1stGenYale at For Humanity Illuminated: Menlo Park, CA

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Yale hosted a For Humanity Illuminated fundraising and community event in Menlo Park, CA, where Lydia Burleson ’21 BA proudly represented 1stGenYale. Alumni attendees had the opportunity to learn more about alumni groups before and after President Maurie McInnis’ address, and Lydia brought 1stGenYale’s mission of access and belonging to the center of those conversations.

In light of ongoing national discussions about the role of universities in broader civic life, the standout theme of the evening was one deeply aligned with 1stGenYale’s core mission: access. Lydia shared the many dimensions of being first-generation — first in one’s family to attend college, from a low-income background, first-generation American, first-generation graduate student, or someone committed to making Yale more accessible to more people. She reflected on how first-generation identity is not something to leave behind after mobility is achieved, but an enduring orientation toward community — one that acknowledges barriers and actively builds bridges that benefit everyone.

As a FGLI Yalie and now a FLI Stanford PhD candidate, Lydia embodies the promise of upward educational mobility and sustained commitment to higher education access. From all of us at 1stGenYale, thank you, Lydia, for representing our community so thoughtfully. We are incredibly proud of all that you are accomplishing and grateful for your continued leadership.