I’m First is a Student Club that provides support and resources to first-generation students. The club helps students gain and develop leadership skills through qualifiable and quantifiable experiences that can be highlighted on job applications, college essays, and college transfer applications.
The Club creates space for first-generation students to connect with alumni, recent graduates, and professionals who share similar experiences.
Club Advisors:
Advisor Ra’Shi Common and Co-Advisor Jenna Flemal are both first-gen graduates.
2019: Ra’Shi began working with Trip before transitioning to I’m First after Madison College gained its designation.
2017: Jenna graduated from Madison College, later transferring out of UW-Platteville in 2020.
I’m First Meetings:
Biweekly on Mondays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Rise Learning Center
Access: While in-person attendance is encouraged, virtual meetings are available to students unable to attend in person.
For more meeting information: Click Here
I’m First Upcoming Events:
First-Gen Journey Art Gallery
Why: Celebrate and honor the voices and visions of Madison College’s first-generation community.
Who: Hosted by the Retention Initiatives and Student Engagement (RISE) Office.
When: Nov. 5 – Dec. 5, 2025
What: First-gen students, alumni and the campus community are invited to submit artwork for November’s exhibit
How to submit: surveymonkey.com/r/FirstGenShow
Deadline: Oct. 5
Where: The Gallery at Truax.
Logo Redesign Contest
I’m First is looking for first-gen designers to redesign its logo in celebration of the clubs ninth anniversary this November
- The artists whose logo redesign is chosen will get $100 stipend.
- For more information email: [email protected]