<div dir="ltr"><div><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-c9d4e5ab-7fff-e9cb-fd43-fe97084082b3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11pt">Dear SUNY Plattsburgh Community, </span><br></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 8, we will join the nation in celebrating National First-Generation College Student Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and supporting the remarkable individuals who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">A significant portion</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(152,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">of our student body here at SUNY Plattsburgh identify as first-generation college students. This reality speaks volumes about the value our students place on education and their determination to create a brighter future for themselves and their families. And it reminds us that SUNY Plattsburgh is a diverse community of life experiences and learning styles where our students dare to dream big.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">As the President of SUNY Plattsburgh, I take great pride in acknowledging this significant occasion, as I myself am a first-generation college student. I understand firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating the complex world of higher education for the first time. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">I am also proud of our university’s commitment to providing exceptional support to our first-generation students and their families. We recognize that the journey can be challenging, and we ensure that our student offices and services have specialized skills and understanding necessary to guide students through every step of their academic and personal growth. Whether academic advising, financial aid, mentorship programs, student support, or counseling services, we are here to ensure that all students have the specific resources and assistance they need to succeed. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Throughout this week, we are celebrating our first-generation students. The Enrollment and Student Success division will be hosting some exciting events and activities across campus, including:</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Tues. 11/7, 3:30-4:45 PM: Cardinal Lounge: First-generation Faculty Pods</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Faculty members who identify as first-generation will speak about their college experiences with interested students.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Wed., 11/8, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Angell College Center Table 1: Water Bottle Campaign</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">First-generation students can decorate a water bottle to take with them. (Water bottles are free while supplies last.)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Thurs., 11/9, 3:30-4:45 PM: Cardinal Lounge: Pizza with the Mayor </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Plattsburgh Mayor Christ Rosenquest, a first-generation college student and SUNY Plattsburgh alum, will be here for free pizza and cake. The Mayor will talk about his experience as a first-generation college student and answer questions.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Fri., 11/10, 1:00-4:00 PM: Relaford Room (Macomb Hall): Game Night</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin:0pt 30pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Come enjoy board games and video games for an opportunity to decompress and connect with others.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-right:30pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Additionally, EOP will be sharing video of EOP first-generation student testimonials on </span><a href="https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/student-support/educational-opportunity-program/index.html" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,255);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline">their webpage </span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">throughout the week.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">As we celebrate National First-generation College Student Day tomorrow, let us come together to acknowledge and appreciate the incredible journeys of our first-generation students. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to education inspire us all, and I have no doubt that they will continue to achieve greatness during their time here at SUNY Plattsburgh and beyond.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Sincerely,</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">Dr. Alexander Enyedi</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;vertical-align:baseline">President </span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div style="font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);line-height:18px;margin:0px"><div style="font-size:12px;line-height:18px;margin:0px"><br><br></div></div></div></div></div>