Explore stories of resilience and determination from UW-Whitewater’s first-generation college students at the pop-up exhibit “First-Generation College Celebration,” opening this week and on display outside Roberta’s Art Gallery from November 2 through November 6, 2026. The UW-Whitewater First-Generation Team hosts this exhibit to commemorate the first-generation Warhawks and their accomplishments. The exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, November 5, from 12 to 2 p.m. The reception will include light refreshments and a brief program led by Chancellor Corey A. King and other first-gen Warhawks from 12 to 12:30 p.m.
“First-Generation College Celebration” presents personal stories, quotes, and experiences from current first-gen students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni. Photographs taken by Craig Schreiner, UW-Whitewater photographer, will be on display. Included in the exhibit are Gabby Dralle, chief of staff and senior strategy and compliance officer for Chancellor Corey A. King; Katrina Fonseca, senior communications sciences and disorders major, mother, and full-time student; Maria McClain, senior human resource management major and U.S. Army veteran; John Venable, junior English major with a passion for theatre, residence hall assistant, and Rock County campus graduate; and Isaiah Robinson, sophomore kinesiology major, alumnus of the Forward Scholars Program, and guard on the Warhawk Men’s Basketball Team.
This exhibit recognizes the efforts made at the National First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC), which officially takes place on November 8, 2026, to raise awareness and visibility for first-gen students. According to the FGCC, first-gen undergraduate students account for 54% of the national total. At UW-Whitewater, 35% of students are first-gen, and at the UW-Rock County campus, 58% are first-gen. For more information about first-generation students at Whitewater, view the website.
About Roberta’s Art Gallery
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center (UC) at UW-Whitewater. The gallery hosts multiple exhibits each semester by collaborating with local and regional artists. Exhibit hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Roberta’s Art Gallery strives to make art accessible to all, offering free exhibits and receptions for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a student, a Whitewater community member, or someone who wants to support the artist, feel free to stop by. For questions or further information, contact Roberta’s Art Gallery at (262) 472-3193 or ucart@uww.edu, or visit our website.
