Pittsburg State University celebrated its first-generation students with a special Pinning Ceremony held in the Governor’s Room at the Overman Student Center. The event gave students the chance to be recognized for their accomplishments while honoring the people who have supported them along the way.
Eva Sager, Director for Campus Activities and the Overman Student Center, helped organize the ceremony and said the recognition matters because first-generation students often face challenges that go unseen. “Sometimes being the first in your family to go to college can feel isolating,” Sager said. “This ceremony was about showing them they aren’t alone and that Pitt State is here to support them.”
She described the event as one of her favorite moments of the year, especially seeing students beam with pride as they pinned their supporters. Sager added that being part of a campus community that values first generation students is rewarding for her personally and professionally.
For senior elementary education major Charlie Judd, the ceremony was both exciting and a little uncomfortable. “It honestly felt weird, but in a good way,” he said. “I’m someone who likes to recognize others, so having the spotlight on me was different. Having the university not only support but acknowledge first-gen students is something I’ll carry with me.”
Judd chose to honor his mom and his friend Natalie with pins. “My mom won’t say it, but she’s sacrificed so much for her kids,” he said. “Natalie is someone I didn’t know until college, but you’d think we’ve been friends forever. She’s guided me through this experience and been someone to lean on when I needed it.”
The ceremony gave students like Judd a chance to step outside of their comfort zone. “Not everyone knows that I’m first-gen, but why should they?” he said. “This opportunity gave me the chance to acknowledge that and be proud of myself.”
His favorite moment was surprising his mom and Natalie during the pinning. “I’m not the most comfortable recognizing myself, so having that time to show them how much they mean to me was the best part.”
Judd said his journey at Pitt State hasn’t always been easy. “My biggest challenge came during my freshman year. I didn’t know many people and had no one to turn to, so trying to navigate college felt overwhelming,” he said. Over time, he found support through organizations like Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Center, which he described as his “home away from home.”
Looking back, he said the most rewarding part of college has been making an impact. “Whether it’s making someone’s day or lobbying for higher education in Topeka, just knowing I’ve made some change on campus, no matter how small, means the world to me.”
Sager hopes the ceremony will become a tradition that continues to grow. “It’s a chance for our first-generation students to not only celebrate themselves but also the people who helped them get here,” she said. She said planning the ceremony requires careful attention to detail, but seeing students’ excitement and hearing their stories makes it all worth it.