BU Today Close Up: Brianna Bourne
Briana is a first-generation college graduate and worked at the Newbury Center during her undergraduate degree. She has now graduated from BU twice within the past three years.
Defining First-Generation Students
Terrier F1RSTS
Thousands of BU students are the first in their families to attend college or to seek graduate and professional degrees. We proudly call them “Terrier F1RSTS.” We admire the resilience and self-reliance of these trailblazing students and strive to provide practical resources to help them succeed. Get to know some of our Terrier F1RSTS by checking out the videos on the “Learn More” page.
News
BU Today Close Up: First-Generation Pinning Ceremony
BU Photographer Cydney Scott highlights a moment where the undergraduate student speakers shared what graduating means to them and their families through a photo at the first-generation pinning ceremony on May 15, 2026.
BU Today Graduation Feature: “The Two Kims”
Kim Nguyen (CAMED’26) & Kim Ta (CAMED’26) share their experiences at BU and finding community at the Newbury Center as graduate students. Read the BU Today article.
2026 Newbury Center Summer Fund Application Open!
Newbury Center Summer Fund Application Now Live for 2026 The Newbury Center Summer Fund is a selective program designed for a small cohort of first-generation undergraduate students. It provides a living allowance stipend of $4,500 to support participation in experiential learning opportunities during the summer. It is funded from a generous donation to the Newbury Center. […]
First-Gen Graduation Pinning Ceremony 2026
First-Generation Graduation Pinning Ceremony 2026 Graduation is always a reason to celebrate, but it’s an especially proud occasion for first-generation students. Before Commencement each May, we hold a pinning ceremony to celebrate BU’s first-gen graduates. Each student participating in the ceremony invites a guest—a family member or other supporter—who will have the honor of “pinning” […]
Newbury Center Celebrates Launch of 5th Edition of Elevate Magazine
By Maha Uddin Just last week on March 26, the Newbury Center celebrated the launch of Elevate Magazine, created by and for first generation college students at Boston University. The event was intimate and the audience was full of artists and writers who had graciously contributed to the magazine. It was refreshing to finally put […]
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony – April 7, 2026
Boston University's Spring Induction Ceremony for the Gamma Iota Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society took place on April 7, 2026 at 6PM EDT. We welcome these inductees to the Boston University Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society: Undergraduate Student Inductees Undergraduate Student Inductees Graduate & Professional Student Inductees Graduate & […]
The Newbury Center’s Fifth Birthday Celebration
by Maha Uddin Unlike the harsh winter cold outside, the Newbury Center was warm and welcoming, especially on its birthday. Last Thursday, on February 5, 2026, the Newbury Center celebrated its 5th birthday alongside students and staff. There were cupcakes to celebrate, warm wishes to write onto the community art project, and games to […]
Upcoming Events and Workshops
First-Gen Crafts & Chat
First-Gen Summer Lunch
First-Gen Crafts & Chat
Newbury Center Closure - Juneteenth
First-Gen Summer Lunch
First-Gen Crafts & Chat
Newbury Center Closure - Independence Day (Fourth of July)
First-Gen Summer Lunch
Student Centers & Organizations
A First-Gen Forward Institution
Boston University is proud to have been named a First-gen Forward institution. This designation recognizes our commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.