When Ruth Gomez '19 told her mother she wanted to go to college, she became her family's "Esperanza" or Hope. With the help of their sacrifices, and critical scholarships, she's on track to be the first in her family to graduate from college
First-Generation Student Resources
About 25 percent of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college. If you are a first-generation college student, we want to help you make Pacific your home. We have resources to help you succeed!
The First Gen Student Success Association (FGSSA) is a student-run club that formed in 2018. This club aims to enhance the academic, social, and professional skills for students who are the first in their family to attend college. Anyone can join!
FGSSA provides and supports:
- Annual Conference in Fall, the First-Gen Student Success Conference
- Celebration Events in Fall and Spring
- Social and community events
- Academic support and mentoring
- Fun activities and retreats
Pacific University is proud of its advisors who understand and support students who are the first in their family to attend college. Many of our faculty and staff were once in your shoes. They are here to welcome you and help you find your way.
Here is just a small sampling of first-generation staff and faculty at Pacific University:
| First Gen Staff/Faculty | Department/Area |
|---|---|
| Aaron Greer | Anthropology/Sociology |
| Alyson Burns-Glover | Psychology |
| Andrea Lybarger | Graduate Admissions |
| Darlene Pagán | English |
| Dawn Salgado | Psychology |
| Don Schweitzer | Social Work & Public Health |
| Donna Ramos Barsana | Admissions |
| Jamie Haag | Economics |
| Jamie Young | Student Counseling Center |
| Jaye Cee Whitehead | School of Social Sciences |
| Jennifer Hardacker | Media Arts |
| Jennifer Camp | Dance |
| John Miller | Provost & VP Academic Affairs |
| Lesley Hallick | Pacific University President |
| Mike Geraci | Media Arts |
| Mike Shingle | Academic & Career Advising |
| Michael R. Steele | English & Handball Coach |
| Narce Rodriguez | Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion |
| Ramona Ilea | Philosophy |
| Tania Hand | Undergraduate Admissions |
| Terry O'Day | Art |
| Uncle Jeff Grundon | Undergraduate Admissions |
If you see someone in an area you have questions about feel free to contact them!
Are you a current Pacific student who is first in their family to attend college? Examples of successful first-generation students are one of the most helpful things we can provide to our incoming students. If you are a first-generation college student, share your story using the online form.
If you have questions about anything related to first generation students at Pacific University, contact Mike Shingle.
Contact Us
Mike Shingle | Academic & Career Advisor
Bates House | +1(503) 352-3025 | mike.shingle@pacificu.edu
Headlines
Academic advisor Mike Shingle was the first in his family to attend college. Today, he helps other students navigate the college experience and find their own path to success.
About one in four Pacific University students are the first in their family to attend college. US News & World Report recently offered a series of tips for first-generation students to help them navigate their resources.