8th Annual 1st Generation Celebration Week 2026

Celebrate our first-gen community by giving back! Enjoy a meal with Panda Express. Online orders ONLY, for pick up or delivery anywhere in the US! Must apply code 9019318 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at www.pandaexpress.com or with the Panda Express app.

Join us as we kick off First-Generation Celebration Week with an inspiring panel conversation featuring first-gen alumni, faculty, business owners, and administrators. Together, we will celebrate what it means to be first-generation, sharing personal stories, challenges, successes, and the powerful strengths that first-gen individuals bring to the community.

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Christian Santana, Physical Therapist
Ms. Shanin Soomalan, Lecturer, College of Business and Owner, Vito's Restaurant

Explore graduate school options at Stan State and locally. Attend the resource fair and educational workshops to put your best foot forward. Join as your schedule allows! Food will be provided for participating students, and students can enter to win raffle prizes.

11am – 2pm Resource Fair - Connect with departments at Stan State and local campuses to gather information about graduate and professional programs.

Workshop Session I @ 2pm – 3pm
@ Student Center 103: Keck Grad Institute: Summer Undergraduate Opportunities: Strengthen Your Foundation in Biotech and Healthcare - Are you interested in STEM fields, particularly in health, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and research? This is for you!
@ Student Center 104: Beyond the Books: Discover Careers & Graduate Pathways in Library and Information Science Moderated by: Dean Rodriguez, Vasche Library, Stan State
@ Student Center 105: Law School: What you need to know: McGeorge, Southwestern, and Chapman Law School reps share what you need to know!


Workshop Session II @ 3:15pm – 4:15pm
@ Student Center 103: Info Session: Medical school - Touro University recruiters shar information about admission, programs, and all things Touro!
@ Student Center 104: Preparing for Graduate School Applications: By Dr. Kincaid & Dr. Vang, Department of Sociology, Gerontology and Gender
Studies
@ Student Center 105: Info Session: California Health Sciences University – Osteopathic Medicine


Resource Fair Participants:
From Stan State:
• Office of Graduate Studies
• MBA programs, College of Business Administration
• Advanced Studies in Education, EdD
• MA/MS Interdisciplinary Studies Program
• Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE)
• Psychology
• Master of Public Administration program
• History
• Masters of Art in Teaching housed in the Department of Teacher Education within the College of Education, Kinesiology, and Social Work
• COEKSW Student Success Center (College of Education, Kinesiology, Social Work)

Off-Campus Programs:
• California Health Sciences University - Osteopathic Medicine
• KGI - Keck Graduate Institute - The Claremont Colleges
• University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law / JD Program
• University of the Pacific - Graduate Enrollment
• San Jose State University
• University of California, Merced - Graduate Division
• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law Public Policy and Public Administration Programs
• San Joaquin County Office of Education
• San Joaquin College of Law
• Southwestern Law School
Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Join us for a special screening of Wayumi and conversation with David Good, a Yanomami-American scientist, explorer, and soon-to-be doctoral graduate whose research explores the human gut microbiome and Indigenous health. Through his groundbreaking STEM research and personal journey reconnecting with his Yanomami family, David demonstrates how science, culture, and identity can work together to create meaningful impact.

Following the documentary screening, participate in a 30-minute discussion with David on resilience, research, belonging, and the power of staying connected to your roots. Wayumi is now available on Amazon Prime, making this a unique opportunity to engage directly with the film's subject and co-creator.

Movie Trailer: WAYUMI - OFFICIAL TRAILER

Ideal for students interested in STEM, research, health sciences, and cultural identity.

Join us for an afternoon of trivia! Everyone is welcome to play. Quiz, fun, games and PRIZES! Stockton campus, grass area by the pergolas.

Brought to you by CAPS, Campus Recreation, and Well-Being Ambassadors

Celebrate First Gen Week with an energizing 30-minute Zumba session led by Muriel Askew, owner of Muriel's Southern Comfort Food in Patterson. As a successful entrepreneur and business owner, Muriel will share her passion for wellness, community, and perseverance through movement and fun.

After the workout, stay and enjoy delicious soul food from Muriel's restaurant while connecting with fellow first-generation students, faculty, and staff. Come celebrate community, culture, and the first-generation experience with us!

All fitness levels are welcome. Bring your energy and appetite!

Did you know you can travel the world while you complete classes to get your degree? Studying abroad can help you build skills, build confidence, and build long-term friendships. It can be a life-changing experience. Hear from 1st-gen students and alumni that have experienced programs at Stan State and how it might help you in your own academic and career journey.

Join us for an engaging First Gen Week Fireside Chat with College of Business Dean Sacha Matthews from the College of Business Administration. This interactive discussion will explore how first-generation students can help their families better understand the college experience and navigate the opportunities and challenges of higher education.

Together, we'll discuss ways that Stan State can support parents and families throughout their student's academic journey, strengthen family engagement, and create a more inclusive and supportive campus community. Students, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives on what it means to thrive as a first-generation college student.

Come be part of the conversation as we work together to support first-generation student success, both on campus and at home.

Food will be provided

My Younger Self Would Be Proud: A First-Generation Journey Through College, Career & Becoming

Have you ever thought about writing a book or sharing your story? Join award-winning journalist and author Jase Peeples for an interactive workshop on transforming lived experiences into creative work and navigating the journey from writing a novel to getting it published.

A first-generation college graduate from California's Central Valley, Peeples is a senior editor at RVO Health and former entertainment editor of The Advocate. He is also the author of the young adult novels Twirl and Before You Can Fly and the children's book Square Zair Pair.

Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about writing and publishing before participating in a guided letter-writing exercise that encourages them to reflect on their own experiences and find inspiration in their personal journeys.

Your first-generation journey is more than a story of where you began—it may be the beginning of the story you were meant to write.

Register today to save your spot!

This registration is specifically for the Turlock campus location*

What does it take to build a future you once couldn't imagine for yourself? Join award-winning journalist and author Jase Peeples for a candid brunch conversation about finding your place in the world as a first-generation college student and beyond.

Growing up in California's Central Valley, Peeples never imagined the path that would lead him to a career in national journalism and publishing. Through personal stories and an interactive Q&A, he'll reflect on how his upbringing shaped his work, the challenges of overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of embracing your identity. Drawing from his experiences in LGBTQ+ journalism and as an author, he'll also explore how storytelling can create space for voices that too often go unheard.

Whether you're still figuring out your next steps or working toward a lifelong dream, this conversation is a reminder that your beginnings don't have to define your future.
Your story matters. Your voice belongs. Become someone your younger self would be proud of!

Meet Jase Peeples
Jase Peeples currently serves as Senior Editor, Global News and HCP Content at RVO Health, helping lead editorial coverage across Healthline, Medical News Today, and Healthgrades Pro. Previously, he worked with national LGBTQ+ publications, including Out and The Advocate, where he served as entertainment editor. His journalism has earned recognition from the GLAAD Media Awards and multiple Los Angeles Press Club awards, including Entertainment Journalist of the Year. He is also the author of the young adult novels Twirl and Before You Can Fly, as well as the children's book Square Zair Pair.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple reminder: Where we begin does not define our limits. Our experiences and identities are part of what makes us valuable, and we deserve to recognize the places we've earned through our hard work.

Come share a meal, join the conversation, and celebrate the power of becoming. Your story deserves to be heard.

*This registration is specifically for the Stockton Campus*

Spend your morning with staff, faculty and fellow Warriors as we culminate a week of celebrating our first-generation student community! Stan State students, faculty, staff are welcome, you do not have to be a 1st generation student to join. Join us and hear the Keynote speaker, award-winning journalist and author Jase Peeples, for a candid brunch conversation about finding your place in the world as a first-generation college student and beyond.

Growing up in California's Central Valley, Peeples never imagined the path that would lead him to a career in national journalism and publishing. Through personal stories and an interactive Q&A, he'll reflect on how his upbringing shaped his work, the challenges of overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of embracing your identity. Drawing from his experiences in LGBTQ+ journalism and as an author, he'll also explore how storytelling can create space for voices that too often go unheard.

Whether you're still figuring out your next steps or working toward a lifelong dream, this conversation is a reminder that your beginnings don't have to define your future.
Your story matters. Your voice belongs. Become someone your younger self would be proud of!

Jase Peeples currently serves as Senior Editor, Global News and HCP Content at RVO Health, helping lead editorial coverage across Healthline, Medical News Today, and Healthgrades Pro. Previously, he worked with national LGBTQ+ publications, including Out and The Advocate, where he served as entertainment editor. His journalism has earned recognition from the GLAAD Media Awards and multiple Los Angeles Press Club awards, including Entertainment Journalist of the Year. He is also the author of the young adult novels Twirl and Before You Can Fly, as well as the children's book Square Zair Pair.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple reminder: Where we begin does not define our limits. Our experiences and identities are part of what makes us valuable, and we deserve to recognize the places we've earned through our hard work.

Come share a meal with students, staff, faculty and share your story.