Angela V. Hill was the guest speaker at LU’s First Gen awards, May 1 in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center. UP photo by Maria Rodriguez
Lamar University hosted its First Gen Student awards celebration, May 1 at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.
Angela V. Hill, provost/vice president of Lamar Institute of Technology, was the guest speaker. Hill spoke about her experience as first generation college student and her time at Lamar.
First Gen students graduating in May and August 2026 received a medallion to wear at commencement.
The ceremony highlighted accomplishments for First Gen students who received an engraved plaque.
The academic accomplishment award required a minimum of 3.5 GPA with completion of advanced honors and outstanding academic achievements. The award went to Mohamed Irhabi.
The champion awards are given to an individual, group, department or college that supports First Gen success. Teressa Robertson, assistant director of local engagement at the LU Center for Resiliency, presented the awards.
The student winner was Harvest Fairchild. Lamar’s staff council, the Student Success Committee, won the group award. Zanthia Smith, interim department chair of Deaf studies and Deaf education, was given the faculty champion award.
The community service award honors those involved in volunteering who demonstrate humanitarian, environmental, educational or charitable efforts. They serve as role models with a passion for helping others, Robertson said. The award went to Christie Luong.
The global impact accomplishments recipients makes an impact on campus beyond the local level, Robertson said, adding they are making contributions to enhancing Lamar’s global impact through research, education and service. The recipient was Antonio Lopez Maldonado.
The impactful leadership is given to an individual who is involved in campus communities while mentoring and empowering others. They demonstrate initiative and inspire others to work collaboratively, building strong, collaborative or influential relationships, Robertson said. The award went to William Hammers.
The research accomplishment winner must have completed relevant research, with supporting evidence and a significant, measurable impact. The research or study must be for greater knowledge or understanding of fundamental aspects of phenomena, Robertson said. The award went to Sergio Mendez.
For more information, visit, www.lamar.edu/firstgen.