Celebrate our first-generation college graduates! Join us for a short ceremony where we will present the First Gen Proud stoles to the students graduating in Summer 2026.
Dates & Times will be posted later in the term.
If you don't see an answer to your question reach out to us at firstgen@txstate.edu and we'll be happy to assist you.
The deadline to RSVP for the spring 2026 Celebration is April 17.
Due to limited seating in the Alkek Teaching Theater, we are unable to accommodate late registration. Spring 2026 graduates who are unable to attend the ceremony may pick up their free First Gen Proud stole May 12-14.
Participating in the the First-Gen Graduation Celebration does not mean that a candidate has completed the requirements for graduation.
Graduating (receiving a diploma) and participating (walking across the stage) in the First-Gen Graduation Celebration ceremony are two distinctly different things. Students are considered graduated when they have officially met all of the following:
Ultimately, the final awarding of degrees, honors, and mailing of the diplomas is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the appropriate requirements by each candidate and the Dean’s final certification.
No, only students graduating this semester you are eligible to participate.
We will host a separate Celebration every semester (spring, summer, or fall). You may only participate in the semester in which you are officially graduating.
Yes. This event is for first-generation undergraduates and graduate students.
No, regalia (cap and gown) are not required. We kindly request that you do not wear regalia (cap and gown).
We ask that you do not wear regalia/robes. The attire is business casual. Wear what makes you feel confident and proud of accomplishing your degree goals!
Due to limited spacing and fire code constraints, guests may only bring the amount of guests they were approved for (maximum of 3). Graduates will receive an email the week before the celebration confirming their guest ticket count. Guests without a ticket will not be able to enter the Teaching Theater due to fire code policies.
Yes, all guests must have a valid ticket that will be claimed at the check-in table.
All seats in the Teaching Theater will be accounted for. Upon entering, guests will present their ticket to the usher who will help you to your seats.
Children age 2 and under will be admitted with the understanding that they must sit in the lap of the guardian accompanying the infant and cannot take up their own seat.
Tickets will be distributed the day of the event at the Teaching Theater. Graduates will receive an email the week prior to the Celebration confirming how many guest tickets they have been approved for.
Due to fire code constraints, guests without a ticket cannot be guaranteed a spot in the theater, and may not be permitted entrance based on attendance.
Yes, please bring your phone and a photo ID for check-in.
Please arrive between 9:10-9:50 a.m. to finalize check-in for the morning Celebration, and between 1:10-1:50 p.m. for the afternoon Celebration. The ceremonies will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so please remember to arrive early to complete check-in.
It is recommended that graduates and guests in need of accommodations arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
Check-in begins 50 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Ceremonies will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The reception will include opportunities to connect with the Alumni Association and Career Services. Photo opportunities will be arranged.
Come by for community, networking, and to strike a pose with the fam.
Allowed:
Prohibited:
No, there is not a walk-through or rehearsal for this ceremony.
The ceremony will last close to one hour. There will be photo opportunities for one hour following the ceremony.
If you are graduating this semester (undergraduate or graduate student), but cannot attend the celebration, you may do one of the following:
If you cannot attend the celebration, or claim your stole during the pick up window, then you may have a proxy (friend) pick up your stole for you. They will need to know your name and TXST Student ID (A01234567)
Only students graduating this semester are eligible to pick up a stole. Students graduating in another semester will receive communications regarding their stole distribution at a later time.
We are unable to lend stoles out for graduation pictures. Please attend the Celebration on May 9 to receive your free stole, or claim your stole May 11-12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Commons 229 (First Gen Lounge).
The First Gen Proud Stole comes with the First Gen Proud logo. Additional embroidery on stoles is not required. TXST and the University Bookstore do not offer embroidering services.
Many students contact area businesses to help with additional embroidery such as graduation years, degree, student organizations, and more.
Want to embroider your stole but don't know where to start? Head to the MakerSpace in Alkek One! They'll teach you the skills to create unique embroidery. The only cost to you is the cost of the material that you use, and there is never a charge for time. Book an embroidery session with the MakerSpace in Alkek One.
Round Rock students who are unable to attend the event, can pick up their stoles in Avery Building, Room 201, between May 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Round Rock students should email the Student Services office at sucessrrc@txstate.edu with additional questions about the Round Rock stole distribution.
Please email us two weeks prior to the celebration at firstgen@txstate.edu if you or a guest is in need of accessible seating or other accommodations.
Guests who need other accommodations not specifically addressed above (this includes parking) should contact the Office of Disability Services.
It is recommended that graduates and guests with disabilities plan to arrive 1–1.5 hours prior to the ceremony start time.
Graduates with disabilities are asked to identify their need and contact firstgen@txstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.
Since parking lots off campus may be private, guests are asked to observe all signs to avoid having their vehicles towed.
LBJ Pay-to-Park Garage at 704 Gaillardia St.
Edward Gary Garage located on the Northwest side of Edward Gary St. & University Drive.
Fees are as follows: 1-2 hrs $6, 2-3 hrs $8, 3-4 hrs $10, 4-5 hrs $12, and 5-6 hrs $14.
From IH-35 North (Austin): Get on I-35 South until you reach exit 206 to Aquarena Springs Drive, take the exit, and continue straight on Aquarena Springs Drive, staying in the left two lanes to go over the bride. Proceed straight onto University Drive at the Sessom Drive intersection. Keep right onto University Drive, and the Edward Gary Street Garage will be on your right, turn right on N LBJ Drive for entrance.
From IH-35 South (San Antonio): Travel North on I-35 until you reach exit 204 toward Seguin, SH-82 Loop West, turn Left at the stoplight, onto SH-123 W, continue onto S Guadalupe St., turn Right onto E. Grove St., turn Left onto S. LBJ Drive. Continue on S. LBJ Drive until you reach your destination on your right.
The closest parking garage will be the Matthews Street Garage, located past the LBJ Student Center on Student Center Dr. See driving & walking instructions above. Students must have a valid parking permit with the university.
Alkek Teaching Theater, Map Location
