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.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

Newbury Center Welcome and Orientation – Spring 2026

What is a first-generation undergrad student?  A student in the first generation of their family to go to college (i.e., a student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did not earn bachelor’s degrees, although elder siblings and cousins may be attending college already or have earned four-year degrees). What is a first-generation graduate/professional student?  A student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did […]

The Newbury Center Takes on the Ballet

By Maha Uddin Just a few weeks before finals, the Newbury Center headed over to the Citizens Opera House located just a few minutes from the Boylston T stop. With almost 40 students joining, it was one of the center’s largest trips for the year! As is tradition for the past 5 years, we watched […]

Celebrating Military-Affiliated Terrier F1RSTS on Veterans Day!

We are excited to highlight three of our military-affiliated Terrier F1RSTS on Veterans Day! We thank ALL of our military-affiliated students, whether they are veterans, active duty, ROTC, in the Reserves, or family members! Name: Tony Cameron Home State: North Carolina Undergrad Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell Current Degree Program:  Master of Social Work, Online Program […]