Celebrating first-generation college graduates across UBalt’s community
“College gave me a skill set to compete in the world and influence people. It just changed my life.” – Tyreco Colbert, B.S. ‘23
In our classrooms, offices and alumni network are brave individuals who made history in their families by being the first to graduate with a college degree.
The University of Baltimore community has long been a welcoming home for first-generation college students. For these students, whose parents didn’t earn a bachelor's degree, navigating the college process can be more difficult.
At UBalt, however, these students are in good company with 52.3 percent of the current student population also considered first-generation students.
Additionally, several members of the faculty and staff were once in a similar position, and are poised to offer the guidance and support they know from personal experience can be valuable.
JEMIA BELL-SANDY
Health Management student, graduating December 2023; Health Administration candidate
“Going to college, graduating seemed impossible. I've been an undergrad for six years, and I thought I would never see—I thought I wouldn't ever get this far.”
Read more about Jemia.
SAM DEAN
Science lab manager and adjunct professor; Cornell University Class of 2012, SUNY-ESF Class of 2017
“I didn't even realize that I was struggling, that I was a person who, as a first-generation college student, is kind of starting behind the starting line.”
TYRECO COLBERT
B.S. ’23 (Forensic Studies, Forensic Investigation concentration)
“I just feel like helping people is my calling, in a way, and my passion is law enforcement. So, I'll just put those two together and figure that I can do what I love and also heal people at the same time.”
Read more about Tyreco.
MICHELE WOODWARD
B.S. ’19, M.S. in Business-Finance student
“A lot of people that stop, especially for kid reasons, don't end up going back and the fact that I was able to go back and finish was great.”
Read more about Michele.
TONY DULANEY
Clinical Case Manager, UBalt’s Office of Student Support; UMBC Class of 2011; Towson University Class of 2013
“For my grandmother, that was her dream for me—to have a college education, to have the ability to have a good career and to be stable and to move forward in life.”
Going First is an ongoing series highlighting the students, alumni, faculty and staff part of the UBalt community who were the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree.