Sen. Jerry Moran among honorees as KU celebrates first-generation Jayhawks, advocates

LAWRENCE — The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) will celebrate first-generation Jayhawks and their advocates during the seventh annual “I Am First Too” poster unveiling ceremony from 3-4 p.m. Nov. 3. 

“I Am First Too” recognizes students, alumni, faculty and staff who were the first in their families to earn a college degree or who champion first-generation success. 

This year’s honorees embody the persistence and leadership that define KU’s first-generation community. Among the honorees is U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, a KU alumnus honored for his longstanding commitment to expanding educational access and supporting students across Kansas and beyond. 

“As a first-generation college student, I recognize a college education can be an avenue to open new doors and opportunities for young people,” Sen. Moran said. "Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported programs like TRIO and other initiatives to help first-generation students succeed because our state is stronger when every student – no matter their background – has the opportunity to achieve their goals.” 

2025 “I Am First Too” honorees are:

Alumni: Sen. Jerry Moran, Sabrina Gregersen, Ashley Hernandez, Curtis Nelson 

Faculty: Dallas Doane, Jennifer Delgado, Marsha McCartney 

Staff: Cassie Nix, Jesus Cooper-Pereda, Jody Johnson, Kevin Foster 

Student: Emily Costner 

“I Am First Too” is an initiative of CEOP’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, which provides personalized support services to eligible students, helping them achieve academic success and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. 

Gretchen Heasty, director of TRIO SSS, said the event helps first-generation students see themselves reflected in KU’s broader community. 

“When students see their stories reflected in others, it reminds them they’re not alone,” Heasty said. “The ‘I Am First Too’ campaign honors those who have blazed their own path and now use that experience to lift others up. It’s about belonging, pride and shared purpose.” 

Ngondi Kamatuka, CEOP director, said the initiative also reflects KU’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting student success. 

“First-generation students embody the determination that defines the University of Kansas,” Kamatuka said. “By recognizing leaders like Senator Moran and the many Jayhawks who have walked this path, we celebrate both individual achievement and the collective effort that makes those successes possible.” 

Posters from the “I Am First Too” campaign are displayed across the Lawrence campus to highlight the many Jayhawks who share first-generation experiences and to remind students that support is always within reach.