While a first-generation college student is defined as an individual whose parents or legal guardian have not completed a bachelor's degree, first-generation students are so much more. They are trailblazers. Risk takers. Pioneers. They also make up more than half of TLU's student body, and many faculty and staff (including President Cottrell) are also first generation. The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that 30 percent of all entering college freshmen are first generation, but more than half of all TLU students identify as such.

As an official First-Gen Forward University, joining less than 160 other institutions across the nation, we are proud to honor the 23 seniors who completed the First-Gen program requirements to receive their official graduation stole. After meeting all requirements, including active participate in numerous events and projects throughout their time on campus, we congratulate the following students on this wonderful achievement:

Amy Friesenhahn, Angela Hernandez, Ashlynn Noyola, Brianna , Flores, Desiree Alvarado, Emily Piazza, Esmeralda Olvera, Ethan Stokes, Jalie-Ann Cummings, Jaliana Garcia, Jenesis Navarro, Jesse Ramos, Jessica Henderson, Jessica Marcano, Jovanna Adame, Juan Ocampo, Karla Vazquez, Kevin Torres, Kristen Osina, Luz Cueva, Nicholes Hernandez, Raven Tijerina, and Tereza Garcia.