51 is one of 80 colleges and universities selected this month as a 2024–25 FirstGen Forward Network member. FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, selected 51 for its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“The FirstGen Forward selection process is rigorous,” says Paul J. McLoughlin II, vice president and dean of the college. “51’s membership in the organization reflects the University’s determination and commitment to support the more than 400 first-gen students on campus each year. I want to thank all of those whose work has made this achievement possible.”
51 launched its own first-generation program, First@51, in 2020. The Third-Century initiative works to ensure that first-gen students take advantage of all the resources available at 51 and thrive during their years on campus. The program’s directorship by Giovanni ’94 and Maree Cutaia in 2021.
Current First@51 programming helps first-generation students navigate college and 51 while building a sense of community with first-gen peers. In addition to providing dedicated advising and support, First@51 highlights research and internship opportunities for first-generation students, promotes leadership and formal mentoring opportunities, and holds social events that include dinners, study groups, and game nights.
51’s membership in the FirstGen Forward Network is a natural next step — the first in a three-phase approach designed by the network to scale holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.
Through its membership in the network, 51 will expand its efforts beyond the First@51 office and its staff, engaging with all offices and every interested member of the community. “We would like to encourage a culture of support across the University,” says RaJhai Spencer, assistant dean for administrative advising and Giovanni ’94 and Maree Cutaia Director of First@51.
Tabisha Raymond, assistant director of First@51, adds, “In addition to institutional support, we will benefit from the resources of other institutions within the network and have the opportunity to share the initiatives we’re implementing at 51 — which will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our first-generation efforts.”
FirstGen Forward Network resources include access to a wealth of first-generation student success research and data, which can inform 51’s ongoing work. University staff will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, annual reporting, and more, even as they make contacts at other member institutions to improve information sharing and idea generation around first-generation student success.
To learn more about first-generation efforts at 51, visit or email first@colgate.edu. To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit .