In May, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) graduated the largest percentage of first-generation students receiving a bachelor’s degree in the past five years (42.9%). Prioritizing student success, UNC has several resources and programs to assist first-generation students including the Center for Human Enrichment (CHE), which is a welcoming, inclusive and caring community that provides academic and personal support throughout students’ academic journey. Three CHE members who were among the record-breaking first-generation students who recently received their diplomas discuss their experience navigating higher education and the community they discovered.

Related: Celebrating the Class of Spring 2024