2025 FGEN Student Celebration Week
November 5 to November 12, 2025
From First to Fearless: Legacy in the Making!
Florida State University is proud to present a series of events to celebrate first-generation students and provide educational opportunities for the campus at large. The week of events, virtual and in-person, begin on November 5 and conclude on November 12. This year's theme is "From First to Fearless: Legacy in the Making!".
This year's celebration incorporates the Legacy Conference, a workshop series with sessions led by students from FSU. In addition to the conference other events will be featured during the week.
First-Generation students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use #FGENExcellence #FGENatFSU throughout social media to bring awareness to their experiences.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Legacy Conference Sessions
Hidden Curriculum, Visible Impact | 2:30 PM in Thagard 202
Surviving to Thriving: Building a Legacy | 2:30 PM in Thagard 105
Emerging Professionals: Branding & Networking Essentials | 3:45 PM in Thagard 202
The Power of the Fit | 5:00 PM in Thagard 202
FGEN Celebration with Kristie Kennedy Ward
Presented by the Student Support Services Program
5:30 - 7:00 PM - HCB 215
Kristie Kennedy Ward, TEDx Audacious Leadership Keynote Speaker and Authentic Lifestyle Author is the owner of Queenfidence Global Image Consulting. Her inspirational gift empowers people with confidence and clarity keys to find their voice, free their voice and look fabulous using their voice. She specializes in four areas of peak performance: mindset mastery, massive momentum, magnetic messaging and potential maximization. She is a Certified Radical Resilience Trainer whose thought-provoking teaching style elevates your self-perception from stuck to unstoppable. Her bodacious belief is a testament that you can shift from mediocrity to magnificence one daring action step at a time.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Legacy Conference Sessions
Exchange Programs! Yes, it’s possible! | 3:45 PM in Thagard 202
Stress Management Workshop | 4:00 PM in Thagard 105
Values, Voice, and Victory: A First-Gen's Journey to Self-Belief Workshop | 5:00 PM in Thagard 202
Mindfulness Workshop | 5:00 PM in Thagard 211
First Generation Shark Tank
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Innovation Hub in Shores Building
All are welcome to watch; Sign-up to compete - https://jmc-fsu.startuptree.co/event/s/8RH7iWNKDKYYvukejpMbYL/First-Generation-Shark-Tank-2025
Put your creative problem-solving skills to the test during FGEN Week! In collobaration with the FSU Innovation Hub , Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), this exciting competition is your chance to pitch innovative ideas and make an impact.
Step into the spotlight for the First Generation Shark Tank Competition. Your innovative ideas should tackle real challenges faced by First Gen college students. Compete for cash prizes, enjoy refreshments, and join a community of changemakers ready to turn bold solutions into reality.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
FGEN Noles Watch Party
Doors Open/Pre-game: 5:00 PM and Kickoff: 7:00 PM | Thagard Building
Free food will be available while supplies last, so come early!
Let's pack the Thagard Building and show our Seminole pride! Wear your Garnet and Gold!
Monday, November 10, 2025
Legacy Conference Sessions
From First to Fearless: Building Leadership & Legacy as First-Gen Students | 2:30 PM in Thagard 202
DREAMing Forward: First-Gen Student Leaders Panel | 3:45 PM in Thagard 105
The Tailored Man Workshop | 3:45 PM in Thagard 202
Locked In: Goal Setting Workshop | 5:00 PM in Thagard 202