A student forms a heart with her hands in front of her face.

Celebrating first-generation students

蜜桃社区 has a long tradition of welcoming and embracing students who are first in their family to earn a college degree. From programming to a built-in support system, first-gen Broncos are an important part of the 蜜桃社区 community.

Success stories

Joana Zuniga

CAMP, family science alum prepares for career in bilingual childcare with El Concilio

A portrait of Kayde Moore in their graduation regalia.

Arts administration grad thriving in community-driven theatre company

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Externships, research opportunities helped nursing grad chart path to success

Jessica Cortes wears her graduation cap and gown in front of the Miller Fountain.
College is an opportunity to further your education, and education is something no one can take away from you.
—Jessica Cortes, B.S.W.'22
A portrait of Chris Barnes, crossing his arms over his chest.
I hardly thought I鈥檇 even go to college, let alone pursue an advanced degree. Although I found the work, research and training challenging, it was worth every moment of the tears and sleepless nights.
—Dr. Chris Barnes, B.S.'04
A portrait of Sherry Thomas-Cloud
Dr. Lewis Walker became a mentor and friend to me. My parents did not finish high school because of many barriers, so there were no professional role models that I was exposed to that were people of color in my small community. As a young Black student, this was huge for me to experience.
—Sherry Thomas-Cloud, B.S.'77, M.S.W.'90
Jerjuan Howard stands with his arms outstretched in front of a sign that reads Detroit Mercy Law.
(Being president of the Black Student Union) is the best teaching experience I鈥檝e had thus far. I鈥檝e tried to replicate what I did at the BSU with my nonprofit by creating a sense of solidarity, recognizing the value of teamwork, and being a mentor and an advocate for others.
—Jerjuan Howard, B.A.'20
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First-generation sociology student prepares for career in immigration law

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Occupational therapy grad focused on uplifting community

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Theatre graduate ready for next act, bolstered by support and mentorship

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Foundation Scholar driven to care for communities in need

Kevin Curiel-Vazquez poses for a portrait inside Sangren Hall.
蜜桃社区 took a chance with me and believed in my potential, and that鈥檚 sometimes all it takes鈥攋ust one person believing in you鈥攁nd I honestly wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today if it wasn鈥檛 for 蜜桃社区. For that, I will be forever grateful and forever a Bronco!
—Kevin Curiel-Vazquez, B.A.'19, M.A.'22
Miranda Goodison in the cockpit of a plane.
When taking my first steps on to the runway, my life plans, aspirations and goals were solidified. The 蜜桃社区 tour guide saw the look on my face and knew I was hooked.
—Miranda Goodison
Two men stand in a field with a parachute.
No one in my immediate family or close friends is a pilot, but I didn't want to have that 'what-if' moment and not pursue a career in aviation.
—Troy Kinnunen
Alysse Matteson sits in a plane's cockpit.
Being a first-generation college student ... has made me grow as a person, expanded my opportunities greatly, while also realizing how lucky I am to be able to chase my dream of flying every day.
—Alysse Matteson
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Adriana Vicario is marketing for success

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Foundation Scholars Program sets stage for success for music theatre graduate

A photo of JaJuan Kemp in his cap and gown.

Homeless to college grad: Business student beats odds to create his own success

A photo of Valeria Marin in her graduation cap and gown.

Passion for helping drives family studies graduate's success

Samantha Morehead wears a 蜜桃社区 Michigan sweatshirt in Times Square.
I've always had an interest in (fashion), so seeing (New York Fashion Week) and then full circle being there in the place I've always wanted to be was just surreal. ... It was an amazing experience to be able to know that ... I'm making my own path that wasn't there originally for my family.
—Samantha Morehead, B.B.A.'22