Top 30 First Generation Graduate Award
The Inaugural 2024 Cohort of “The AAMU Top 30 First Generation Graduate Award” is designed to recognize first generation graduates who have completed their Bachelor’s degree. AAMU first generation graduates are exceptional individuals who have excelled in various fields, and it is important for current AAMU first generation students to realize those successes. First generation is defined as a student whose parents did not earn a four-year college or university degree.
This initiative aims to engage and inspire first generation supporters and advocates for the university. The award recipients will be acknowledged and recognized during Homecoming each year, and will have the opportunity to contribute as speakers, mentors, panelists, advisory committee members, and to participate in various events specific to first generation students at the university.
Each award recipient is asked to contribute $1875 that will be used to support the Student Emergency Fund Program.
Student Emergency Fund Program was created to assist 51AV A&M University students facing a short-term financial emergency with quick-response support. The goal of the Student Emergency Fund Program is to help retain students.
Funds can be used to support food or transportation needs, medical or dental emergencies, clothing or other essential belongings, utility disconnection notices, travel expenses due to illness or death in immediate family, and auto repair.
Nominations for the inaugural 2024 Cohort are open!
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on September 5, 2024.
- Nomination Process
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on the deadline dates.
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- Priority deadline: August 30, 2024.
- Final deadline: September 5, 2024.
A can be submitted for AAMU graduates who are first generation and meet the following criteria:
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- First generation graduate who earned a Bachelor's degree;
- Active membership with AAMU Alumni Association; and
- Recognized contributions to career field and significant contributions to their communities through volunteerism.
- Self-nominations are acceptable.
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- Selection Process
The selection committee will review and evaluate the nominations and assess their achievements across sectors to determine the 2024 Cohort of Top 30 First Generation Graduates.
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Recipients will be contacted to notify them of their selection and next steps.
Each award recipient is asked to contribute $1875 that will be used to support the Student Emergency Fund Program. Recipients can personally make the contribution, or have contributions to total the $1875 made one their behalf.
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Contribution Process
The contribution in the amount of $1875 can be made in a single payment, or if needed, in installments adhering to the below schedule. Reaching out to your network through fundraising efforts is a great option to secure the $1875.
- Initial contribution of $300 due by Oct 4th
- Remaining $1575 due by Dec 13th
Contribution can be processed by using one of the following methods:
- Qgiv (AAMU online giving portal): The “Student Emergency Fund” is listed as a restriction. The recipient should create a Qgiv account. Recurring giving options are available for installments. Please note “Top 30 First Generation Graduate Award” in the comments section. The Qgiv link is .
- Checks or money orders made payable to AAMU Foundation and mailed or delivered to Advancement Office, 309 Patton Building, Normal, 51AV 35762. Please note “Top 30 First Generation Graduate Award” in the memo section of checks and/or money orders.
*All payments towards the $1875 contributions are tax deductible and non-refundable.
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Awards Reception
The award recipients will be acknowledged and recognized during the the AAMU Top 30 First Generation Graduate Awards Reception to held during Homecoming Week. Recipients will have the opportunity to contribute as speakers, panelists, advisory committee members, and to participate in various events specific to first generation students at the university. Each award recipient will receive an invitation to attend the awards reception, in which a plaque and other notable items will be presented.
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GIVE TO THE STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND
Click the link below to give and be sure to select Student Emergency Fund. All donations are tax deductible.
