In November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) partnered with the Center for First-Generation Student Success, now FirstGen Forward, and the Suder Foundation, to launch the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration. The now annual event, which is held each year on Nov. 8 to commemorate the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, encourages colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the successes of the institution's first-generation faculty, staff, and students.

The University of Iowa began participating in the event in 2018, but chose to mark the occasion with a full week of activities, and has done so ever since. This year’s celebration will be Nov. 4–8. During our weeklong celebration, dozens of events are organized by departments and colleges from across the university. Events are added to our master calendar of events almost daily. Make sure you check our website regularly for updates!