Our Celebrations

National First Generation Day: In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launched a celebration for first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

It is celebrated on November 8th, honoring the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, which expanded college access for low-income and first-generation students through federal grants and loans. Let's Take Some Time to Honor a Few of Our Own First-Generation Students, Faculty, and Staff.

Hispanic American Heritage Month: Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. What began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
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International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: To raise awareness of the needs of these population groups, August 9th annually commemorates the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This date was chosen in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in Geneva in 1982.
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Disability Pride Month: Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990. The ADA serves as landmark legislation to break down the barriers to inclusion in society.
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French American Heritage Month: In the United States, July is designated as National French-American Heritage Month and was established to honor and celebrate the significant contributions in art, culture, language, law and more made to the country by people of French descent. Approximately 11.8 million Americans of French or French Canadian descent live and work in the United States, with about 2 million of those speaking French at home.

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Loving Day: The "Loving" in Loving Day is the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving, who were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia. Their case, Loving v. Virginia (1967), reached the U.S. Supreme Court and nine years after their arrest, the Lovings won their case on June 12th, 1967. Not only was it a victory for their family, it struck down all state laws against interracial marriage in the U.S.

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Haitian American: Haitian Heritage Month celebrates the rich culture, distinctive art, delicious food, and provides an opportunity to learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18th, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism.
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Jewish American: In 2006, President George W. Bush declared May Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate and recognize the millions of Jewish people who call the United States home. America has long been a safe haven for religious diversity, where members of any faith can freely practice their religion.
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Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander: AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the role of the AANHPI community in our nation's history. In 1992, the month of May was designated by President George H. W. Bush as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The annual celebration honors the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians.
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