Knox College Celebrates First-Generation Graduates

Being the first is never easy. Changing a culture is difficult. But achieving success, making your dreams come true, and changing culture can make what you’ve done an even greater cause for celebration. On Saturday, June 6, close to 50 members of the Class of 2026 at Knox College were celebrated at the 11th annual First-Generation Ceremony, one of the highlights of the College’s Commencement Weekend. 

The First-Generation Ceremony honors students who have become the first in their families to graduate from college, while exploring unknown paths and setting an example of perseverance for future family members and others seeking encouragement as they as they achieve a college education. 

“Being first-generation students may make us all anomalies, and that is not a bad thing,” said student speaker, TRIO participant, and Gale Scholar Grael Mulata ’26. “We’re different from others; we face different pressures, added pressure, pressure not to just graduate but to create and change our cultures. As we walk across the stage tomorrow, our siblings, family, and children do not have to worry because they can come to us as reference points. Becoming a reference point is not given; it’s not something you see. It is earned. As graduates, we worked hard for it, and we’ve done it, because as first-generation graduates, our new culture includes success in higher education.”

The ceremony was filled with fellow first-generation graduates encouraging the Class of 2026 to continue displaying the traits that led them to earn their degrees.

“You didn’t just earn a degree, you earned a bachelor's degree in courage,” said fellow first-generation graduate Ole Forsberg, who serves Knox as associate professor of mathematics, chair of data science, and associate dean for faculty affairs. “While others came in with a roadmap, you built your roadmap from scratch. You figured out how to apply for financial aid, how to ask for help when it felt like admitting failure, and how to translate academic jargon into something your family could be proud of. . . . You’re not graduating in spite of the fact that you’re a first-generation student; you’re graduating because of it.”

The ceremony was about student achievement, but as with most success stories, no one goes it alone. Family and friends, along with Knox faculty and staff, celebrated the graduates' accomplishments and joined them in wearing their success as a badge of honor.

“Let’s be honest, this is not just for you; it’s also for your families. For many of you, this wasn’t just your college experience; it was everybody’s college experience,” said fellow first-generation graduate Provost and Dean of the Faculty Melissa Glenn.

And for the most recent first-generation graduates, a sense of accomplishment and pride led the way, showing the world that, no matter the obstacle, you cannot deny someone willing to work and achieve. 

“The label of first-generation is not a label of shame or of less than, but a label of pride that signals we can overcome real obstacles for ourselves and our family,” Mulata said. “I take honor in overcoming great obstacles.”