Events and Programs
Fall 2022
November 8th
First-Generation College Celebration Kickoff
Coffee and Conversations-LU first-gen staff, faculty, and supporters
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 A.m.
Location: Mary and John Gray Library Lobby
Details: Mix and mingle with fellow first-gens, give-a-ways, and information!
What is First Gen? Tabling
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center Atrium by the Marketplace
Details: Information, first-gen resources, give-a-ways, and register for prizes
REDtalks Panel Discussion
Time: 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Topic: Sharing Experiences: First in College
Location: Setzer Student Center, Ballroom B
Details: Hear from faculty, staff, alumni, and current students who identify as first-gen and other diverse perspectives. Attendees will be able to hear how folks successfully navigate multiple identities as the first in their family to attend college.
November 9th
22nd Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium
Time: 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center-various locations
Details: The McNair Scholars will present research on various topics of interest. Currently there are nine scholars. Seven of the nine scholars identify as first-gen
November 10th
John Gray Portrait Gallery Opening and Reception
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Convene in front of the Mary and John Gray Library and then view portraits inside the lobby
Details: The purpose of this event is to honor the legacy of John Gray (First-gen and 3rd President of Lamar University).
First-Gen Luncheon
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Mary and John Gray Library 8th floor
Details: The purpose of the luncheon is to celebrate the winners of the student first-gen essay writing contest. Topic: What has my first gen experience at Lamar University been so far? The first-place winner will read their essay at the luncheon, there will be reflections of John Gray, and a proclamation from the City of Beaumont presented.
December 8th
First Generation Student Cording Reception
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center Live Oak Ballroom B
Details: Purpose: The purpose of this inaugural event is to honor Lamar University undergraduate first-generation students (definition: first in your family to receive a college degree) who will graduate in December 2022.
Attire: Business/Smart casual
NASPA First Gen Forward Designation
Lamar University receives First-Gen Forward designation; National honor for commitment to first-generation student success
Connecting with Cardinals Spotlight
Meet Oris Granger, a senior industrial engineering major and first-generation student here at Lamar University. Hear about his experiences and perspective in this issue of Connecting with Cardinals with interviewer Landon Richard.
Announcements
McNair Scholars Research Internships Opportunities
The McNair Research Internship Program provides a six-week summer semester research
internship experience. You will be paired with a Lamar University faculty member whose
research interests match your own, and under the direction of this mentor, you will participate in a research project. Other highlights of your internship provided by the program include:
- up to a $2,800 stipend for the internship period
- three semester hours in an undergraduate research course, tuition, room and board during the internship period
- funded trips to professional conferences and graduate school visits
- access to laptops during the internship
- individualized seminars on research skills, the graduate school application process, financial support available to graduate students, and preparation for the GRE
- access to research and computing facilities and
- opportunities to interact with successful role models who have earned terminal degrees
The 23rd Annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9th, 2022. The McNair Research Symposium provides our Scholars with the opportunity to present what they have learned through their research experiences and to share their work with the broader campus community.
Before it’s time for the Annual Symposium, Scholars will have successfully completed year-long research and scholarly activities, their Oral Defense, and spent weeks preparing their presentations. The McNair Scholars Program at Lamar University is in its twenty-second successful year and each year we are amazed at the intricacies of the topics the Scholars cover in their research. The Research is the culmination of a year’s worth of commitment and dedication from the Scholars as well as the Lamar faculty and staff that have devoted their time and skills to collaborating with the Scholars on their research.
We are very fortunate to have the support and encouragement of many faculty and staff members who have worked with our students as social mentors or who have presented workshops and seminars on the many aspects of graduate and faculty life. These individuals give a valuable gift to our students – time in volunteering to support, encourage, and nurture our Scholars’ aspirations.
McNair Faculty Mentors who work with our students foster the academic growth of the Scholars each year. Many hours of hard work and dedication go into these research projects and the success of the Scholars is largely attributed to the mentors’ talents, expertise, and motivation.
We are honored to have these talented students and dedicated faculty at Lamar University and the Annual Research Symposium allows us an opportunity to extend our commendations and congratulations to everyone on a job well done.
Pamela K. Comer, M.Ed., NCC Director of McNair Scholars
Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
