Student-Led First Generation Celebration Held May 26th
Primus leaders organize off-campus ceremony for Harvard College Class of 2025
Esha Ahmad, a senior who concentrated in Neuroscience (Mind, Brain, and Behavior) with a secondary focus in Global Health and Health Policy, was instrumental in organizing and putting together a ceremony for Harvard College Class of 2025 students who identified as first generation college degree earners and/or having matriculated to Harvard from low income household (also known as FGLI) to celebrate their upcoming commencement. Esha served as the 2024-2025 President of Primus, the student organization dedicated to supporting FGLI students at Harvard College.
The 2025 Harvard College FGLI Affinity Celebration was held on Monday, May 26th from 3-5pm at the Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church due to Harvard University's late April decision completely ending its support of all affinity group commencement celebrations, including providing on-campus venues. Over 300 graduates plus family members, friends, and FGHA Board member and Alumni Affairs Chair Larry Stybel gathered and heard speakers including noted scholar Anthony Jack — author of “The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students”.
During the month of May, First Generation Harvard Alumni members successfully rallied on short notice to support the Harvard College Class of 2025 FGLI graduates by purchasing and supplying at no cost to the students commemorative first-generation stoles for them to proudly wear with their cap and gown regalia during commencement exercises. Congratulations to the newest members of FGHA.