First-Generation Dragons
What we do
First-Generation Dragons strive to provide resources to students who are the first in their families to go to college. We host National First-Generation College Student day every year on campus where spend the day celebrating all students who are the pioneers of their families going to college through panels, discussions, and socials. We also host an all-day fundraiser during our celebrations to help an incoming first-gen student with tuition costs. Once a month we email a newsletter where we celebrate the stories of TU alumni, staff, faculty, and students who are first-generation. #ImFirst #FirstGenDragons
Who is considered a first-generation college student?
According to NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), a first-generation college student is defined as an undergraduate whose parents do not have a bachelor’s or higher degree.
Fund a dream for a first-generation student.
Donating to our scholarship, you are not only donating to help a deserving student pay for their tuition, you are also helping fund their dreams of being the first in their families to go to college. 20% of first-generation college students are considered low-income. Donate today to help a first-gen dragon.
Check out the First-Generation Dragon Newsletter
Newsletter Archives
Upcoming Events
Nov. 8, 2022: National First-Generation College Student Day
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12:30 pm- Welcome remarks and scholarship recipient
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12:40 pm- Keynote Address with Mr. Akeem Needum, MBA
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12:50 pm- Alumni and Faculty Panel (Michael Saliba (BBA Class of 2019), Chari Mullen (Class of 2006 for BCJ & 2010 for MBA), Dr. David Farler (PhD Class of 2022) Dr. Jenipher Coppin (PhD Class of 2022), and Professor Nick Reinhard
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1:20 pm- Audience Q&A
Meet the First-Generation Dragons Advisor
Kylie Skeel, Ph.D
School of Creative and Media Arts
Degrees & Certificates
M.H., in English, Tiffin University
B.A., in English with Licensure in Education, Tiffin University
Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing, Bowling Green State University
Dr. Kylie Skeel teaches rhetoric, research, and academic writing undergraduate and graduate courses at Tiffin University. Her research interests include first-generation college students, feminist rhetoric, and first-year writing studies. Kylie serves as the co-founder and advisor for First-Generation Dragons, the on-campus student organization, and she is also a member of the National Council of Teachers of English. She has also been accepted to present her research nationally at the Conference on College Composition and Communication in 2021 (Zoom), 2022 (Zoom), and 2023 (Chicago, IL). Kylie’s dissertation entitled “We Should All Be Feminists:” Supporting Black Women First-Generation College Students in the Writing Classroom was successfully defended in March of 2023 and she was also the youngest Ph.D. graduate at BGSU in 2023.
