The Cunhas hope that the project will help support today’s first generation students. “What unites them is a shared desire to be the first generation in their families to earn a college degree,” said Stephen. His wife Mary Beth describes how her own experience as a first-generation student inspires her work at HSU. “I carry a heightened sense of obligation to do whatever I can to connect with students with understanding. I remember faculty who did so for me and made such a difference as I worked my way through the maze of higher education,” she said.
The stories featured include that of Geography Professor Matthew Derrick, “I was the first in my family to receive a college degree. I’m excited to be a part of an institution responsible for helping so many improve their lives through education. This series is a great way to share our stories,” he said.
Mary Beth Cunha echoed Derrick’s sentiment: “we marvel at our first generation Geography majors every day. We take pride in our departmental family unit. This project stems from that sense of family and deepens our shared feelings of family pride.”
The posters are on display in Founders Hall.