Walsh University proudly joins the national celebration of first-generation college students, honoring their determination, resilience, and the positive impact they make on our campus community.
National First-Generation College Celebration Day, observed each year on November 8, recognizes the achievements of first-generation students, faculty, and staff. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, a landmark legislation that expanded access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. Colleges and universities across the country commemorate the day with special events and weeklong celebrations.
At Walsh, first-generation students represent a vital part of who we are, embodying our mission to pursue knowledge, leadership, and service.
Now in its third year, the First Gen Cavs program, led by Dr. Edna McCulloh, Associate Vice President for Academic Administration, continues to grow and thrive. What began as a pilot initiative has become a strong support network that includes peer mentors, students from previous cohorts who now guide new first-generation Cavaliers. Faculty, staff, and coaches also serve as mentors, providing one-on-one support to help students navigate college life with confidence.
Walsh recognizes that being the first in a family to attend college comes with both opportunities and challenges. Through First Gen Cavs and a range of student success resources, including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid support, and career development, Walsh ensures every student has the tools to thrive academically and personally.
As we celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day, Walsh proudly recognizes the achievements of these trailblazing students and the supportive community that stands beside them.
To mark the celebration, several First Gen Cavs students share their stories and advice for future Cavaliers.
For first-generation student Kevin Hudak, choosing Walsh meant choosing a community where he could grow academically, personally, and spiritually. Drawn to Walsh’s close-knit campus and faith-based education, he knew this was the place to build a meaningful future.
“The gift that has had the biggest impact on me at Walsh is faith,” Kevin shared. “Strengthening my connection to God has helped support me through times of need. Walsh has helped me grow closer to God by connecting me to a Catholic community. Without strong faith, it would be a lot harder for me to make it through difficult times and get to where I am today.”
Kevin’s passion for serving others led him to pursue Psychology with a Pre-Occupational Therapy track. “Occupational Therapy interests me because of the positive impact I can have on others,” he said. “It allows me to support the quality of life of my clients by helping restore their ability to perform activities of daily living.”
Beyond the classroom, Kevin is active in Campus Ministry, the Pre-OT and Pre-Healthcare Clubs, MET Club, Trek Club, and Clash Royale Club. Through involvement and friendships, he continues to discover the power of community and strengthen his values. “I've become more of a servant and have recognized the importance of helping local communities,” he said. “Even small efforts have a big impact on others.”
“Being part of Walsh has helped me realize the importance of having a strong community and has helped me learn more about myself and my beliefs,” he added.
As a First Gen Cav and a top-ten graduate from his high school, Kevin is proud of his work ethic and determination. Looking ahead, he plans to continue his journey through Walsh University’s Occupational Therapy graduate program.
For first-generation student and peer mentor Brissa Merino, her journey at Walsh University is defined by faith, perseverance, and purpose. The daughter of Mexican immigrants and the first in her family to graduate high school, Brissa’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the drive to serve others through nursing.
“When I chose Walsh, what appealed to me most was the sense of community and the nursing program’s excellent reputation,” she said. “On my first visit, the faculty’s excitement to teach and their eagerness to welcome new students immediately stood out. That kind of passion for helping others is what I admire most and what I’ve found here.”
Brissa came to Walsh already licensed as a practical nurse, having graduated from a career center while earning her high school diploma. She has worked in nursing homes since she was 17, where her love for caring for others first began. “When people say nursing is a calling, I now understand what they mean,” she said. “I can’t see myself anywhere else. I was called to be a nurse. I was called to care for others.”
Balancing life as a full-time nursing student and a hospital nurse working 12-hour night shifts hasn’t been easy, but Brissa meets each challenge with integrity and determination. “I know when I’ve given my best effort, and I take pride in that,” she shared. “Effort builds integrity. Even when things don’t go perfectly, I know I’ve learned and grown.”
That same perseverance has carried her through deeply personal trials. This past year, Brissa was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that temporarily affected her mobility and strength. “It flipped my life completely upside down,” she said. “Walking, writing, even tying my shoes became difficult. But I learned to value what I can do and to be grateful for every small step forward. These experiences have taught me resilience in ways I never expected.”
Faith has also become a grounding force in her life. “Faith isn’t the center of everything I do, but it’s become a part of who I am,” Brissa reflected. “I’ve learned to trust in the unknown and to let faith guide me when I can’t see clearly.”
As a First Gen Cavs peer mentor and member of Cavs Cor, Brissa has also discovered joy in helping other students feel connected. She credits Melanie Timco, Director for Student Outreach and Support, as a mentor who encouraged her to lead with confidence and compassion. “Melanie is everyone’s biggest cheerleader,” she said. “She helped me realize it’s okay not to have all the answers yet and to celebrate progress along the way.”
Whether she’s cheering on friends at intramural bowling or working late nights at the hospital, Brissa embraces every part of the Walsh experience. “Work and school aren’t all that life has to offer,” she said. “By branching out, trying new things, and losing the fear of perception, you find so much joy in the world.”
Looking ahead, Brissa hopes to work in pediatric or critical care nursing and eventually pursue an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner or physician.
For JD Radway II, being the first in his family to attend college is both an honor and a responsibility. Coming to Walsh University offered him a chance to grow, lead, and become part of a community that would support him every step of the way.
JD discovered Walsh through his first-generation mentor who recruited him to play football. From the moment he met the coaching staff and team, he knew he had found a brotherhood he wanted to join. The small class sizes and close student-to-professor ratio sealed the deal, giving him confidence that he could thrive academically while pursuing his passion for football.
Balancing the demands of academics and athletics hasn’t always been easy, but JD says those challenges taught him some of Walsh’s greatest gifts: discipline, learning, and resilience. “Managing my schoolwork alongside football taught me how to stay organized, persevere, and keep my priorities in check,” he reflects. “It’s made me a better servant leader and prepared me for life beyond college.”
Community has been equally transformative for JD. From late-night conversations with friends on his dorm floor to a spontaneous ping pong tournament that left everyone laughing, he’s experienced firsthand the connections that make Walsh feel like home. “You’ll meet people who become lifelong friends,” he says. “Everyone here genuinely wants to see you succeed.”
JD’s choice to major in education reflects both his passion for mentoring and his long-term goal of coaching football. “Learning how to teach helps me understand how to guide and inspire others,” he explains. Beyond the classroom and field, he finds motivation in his parents’ sacrifices, which drive him to excel academically and athletically.
Looking ahead, JD plans to continue in education, either as a graduate assistant in football or as a teacher and coach in a middle or high school. For future students, his advice is simple but powerful: embrace new experiences, ask for help when you need it, and remember that your voice and well-being matter.
Reflecting on his journey so far, JD sums up his Walsh experience in one sentence: “A one-of-a-kind experience!”
For Casey Russell, choosing Walsh University felt like the right step in continuing both her academic and athletic journey. Coming from a small school, she was drawn to Walsh’s tight-knit community and smaller class sizes that make it easier to connect with professors and classmates. “It’s nice to have that sense of belonging you might miss out on at a bigger campus,” she shared.
As a cross country and track athlete, member of the Trek Club, and proud First Gen Cav, Casey has embraced the opportunities Walsh offers to grow both on and off the field. “The community here at Walsh has had the biggest impact on me,” she said. “With the support and love of those here—my teammates, friends, and mentors—I have full faith in myself. This support system helps me stay accountable and on the right track for my future.”
Being a first-generation student comes with unique challenges, but Casey credits her mentors with helping her navigate them. Student peer mentor America Villegas-Camacho and faculty mentor Dr. Rachel Harrison, Associate Dean for Research, provide her with guidance, encouragement, and support that have been invaluable to her journey.
Balancing college life as a first-generation student and commuter hasn’t always been easy, but the First Gen program and her mentors make her feel equipped to handle challenges and stay connected. Her advice to future Cavaliers is simple yet powerful: “Get involved. It’s important not just for your career, but for your personal development. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things. Walsh is what you make of it.”
Judy Salemdawod is a first-generation student and a peer mentor in Walsh University’s First Gen Cavs program. An international student from Gaza, Palestine, she brings courage, curiosity, and a spirit of service to everything she does. Far from home, Judy has embraced Walsh as a community where faith, integrity, and connection empower her to grow while helping others find their place.
Through her role as a peer mentor, Judy supports students navigating college life, showing that even small acts such as checking in, sharing experiences, or simply listening can make a lasting difference. “Mentorship isn’t just guidance. It’s connection, encouragement, and understanding,” she said. One moment that stood out was when a student she mentored shared that their conversation helped them feel less alone. “It reminded me why mentoring matters,” Judy said.
Judy’s sense of purpose has deepened at Walsh, where education and faith go hand in hand. “Who you are becoming is just as important as what you are learning,” she said. Drawn to the quiet precision of healthcare, she chose Clinical Laboratory Science with a Biology minor. “I’ve always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes part of medicine, the careful work that helps diagnose and heal,” she explained.
Beyond her mentorship, Judy is a library assistant, an international ambassador, and a Cav Cor leader—roles that allow her to stay connected and support others in meaningful ways. Her favorite memories are often the simplest—sharing meals with friends in the dorms, laughing in the library, and studying together. “Those moments remind me that community is built in everyday life,” she said.
Becoming a peer mentor was a turning point in her journey. “It shifted how I saw myself: from just a student figuring out things to someone who can guide, support, and uplift others,” she said. Her experience as an international student gives her a unique perspective, helping her connect with others who are finding their place on campus.
Looking ahead, Judy hopes to work in the medical or research field and pursue graduate studies in a health-related program. Walsh has given her both the technical foundation in science and the personal guidance to grow in purpose. “Every opportunity here—from mentorship to academics—has shaped the person I’m becoming,” she said.
Her advice to future Cavaliers is to be brave and ask questions, reach out, and get involved. “You’ll be surprised how many people are ready to help you grow and succeed here.”
For Hebreonna Sowers, college represents more than earning a degree—it’s opening a new door for her family and future students who will one day look to her for guidance. As a first-generation college student, Hebreonna is proud to take a step no one in her family has taken before, and she’s driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Walsh University stood out to Hebreonna from the beginning because of its faith-based community and the promise of meaningful opportunities that would help shape her future. Here, she has found both the encouragement and the resources needed to grow personally, academically, and spiritually.
Hebreonna is pursuing AYA Integrated Language Arts because she feels called to teach, especially in rural communities close to home where positive role models can have a powerful impact. “My ultimate goal is to be the best teacher I can and make a difference in someone’s life,” she shares. With her passion for literature, learning, and leadership, she hopes to create classrooms where students feel seen, understood, and supported.
Walsh is already helping her pursue that dream by offering rich, hands-on learning experiences and a network of faculty and staff who are invested in her success. “Walsh provides support in every aspect needed,” she says.
Motivated by her family and her own commitment to becoming someone students can depend on, Hebreonna is building a future rooted in service, compassion, and possibility. And as she continues to chase the career and life she wants, she hopes her story encourages others to believe that their goals—no matter how big—are within reach.
For second-year student Sydney Wills, becoming a Cavalier has been all about growth—both academically and personally. As a First Gen Cav, she arrived on campus ready to work hard, and she quickly discovered that earning her degree at Walsh also meant building meaningful relationships and gaining confidence along the way.
“The importance of growth and community has been huge for me,” Sydney said. “Not just because of the school itself, but because of the people around me.”
One of her greatest blessings at Walsh has been the friends she’s found along the way, especially her roommate, Laney. “She pushes me to grow and step out of my comfort zone every day,” Sydney said.
Sydney’s passion for accounting began in high school and has only strengthened thanks to the support of her professors, including Professors Ashley Monaco and Amanda Dalpiaz.
“They’ve been incredibly welcoming and encouraging,” she shared. “As my First Gen Cav Mentor, Professor Dalpiaz helps me navigate both my studies and my First Gen journey.”
Outside the classroom, Sydney is already making her mark. She is active in the longstanding student-run Business Club, serves as an OSCPA Student Ambassador, and proudly represents the First Gen Cavs community.
Looking ahead, she hopes to work at an accounting firm that aligns with her values and ethics. Walsh is helping her take those steps now through internships, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences in the accounting world.
Sydney’s biggest motivation is her family, who she says constantly push her to be her best—personally and academically.
Her advice to future First Gen Cavaliers: “Take advantage of everything. Explore as much as you can in your studies and outside of school too.”
