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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

First-Generation Graduation Events

First gen grad reception over red silk background

The 3rd Annual First-Generation Graduation Reception

May 8th, 2025
6 PM - 8 PM
Biotech G10
Register for the Grad Reception Here

First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support is delighted to announce that in Spring 2025, we will be hosting a series of events to celebrate all graduating first-generation Cornellians in addition to our annual graduation reception! 

The 3rd Annual First-Generation Graduation Reception hosted by The Dean of Students' First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support (FGLI Student Support), aims to celebrate and commemorate all graduating first-generation students at Cornell University through an amazing celebratory event! This year, we are collaborating with First Generation Student Union (FGSU) to bring the festivities. All first-gen graduates, undergrad and graduate level, will receive a free first-generation honor cord to recognize their accomplishments as the first to graduate with a 4-year degree in their family. This is a come-and-go-style reception with a live DJ, catered food, a photo booth, a raffle, a professional and private graduate portraits lottery, and more!

The First-Gen Graduation Portraits Lottery is an exclusive and private event hosted by FGLI Student Support. This graduation portraits lottery is free to 25 graduating first-gen students who join our lottery at the graduation reception. These lucky winners will participate in an individual professional graduation portrait shoot on campus in beloved spots such as the Law School and AD White Library. First-gen graduates will get to create and document lasting memories they can cherish for years to come. The location, time, and dates will be announced only to the invited graduating first-generation Cornellians.

Faculty & Staff: Interested in sponsoring? Contact us at fgliempowerment@cornell.edu for more details.


 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend the First-Gen Graduation Reception?

This celebration commemorates the graduation of the first-generation class of 2025 and the winter graduates of 2024. This celebration is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who identify as first-generation college students. Cornell defines “first-generation” as students with parents or guardians who did not obtain a 4-year degree within the U.S. or abroad.

If I cannot attend the reception, can my friend go in my place to pick up my first-gen honor cord?

No. We will have pick-up times when graduating students can sign up to reserve and pick up their cords after the reception. Make sure to follow our Instagram to receive more information about when, and where to reserve and pick up cords.

Can I bring my family and friends to the reception?

Due to limited space, we ask that you bring only 1 guest. Attending graduates will need to document in their RSVP that they are bringing a plus one in the description box. If your guest is also a graduating first-gen Cornellian, then they can RSVP as normal.

What is the dress code?

You are welcome to wear whatever you find empowering! We will have a photographer at the Reception.

What is the private First-Gen Graduation Portraits Lottery & how do I enter?

The First-Gen Graduation Portraits Lottery is a private and exclusive event for only first-generation Cornellians who entered and won the lottery. To be eligible, first-gen graduating Cornellians must 1) register and attend the grad reception and 2) complete the post-grad reception survey to enter. 

FGLI Student Support staff will then randomly pick the lucky winners who will participate in a private and professional grad portrait shoot.