Fisher Celebrates First-Gen Students During Alumni World Café Event

National First-Generation Week has become an annual signature celebration at St. John Fisher University, honoring the determination and accomplishments of first-generation students, the first in their immediate families to attend college and earn a four-year degree.

This year, support from members of the Spire Society who give to the Fisher Fund for Presidential Initiatives helped make possible a new centerpiece of the week’s programming: the Alumni World Café, held on November 7, 2025. Built around a roundtable model, the event was designed to spark meaningful dialogue between students and alumni and encourage them to build community around the shared experiences that shape their Fisher journeys.

These conversations can be transformative for first-generation students who often question whether they truly belong in college. Organizers of the event emphasized how important it is to remind students they are part of a strong, supportive community. This commitment to first-generation success is deeply rooted in Fisher’s values. Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of Fisher and a first-generation graduate himself, has underscored the importance of ensuring that all first-generation students feel a sense of belonging and support on campus.

For current students, these conversations offered reassurance and clarity at a pivotal moment in their academic journey. Matt Clair ’26 shared, “As a first-generation scholar, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the next steps after college. The Alumni World Café was a great experience that allowed me to connect with others and learn how they got to where they are today.”

Alumni panelists echoed the significance of those conversations. “It is very important for First-Generation students to see that there are plenty of other very successful First-Generation students who have graduated and started amazing careers,” said Rocco Quatela ’23. “You should always reflect on your growth and use it to push you forward.”

By strengthening connections across generations, the Alumni World Café affirmed that first-generation students are vital contributors to the Fisher family.