The First Gen Hub was almost full when it officially opened to give first-generation students, those whose parents have not graduated with a four-year degree, a space where they can find help from peers. 

The new hub was completed a month ago and opened in McAfee Room 2611 on Friday.  

More than 50% of this year’s new students identify as first generation, according to Eastern Illinois University President Jay Gatrell. 

Joycelyn Otoo, a first-generation community health major, said she thinks the First Gen Hub will help first-generation students, especially those who are new and don’t know what to do. 

“I think it’s good for people that are first-gen, because when you come into college, you’re pretty confused,” Otoo said. “You don’t know what’s going on, and your parents don’t really know what’s going on, too.” 

Director of TRiO Maggie Burkhead helped put together the hub by figuring out what needed to be done and who needed to be involved. 

Faculty who are first generation are also welcome to use the hub to help first-gen students navigate college life, according to Burkhead. 

Secretary of Tri-Alpha Honor Society Camille Johnson said she thinks the First Gen Hub is a space for all students to interact with others and find resources to help them with college life. 

“I think that the resources in there are amazing for all students going through their journey of college,” Johnson said. “Being able to come and ask someone questions, either a higher up or even a student, to see their ways of learning [or] to see how they went through all the trials and tribulations they had to, I think it’s amazing.”

During the hub’s hours, student workers will be available for students to ask questions about what to do and where to go. 

“If a student comes in and doesn’t know about the Counseling Clinic at EIU, for example, we have their flyer here with their contact information, so they can take that. If they don’t know where the Counseling Clinic is, we have campus maps,” said Dean of Student Success Michael Gillespie. 

The First Gen Hub came about when First-Year Experience and Student Success Librarian Amy Odwarka and Dean of Library Services Brian Keith noticed that there was not a space for students to get help finding and figuring out what they needed. 

As a result, Odwarka and Keith brought the idea to Gillespie, who agreed with them and began the process of building the hub when he took on the role of dean of student success. 

Gillespie said another reason that the hub was built was to show first-gen students that Eastern recognized their hard work and experiences. 

“I hope that students will understand the gravity behind these spaces and the importance of them, but also how our institution is saying, ‘We see you, and we acknowledge you, and we want to do what we can to make you successful,’” said Gillespie.

Essie Newton can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].