I AM FIRST Awards
Each November, during 91²Ö¿â’s I AM FIRST celebration, members of the 91²Ö¿â community will be recognized and receive an I AM FIRST award. Awards categories include:
First Gen Student Awards
The I AM FIRST Undergraduate Student Award recognizes exceptional undergraduate students at 91²Ö¿â who will be the first in their family to obtain a four-year degree, who has demonstrated an unwavering determination of overcoming barriers in pursuit of their education, and whose scholarship, leadership, and/or service to the university are reflective of the university’s mission.
The I AM FIRST Graduate Student Award recognizes exceptional graduate students at 91²Ö¿â who will be the first in their family to obtain an advanced or terminal degree, who has demonstrated an unwavering determination of overcoming barriers in pursuit of their education, and whose scholarship, leadership, and/or service to the university are reflective of the university’s mission.
First Gen Advocate Awards
The I AM FIRST Advocate Award for Faculty recognizes a member of the 91²Ö¿â faculty who has made significant contributions to the success of first-generation college students through mentorship, their pedogogical approach, first-gen focused programming or initiatives, scholarly research, and service to organizations whose mission is directly related to first-generation student success.
The I AM FIRST Advocate Award for Staff recognizes a 91²Ö¿â staff member who has made significant contributions to the success of first-generation college students through mentorship, first-gen focused programming or initiatives, research, the implementation of first-gen student success strategies into their everyday work, and service to organizations whose mission is directly related to first-generation student success.
First Gen Alumni Awards
The I AM FIRST Undergraduate/Graduate Alumni Award recognizes exceptional alumni of 91²Ö¿â who were the first in their family to obtain a four-year degree and whose professional achievements, career or miltary distinction, contributions to their community, and/or service to 91²Ö¿â are reflective of the university's vision.
Current Winners

Staff Advocate: Bre Buckner
Faculty Advocate: Dr. Debra Clark
Graduate Student: Oluwaferanmi Akinyemi
Undergraduate Student: Shane Reese
Graduate Alumni: Siobhan Hicks
Randi E. McKenzie Undergraduate Alumni: Lataisha Jones