On National First-Generation Day, Judson University is excited to announce the new Slawek Family First-Generation Scholars Program to support our first-generation college students.
Thanks to a generous donation from Joe and Mary Slawek through the Slawek Family Charitable Fund, Judson University will create the Slawek Scholars Program, which will provide scholars with mentors, leadership opportunities, participation in the World Leaders Forum events, business etiquette training, and dedicated support to both the student and the families as they navigate higher education.
Joe Slawek, who was CEO and founder of FONA International for 33 years, has been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® winner and he is also a member of the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Slawek also authored, “Ingredients for Success: 10 Best Practices for Business and Life,” in 2013, and the book is in its fourth printing. Slawek has historically been an integral part of the Roeser Scholars program at Judson by being one of the entrepreneurs who have shared their insights with students throughout the program.
For Judson, a First-Generation college student is defined as a student for whom neither parent earned a degree after high school. With the blessing of the Slawek gift and through the Slawek Scholars Program, utilizing Slawek’s book as a primary resource, Judson’s goal is to provide the necessary resources for First-Generation college students to succeed.
A critical element of that success will take place through the First-Gen Student Union which will launch on Nov. 8. The mission of the club is to develop a support system, a stress-free environment, and networking opportunities for first-gen students. We hope to understand the barriers and challenges first-generation students may face during their academic year that would prevent them from engaging and provide them with support.
“The gracious gift from the Slawek family has provided the needed resources to launch a number of first-generation initiatives,” said Ginny Guth, Vice President of Student Success and University Registrar. “Upon receiving the funding, Ana Alicea was selected to assist us in launching the First-Generation Student Union. Her work alongside Jaimee Bartha, Judson’s Director for First-Year Experience, has sparked great excitement among our first-generation student body. Judson’s faculty continue to support the initiative with their involvement in activities, curriculum development, and walking alongside our student body. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue to support our first-generation students.”
“As the first recipient of the Slawek Scholarship, I am excited to lead the First-Generation Student Union supporting First-Generation students.,” states Ana Alicea, a psychology major from Elgin, Ill. “The scholarship has allowed me to be part of a community that understands the barriers I may face and how we together can overcome those barriers.”
Original source can be found here.
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