FGLI Graduation Reception 2024

For the third consecutive year, the Yale FGLI Community Initiative invited 1stGenYale to address graduating first-generation seniors and their families at Saint Thomas More on May 17.

The event featured inspiring words from Burgwell Howard, senior associate dean in Yale College and associate vice president of student engagement, and a heartfelt welcome address by Sam Samdani '84.

Sam shared, "After my brief talk about my journey to Yale and beyond, the students and their parents made me feel like I’m already part of their families! I felt like a mini celebrity with all the selfies they took with me. Graduating senior Cody and his mom in particular made me realize we alums are already having impact on the FGLI students just by being there with them and sharing our stories!"

Jackson Higginbottom '20 MPH, a 1stGenYale board member, was also on hand to congratulate the Class of 2024 members and welcome them to the alumni community.