More Than a Degree: First-Gen Students Find Purpose at Moorhead

On First-Generation College Celebration Day, held each Nov. 8 in honor of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, we think of the 40.7% of Minnesota State Moorhead students who are the first in their immediate families to enroll at a university and experience how college is about more than getting a degree.

When asked about their undergraduate experiences, Moorhead students mention how all facets of student life, including athletics, clubs, community involvement, music and more, have helped them figure out who they are, what they care about and what they want to do next.

Actuarial science student learns that it's more than just math

Franky Hernandez's educational journey began three years ago when he arrived at Minnesota State Moorhead to pursue an actuarial science degree. 

"Moorhead was one of the only non-private schools in Minnesota that offered this degree," he says. 

Franky chose his major based on his strong math skills. One of his favorite classes was financial mathematics. "It's the course that most i²Ôterested me. It shows you how to compound interest, bonds, and life insurance."

Franky's other courses are helping him prepare for exams offered by the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society, which are required to be an actuary in the insurance field. 

Franky has a full schedule, working a part-time job while attending school. But he leans on faculty for support.

"My advisor, Dr. Adam Goyt, is always willing to help me decipher what I should do next," he says.

Over the past few years, Franky has learned that not only can he try new things, but he can successfully accomplish them on his own: "I know I can do a lot more than I think I can." 

As Franky prepares for his actuary exams, he sees that math isn't just about solving problems, it's about understanding himself, his discipline, and the future he's building. Each formula brings him one step closer to helping families like his find security and confidence in numbers.

Criminal justice student is a gamer, thespian, sorority member and musician

Jacee  Stachovich knew what she was interested in from a young age.

"When I was growing up, I watched the show Forensic Files. I became fascinated with it," she says.

Dreaming of being a forensic psychologist, Jacee will graduate this fall with degrees in psychology and criminal justice – the first in her family to complete a bachelor's degree.

While taking on something new, she's also stuck to some of her favorite interests. Minoring in music allows her to keep up with flute and saxophone, and the many ensemble options at Moorhead let her try new i²Ôstruments.

"I've played flute for 12 years, tenor saxophone for 10, and while at Moorhead I joined the Dragon Drumline and Jazz Ensemble," she says.

Jacee is also i²Ôvolved with clubs on campus. She regularly attends meetings of the Gamer's Club and Association  for  Computing Machinery, as well as being a part of the Delta Zeta sorority and founding the Theater Club. Additionally, she works on campus as a Dragon Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and encouraging them to explore new opportunities.

"I tell them to try new things," she says. "I know they've heard it before, but that's how I met my closest friends."

While at Moorhead, Jacee's professors have continually encouraged her, especially Professor Geraldine Sloan. "She pushed me outside of my comfort zone to go on a study abroad trip. Sloan is one of my biggest supporters," she says.   

Jacee has made the most of her time at Moorhead, from joining and starting clubs, performing in numerous music ensembles, and working on campus. She has consistently found ways to practice her passions while creating new ones and i²Ôspiring others to do the same.

Biology student shares her research with classmates at the Student Academic Conference

First-generation biology student Sophie Schreifels is confident in her choice to attend Minnesota State Moorhead because of the numerous opportunities available in the School of Science.

Her love for biology started in high school, thanks to a teacher who taught the subject in a fun and engaging way.  

"Science has always clicked for me growing up, and I knew I wanted to help people, so going into biology was a no-brainer," Sophie says. 

Sophie says the professors in the Biosciences Department are kind and understanding. "They are willing to work with students if something comes up. They understand that students have a life outside of class."

Her favorite course so far has been anatomy, partly because there are only a few schools in the area that offer anatomy labs with cadavers.  

Outside of her major, Sophie has appreciated other opportunities to grow. Although public speaking is one of her biggest fears, Moorhead's Student Academic Conference (SAC) helped her overcome that. "I was able to research a topic of interest in depth and share it with an entire room of people," she says. "I would not have that opportunity if I didn't go to Moorhead."

Psychology student plays intramural sports and attends on-campus events

First-generation college student Kevin Galicia feels a mix of pride and excitement as he immerses himself in psychology courses and in extracurricular activities.

Initially enrolled in computer science courses, Kevin switched to psychology after realizing his passion for understanding people and helping others. He hopes to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and believes Moorhead is the best place to kickstart his dream.

"My favorite class was personality, taught by a professor who's a clinical psychologist," he says.

Outside the classroom, Kevin enjoys attending campus events and participating i²Ô clubs.

"It's a great way to meet new people and bond over a shared interest," he says. "I have met some of my closest friends i²Ô intramural sports and at welcome week and on-campus events."

Getting involved in activities outside of academics helps Kevin fully enjoy living in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

"There is so much to offer here, and  I am happy to call Moorhead home," he says.

Education student teaches in local classrooms, leads children's summer activities and participates in music ensembles

For Averi Benson, choosing Minnesota State Moorhead was an easy decision. Just minutes away from where she grew up in West Fargo, Moorhead offers a close-knit community and an immersive education program.

"Professors are passionate, caring and want you to succeed," she says.

Averi is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary inclusive education with minors in Spanish and music. From her first semester, she was creating lesson plans, teaching, and discovering what it means to inspire young minds. "You get to see if teaching is for you right away," she says. 

The education program also has practicum experiences that take Averi beyond campus, giving her the chance to work in a variety of educational settings. From a kindergarten classroom at S.G. Reinertsen Elementary in Moorhead to Micah's Mission, a program affiliated with Churches United, Averi has seen education firsthand in various settings. "Working in diverse environments helps me understand how teachers adapt to meet students where they are," she says. 

As a first-generation student, Averi has made the most of every opportunity that comes her way. "My parents have always valued education," she says. "Even though they didn't go to college, they've always encouraged me to pursue what I love and keep learning."

While not in class, Averi has built vibrant and meaningful experiences through clubs and on-campus jobs. She participates in intramurals, plays in the lacrosse club, and performs in choir, orchestra and Dragon Scales, a student-led vocal jazz group.

Averi was a camp ambassador for College for Kids and Teens last summer and will teach a class in Summer 2026. She is also a Dragon Ambassador, practicing leadership skills as families visit campus.

Averi has gained confidence through these experiences and by collaborating with people from different backgrounds. "College has helped me try things I never would have before and become a better version of myself," she says.

More than half, more than a degree

According to , first-generation students represent more than half of all undergraduates in the U.S. On First-Generation College Celebration Day, we celebrate the achievements of first-generation students at Minnesota State Minnesota - students like Franky, Jacee, Sophie, Kevin, and Averi.

As these students share their experiences of Moorhead's academic excellence, more than half of them mention how campus art opportunities, music groups, athletics, student organizations, and partnerships with the community have also had a significant impact on their college experience.