Seattle University has launched a new campus space dedicated to supporting first-generation students—the first in their families to attend college. The Center for First-Gen Success, located in Student Center 322, is fully open and operational for the 2025-26 school year.
Establishing the center was a joint effort among campus partners, including the MOSAIC Center, Student and Campus Life and the Division of Student Success. Although the center replaces the previous First-Gen Link space, community spaces operated by the MOSAIC Center, it remains tied to the foundational values of fostering a space for belonging and identity. The space currently displays signage from the previous Intercultural Link; staff are awaiting updates to reflect the center’s new identity.
The center now has a broader academic and professional focus, aiming to work closely with departments like Career Engagement, Learning Support and Academic Advising. This shift is designed to move the center beyond social connection and create a resource for academic development, post-graduation preparation and professional networking.
“I want the Center for First-Gen Success to be the start—a hub for resource connection and a space for students to actively engage in their academic experience,” Jeremy Peña, director of the Center for First-Gen Success, said.
Peña describes the current stage as “phase one,” focused on building a welcoming, interactive space.
“Phase one is creating it as a hub for interaction, similar to when it was a link, and that connection to community and sense of belonging,” Peña said.
That sense is already resonating with students like Josiah Sotelo, a first-year kinesiology major, who shared his favorite aspects of the space
“[I enjoy] just being able to come here, [have] a place to relax and hang out with friends—a good place to lock in and study,” Sotelo said.
In the future, programming may include study groups, workshops and networking events designed to help students visualize a path from college to career.
“We’re doing so well. We have snacks for students, we’re open from nine to five every day, and we provide a study space for students to hang out and share space. We even have clubs meeting in here,” Masee Anderson, a fourth-year forensic psychology major, center staff member, and president of Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, said.
Financial support is also on the horizon. Peña expressed a strong interest in developing scholarship opportunities specifically for first-gen students.
While no dedicated scholarship currently exists, he is actively working with University Advancement and alumni partners to explore future funding options, including endowments and external support. He emphasized that financial support is a long-term goal and part of a broader effort to make the center a meaningful resource from orientation to graduation.
Peña emphasizes that the center is not just a social space, but a launchpad for student-led growth.
“It’s not my job to tell you, ‘These are the programs that we’re going to do.’ It’s my job to listen, to learn and to create programs that respond to what I’ve learned and what I’ve listened to,” he said.
As the center continues to grow, feedback from students and alumni is welcomed and encouraged.
“It’s very nice just seeing all the first-gen students come by and get whatever help they need. It’s a very open space, so it’s great to help out people who are similar to me in this area,” Dylan Villez, a second-year nursing major and center staff member, said.
The motivation behind the center stems not only from institutional priorities but also from the transformative impact college can have on students’ lives. Peña is now shifting focus to student engagement, learning how best to communicate with students and gather feedback. He anticipates dedicating more time to one-on-one meetings and intentional support as the academic year progresses, and encourages students to drop by throughout the year.
To celebrate and introduce the space, the center is hosting an open house event Nov. 8, which coincides with National First-Gen College Student Day and Parent and Family Weekend. The event will be held in Student Center 322 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and will include free food, resource information and opportunities to connect with fellow students, staff, faculty and alumni.
