Midwestern University Launches First-Generation Initiative, Honor Society

Midwestern University fosters a supportive, encouraging environment for students who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education, the first of their family branch born in the United States, or the first to pursue a certain field of study. One of the ways the University seeks to support students is through the First-Generation Initiative, where select first-generation students will serve as peer mentors to other students sharing the same or similar experiences. The University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recently established a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, a national honor society created to recognize the achievements of first-generation students, and membership is open to students, faculty, and staff. The inaugural induction ceremony for this honor society will take place in February.

Victoria Franks, M.Adm., Vice President of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach, said, “The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is proud to support the First-Generation Mentorship Initiative. For first-generation students, being accepted into our healthcare programs is a major accomplishment that can open the door to numerous possibilities, including socioeconomic mobility. First-generation students show great resilience at overcoming barriers in the process of navigating higher education and have a lot to contribute to our academic family. This initiative is a great resource for our first-generation students to build a network, learn about resources available, and continue developing their skills.”

Danielle Bank, Learning Specialist in the Student Services department on the Downers Grove Campus, spoke about early intervention and support of first-generation students. “It’s so important, being first generation myself. Neither parent graduated high school. My parents didn’t have a formal education. Both of my parents ran their own transportation business, and they still encouraged me to pursue higher education.”

Karen Eckhart, M.A., B.S., Financial Aid Administrator in the Student Financial Services department on the Downers Grove Campus, said, “We have so many faculty and staff members here that are first-generation students themselves and are working and teaching in higher education. It’s such a unique identity, especially within the medical field.” She elaborated further on the first-generation initiative. “It is a pilot program of mentorship with biomedical students in the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) where they have specific programs and workshops. The plan is to eventually expand it to all programs and ease the transition from undergraduate studies.”

Medical student Caitlin Nicolai (CCOM ’27), is a mentor for first-generation students in the Master of Arts and Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences programs, many of whom plan to apply to medical school or other professional programs. “Having the initiative of first-generation mentoring programs is very inclusive. We have a bigger community than what we think.” She chose to study at Midwestern University due to the emphasis on caring for the underserved population. Caitlin also volunteers with the Community Health Clinic through the University. Caitlin is also grateful for her experience as a mentor. “Midwestern University is teaching me how to be a leader.” One of the hurdles first-generation students go through is the process of applying to medical school, especially when other relatives, peers, or those in their community might not have gone through the experience. Caitlin said, “I didn’t even know what the MCAT was or how to tackle the process. That’s why I’m a mentor in the first place. I can be a resource for people in my shoes.”

At an event to commemorate National First-Generation College Celebration Day, several first-generation students attended to learn more about the services and support provided by Midwestern University. There was a display board of stars with shared experiences of what makes the first-generation experience a strength, and students continually added their stars. The event was open to everyone, and students, faculty, and staff stopped by to learn more about the first-generation identity.

First-generation Biomedical Sciences student Brandon Groff (CGS MA ’24) was inspired to pursue higher education due to his brother, who has a genetic disorder. “I saw how doctors can help slow the disease progression. I wanted to make a difference in the healthcare field.” Brandon shared his future career plans. “I’m hoping to go into academic research.” He added he chose to study at Midwestern University due to the good research labs. Some of the challenges he faced were balancing a close family life with the changes higher education brought in including studying, forging his own pathway, and making connections with people to help him with his pathway. Brandon added he is also appreciative of the interdisciplinary aspect of his Midwestern University education.

Dental student Tina Sholeh (CDMI ’27) is the first in her family to pursue dentistry, but not the first in her family to go to college. “I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare and dentistry fit my path.” She shared one of the challenges is finding a resource. “If you’re the first one to study a healthcare field, there’s no one to ask questions to. You have to rely on your peers.”

Medical student Fady Botros (CCOM ’25) said he is the first-generation to study medicine in the U.S., and he comes from a family of doctors who were educated abroad. “My parents want me to help the community.” Fady added there is an added expectation for him to finish his education and become a doctor since his family is in medicine.

Biomedical Sciences student Jacob Dowd (CGS ’24) said, “One thing that I found really interesting upon coming to Midwestern University was the initial pilot launch of the first-generation student group. Upon having our first meeting, I saw that we are not alone. Multiple students are going through this, even if we may not know it. We can seek help from advisors and faculty members who know the potential struggles that we are facing and can help us navigate through these challenges.”

And, first-generation medical student Brianna Thibodeau (CCOM ’27) said her family encouraged her to pursue her education. “They wanted me to have all the doors open.”

Midwestern University offers a variety of support for incoming and current students through Student Services. The University also offers several healthcare Degrees and Programs in Downers Grove and Glendale.