculty, and staff November 8-13, 2020. On Friday, Nov. 13, all who received a shirt were asked to wear it in celebration of #OnFridaysWeWearRed.
First-gen Profile
Meet Emmanuel, a sophomore from Winston-Salem, NC, and a first-generation student. Emmanuel is a political science major minoring in history. He is a member of our Ethics Bowl team, a Student Government Association senator, a Connections Leader, and a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. As a freshman, Emmanuel lived in the Dimensions of Diversity residential learning community and represented the University at the Student Leadership and Diversity Conference at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC as a delegate. Learn more about Emmanuel’s experience at the University of Lynchburg.
