USD Organizations Support, Celebrate First-Generation Students on Campus
A highlight of the week’s events is a social with USD alumnus Dzenan Berberovic ‘11, who now works as the chief philanthropy officer for Avera Health. Students, faculty and staff are invited to hear Berberovic’s story at a pizza social on Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in MUC 219; attendees are requested to RSVP online. As a first-generation student himself, Berberovic said his time at USD changed the trajectory of his life.
“While a student, I met the people and was provided with the experiences that changed everything for me, and for my mom, a single parent,” Berberovic said. “As a student, I could not have imagined that I would be in the professional role I serve in today at Avera. Others believed in me, and I am grateful for every opportunity to return to USD, a place that continues to mean so much to me and my family.”
“It’s humbling to be invited and I look forward to being with the students who are walking the same journey as I did and to see many of the staff and faculty who shaped my life,” Berberovic added. “I am forever indebted to the people I met at USD, and I became the person I was meant to become because of their friendship, guidance and support.”
First-generation students have a variety of resources available to them at USD, notably TRIO Student Support Services and the First-Generation Student Organization, said Dallas Doane, director of TRIO at USD. TRIO programs are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and provide opportunities for increased access and success in college. TRIO Student Support Services is a program designed specifically for undergraduate students and offers a supportive academic community working together towards academic excellence.
"Supporting first-generation students is central to the work of TRIO and Student Support Services,” said Doane. “Our funding allows us to support up to 144 first-generation students by providing additional academic advising, tutoring, counseling, success workshops and cultural trips to ensure their success. We are so excited to celebrate the vast contributions of our first-generation students next week.”
The First-Generation Students Organization is another highly valuable resource for first-generation students on campus. Skylar Garcia, president of the First-Generation Student Organization, said she is especially excited for the events her organization has planned for next week.
“I feel it is essential to have a group of people who have the same questions about college that you do, and we are here to answer these questions and be a safe space for anyone who needs it,” said Garcia. “Celebrating first-generation students week shows first-gen students that they aren’t alone and reminds us that our accomplishments are completely and organically our own.”
The First-Generation Student Organization is a campus organization that provides social, educational and enrichment opportunities for students who are the first in their family to attend college or anyone interested in supporting first-generation students.
In addition to the support services offered by programs like TRIO and student organizations, USD also creates pathways to student support through its new Opportunity Center. Jordan Bonstrom, director of the Opportunity Center, is also a first-generation college student and understands the challenges students can face when interacting with unfamiliar processes in higher education.
“As a first-generation student myself, I know firsthand the unique challenges and experiences first-generation college students face,” Bonstrom said. “It’s our mission at the Opportunity Center to serve as a one-stop-shop for any student in need of resources. For first-generation students, we are able to introduce them to amazing resources like TRIO Student Support Services and the First-Generation Student Organization. Through these connections, our students develop networks of support that are invaluable in retaining them through graduation.”
For a complete listing of events during National First-Generation College Student Celebration Week, visit the USD Involved events page.
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