First-Generation 2025 Graduates Celebrated at Pinning Ceremony
First-Generation public health students – the first in their family to graduate with a higher education degree – were celebrated with recognition pins by faculty to honor and celebrate their achievements.
First-Generation public health students who graduated in Spring 2025 were celebrated with recognition pins by faculty to honor their achievement. The College defines first-generation students as those who are the first in their families to graduate with a baccalaureate degree, masters degree, or doctoral degree.
More than 90 first-generation students graduated from the Zuckerman College of Public Health this spring, and many participated in the pinning ceremony. It was an inspiring and emotional event for everyone who attended.
Velia Leybas Nuño, PhD, MSW, led the ceremony with a welcome from Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH. Faculty member Sheila Soto, DrPH, MPH, opened the event with a photo presentation telling the story of her own experience of strong determination as a three-time first-generation student. She told how her parents and children had motivated her on her educational journey.
Public health faculty Gabriela Valdez, PhD, and Antonio Rubio, PhD, presented the students with their pins. Many family, staff, and faculty attended virtually and in-person. After receiving their pins, several students spoke to thank family, friends, God, and specific faculty members for helping them on their journey.
After the first-gen pins had been presented, Kelly Palmer, PhD, told the powerful and moving story of the challenges she faced as a first-generation student, navigating through college and then earning her doctoral degree. She encouraged the graduates with realistic words of wisdom. Dr. Palmer is an alumna of the college and former faculty member.
We want to thank everyone who contributed to the college’s First-Generation Pinning Ceremony. We invite you to see photos of the event and share this story with friends and family.
