Davenport’s Commencement is April 27 at Van Andel Arena
For first-generation students, commencement celebrates years of hard work, dedication and perseverance through the unknown. To them, walking across the stage is not just a personal achievement, but a milestone that echoes through families and communities who may be witnessing this moment for the first time. This year’s Davenport University graduating class includes trailblazers like Saige Slowinski, Hanna Higgins and MaryRose Sapp, who are shining examples of the resilience and ambition that define the first-gen experience at Davenport.
First-generation student success is amplified at Davenport by having a program specifically designed for students who are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. The First-Gen program includes academic coaching, peer mentoring, skills training and workshops. With this assistance, each student is guided from the first day of class to commencement. “Our desire is to help first-gen students feel a sense of belonging at Davenport and to help them reach their personal goals,” said Jodi Hicks, director of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness.
Each first-generation student has a unique story. Saige Slowinski has had an educational journey that is nothing short of inspiring. Slowinski was able to fast-track her degree and set her future up for success. By the time she enrolled at Davenport in 2023, she had already accumulated 27 credits through dual enrollment and vocational classes in high school. This was a major factor for choosing Davenport because she knew a large number of her credits would transfer from high school through Davenport’s articulation program.
Slowinski started at Davenport’s W.A. Letting Grand Rapids Campus, attending in-person classes as a marketing major, and working in Davenport’s Human Resources department. By the end of her first semester, she secured a remote position as a human resources student assistant with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In this position, she schedules interviews, informs candidates whether they passed their interviews and background checks, and much more. She also attends recruitment events, the most recent at Davenport to recruit nurses for health centers in Michigan. “It’s fun to visit Davenport and talk with people interested in the nursing field, because they could potentially earn a position with us,” Slowinski said. She plans to work for MDHHS until she completes her master’s degree next year.
During her time at Davenport, Slowinski was involved with Alpha Lambda Delta and Tri Alpha, honor societies for first-generation students, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
According to Slowinski, being a first-generation student came with its own set of challenges. “While my mother could not always provide guidance on campus-related issues, because she never went to college herself, she remained an unwavering source of support.” She also found support from Davenport’s successful First-Generation Peer Mentoring Program, which she became involved with during her first year. She will now work part-time as a First-Gen Program Coordinator for Davenport.
This fall, she will begin pursuing a master’s degree in journalism and media studies at the University of Alabama.
Hanna Higgins, a first-generation student studying online as a cyber defense major, says that although she was excited to start a new chapter at Davenport, she felt as if she was stepping into uncharted territory because her parents weren’t able to provide her with advice for college. While working a full-time job and taking classes, Higgins was thankful to have great professors who accommodated her busy schedule. She is especially thankful for her academic advisor, Sarah Murphy, who helped chart her degree plan and high school transfer credits, enabling her to graduate a year early.
Higgins noted that she took full advantage of every tool Davenport offers students, such as free online tutoring and counseling services, and encourages others to do the same.
Higgins is graduating with a bachelor’s in cyber defense and plans to continue her education at Davenport to obtain a master’s in data forensics.
MaryRose Sapp is another first-generation student with quite a story to tell. She was born in the Philippines and brought to America for a better education, and is now graduating with a degree in medical assisting.
“Davenport, with the help of the first-gen program, has given me so many opportunities to help me achieve my goals,” said Sapp.
From a young age, Sapp knew she would one day attend college to pursue her dream of becoming a physician assistant. But by the end of high school, she became anxious at the thought of going to college because her family wouldn’t be able to give her any advice.
She found the help she needed from Davenport as soon as she enrolled, both from her encouraging professors and the First-Generation program. “I would especially like to thank professor Diane Salinas for helping me with my math-related courses,” said Sapp. “Professor Salinas gave me the encouragement I needed to overcome my academic obstacles and constantly reminded me to keep going when things became difficult. I will always remember how Davenport University planted the seed in me, so I will continue to grow in my journey of becoming a physician’s assistant,” Sapp said.
Davenport’s commitment to supporting first-gen students helps them thrive, not only academically, but also personally. By providing useful resources to students who are unsure of what it’s like to be in college, it gives them a sense of belonging and navigates them through each of their unique educational journeys.
“The real beauty of helping a first gen student succeed is the positive effect it has on their family and friends, who may feel inspired themselves to attain a higher education degree” said Hicks.
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