unh trailblazers
Who is a first-generation college student? An individual, neither of whose parents completed a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or an individual who, prior to the age of 18 did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.*
What is a Trailblazer? We celebrate every single first-gen college student at UNH as a Trailblazer: someone who is the first to make their own way through a new experience.
* We will be expanding the definition of first-gen college to include those international students and others whose parents may have earned a four-year degree but in a country other than the U.S. or Canada. Due to the need for consistent data across USNH institutions, we cannot formally recognize this expanded definition of first-gen until the incoming class of Fall 2026. Then those students can be eligible for first-gen awards and recognitions. If you don't meet our current definition listed above, but are having a 'first-gen experience', please reach out to me at dawna.perez@unh.edu.
We are building a community and an identity around first-generation college students. Here are some ways UNH is doing this:
- A UNH Trailblazers Canvas ācourseā that is a repository of helpful information and source for hearing about events, activities, and opportunities geared toward first-gen college students (A reference site, no assignments or grades)
- A campaign to identify faculty, staff, and administrators who are first-gen college themselves and who may post a āProud First-Genā sticker on their door or laptop, or in their syllabus, to let students know they too have walked that path. Faculty and Staff, fill out the survey here:
- The presentation of First-Gen Medallions for graduating seniors at The Beauregard Center for Equity, Justice, and Freedom's Celebration of Achievement and Excellence Graduation Celebration each May
- Coordination of program activities and opportunities across campuses and modalities that offer first-gen college students scholarships for experiential learning like study abroad/study away, Semester in the City, Semester of Impact or other high impact experiences, as well as recognition and prize money for creative ideas like the E-Center Challenge, or leadership opportunities within Student Activities or our Colleges
- and that contain book titles and resources to support first-generation college students. Dive in!
- Establishment of a chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society for first-generation college students. We did it! UNH has the first Tri-Alpha Chapter in New Hampshire! UNH Durham's chapter is Lambda Omega and the College of Professional Studies' Chapter is Mu Theta. In Durham, 124 students and 40 faculty/staff became part of Tri-Alpha on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Also inducted was honorary Tri -Alpha member and Foundation Board member Michael E. Campbell '68 whose generosity made this all possible. Manchester and CPS-Online held their induction ceremony virtually on May 8th!
- We hope to expand our offerings and opportunities as we grow. We will always celebrate November 8 ā National First-Generation College Celebration Day! Are you a Trailblazer?
UNH Trailblazers
While UNH Trailblazers is not a 'program' or a club/organization, it is the building of a broad community of first-gen students, with first-gen faculty, staff, and administrators cheering you along the way. Look for "Proud First-Gen" logos in email signatures, and the stickers on doors, laptops, water bottles, and name badges of your peers and people who work at UNH. We all want you to know "You've got this" and we've got your back.
