Awards
First-Gen
Impact Awards
Recognizing Students and Supporters
The First Gen Impact Awards honors the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, and campus programs that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of UW-Green Bay’s first-generation college students. This annual celebration is co-hosted by the First Gen Student Success Collaborative and the First Gen Phoenix student organization and held on, or near, the National First-Gen College Celebration Day. Through recognition and storytelling, the awards highlight individuals and initiatives that foster belonging, provide critical support, and empower first-gen students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Impact Award Categories and Nomination Forms
New Student First-Gen Impact Award
This award is given to a new student who has had an amazing first year at UW-Green Bay. They have worked hard toward their goals, achieved impressive things, and shown dedication to their studies. They have also helped or inspired other first-generation students to rise in the UWGB community. To be eligible, students must have started at UW-Green Bay between last fall and this fall semester and be currently enrolled.
Student Leader First-Gen Impact Award
This award honors a student leader who has achieved big personal and professional goals while staying dedicated to their studies and being active on campus. They have been a role model for their peers and have taken part in mentoring others, whether formally or informally. Despite any challenges they’ve faced, this student has made a lasting impact on their mentees, peers, and the campus community. Eligible students are currently enrolled or have graduated in one of the last two commencements.
Outstanding First-Gen Advocacy Impact Award (Faculty, Staff & Admin)
This award recognizes faculty, staff, and administrators who have shown exceptional leadership and advocacy for first-generation students at UW-Green Bay. They have created or improved programs that support first-gen students, mentored them, or provided training to better serve them. One award will go to a faculty member and one to a staff member or administrator.
Outstanding First-Gen Serving Program Impact Award
This award celebrates innovative programs, courses, or services that support first-generation students. The recipient has identified and met a critical need for first-gen students, gaining support from the institution and collaborating across campus to help close the achievement gap for first-gen students.
2024 Award Winners
Outstanding First-Gen Serving Program
- Family Pressure Program
- GB Welcome – Winner
- Long Night Against Procrastination
- The Mentoring Project
Outstanding First-Gen Advocacy
- Nicole Micolichek - Winner
- Christine Smith
- Erin Van Daalwyk
- Bethany Welch – Winner
New Student First-Gen
- Moises Bahena-Martinez – Winner
- Kayla Kohn
- Nilyne Vang
Student Leader First-Gen
- Monica Garcia
- Kaylee Mueller – Winner
- Brady Reinhard
- Bryanna Winkler
"Being nominated, and then receiving, the Student Leader First Gen Impact award was truly an honor. Being a first-generation student is an aspect of my identity I did not start to fully embrace until this year. I’ve always strived to do good by others, in my various leadership roles across campus. Receiving this award gave me recognition for my hard work and encouraged me to continue pushing myself to my fullest potential. "
Student Leader First-Gen Award Winner
2023 Award Winners
Outstanding First-Gen Serving
- First-Gen Phoenix Living Learning Community
- New Scholars Rising – Winner
- Organizacion Latino Americana (OLA) Executive Board
- Professions in Human Biology Course
- The Mentoring Projec
Outstanding First-Gen Advocacy
- Diane Murphy
- Jillian Jacklin
- Lisa Lamson – Faculty Winner
- John Cheslock
- Nicole Baker – Staff Winner
- Nicole Micolichek
New Student First-Gen
- Brenda Xolot
- Jocelin Ramos – Winner
- Moises Bahena-Martinez
Student Leader First-Gen
- Adan Cordova – Winner
- Eddiberto Flores
- Ericka Quinones-Colon
- Iris Shipley
- Isabel Gosse
- J.D. Kulis
- Mariah Monasterio
- Mark Wanek
"It was an honor to be nominated for a First-Gen Impact Award, as I am very proud to be a first-generation student! When starting my journey at UWGB, one of my goals was to grow my leadership skills, so after seeing I was nominated and knowing that someone else saw that in me meant the absolute world. It is such a testament to how the faculty and staff are dedicated to support and uplift their students, and I couldn't be more grateful! "
Student Leader First-Gen Award Nominee
Have a Question?
Please reach out with any question big or small. For questions or concerns please email firstgen@uwgb.edu.