Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 8, 2026, as First-Generation College Graduate Day in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1582

BY: M. of A. Rules (Cashman)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        November  8,  2026,  as   First-Generation   College
        Graduate Day in the State of New York

  WHEREAS,  A  "first-generation  college student" means an individual
whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree, or in the case of
any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only
one parent, an individual whose parent did not complete a  baccalaureate
degree; and

  WHEREAS,  November  8th honors the anniversary of the signing of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson on  November
8, 1965; and

  WHEREAS,   First-generation  college  graduates  represent  a  vital
component of New York State's workforce and civic life, contributing  to
economic  growth, innovation, public service, education, healthcare, and
community leadership; and

  WHEREAS,  New  York  State  is  home  to  a  diverse  population  of
first-generation college graduates educated through the State University
of  New  York, the City University of New York, independent colleges and
universities, and other accredited institutions of higher education; and

  WHEREAS,  The  success   of   first-generation   college   graduates
strengthens   families   and   communities,   expands  intergenerational
opportunity, and serves as a powerful example to  future  students  that
higher education is attainable, regardless of background; and

  WHEREAS,  First-generation  college  graduates often play a critical
role in advancing educational equity by returning to  their  communities
as mentors, educators, professionals, and advocates for access to higher
education; and

  WHEREAS,  Recognizing First-Generation College Graduate Day provides
an  opportunity  to  honor  perseverance,   resilience,   and   academic
achievement  while  reaffirming New York State's commitment to expanding
access, affordability, and student success  in  higher  education;  now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul  to  proclaim  November  8,  2026,  as
First-Generation  College  Graduate Day in the State of New York; and be
it further

  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and to such other entities as deemed appropriate.