All host institutions

More Than a Moment

Harvard University

Belonging moved from a private doubt to a public claim.

20161vyG conference archive
Students in conversation during the 2016 1vyG conference at Harvard
Harvard University · 2016

The conference story

Harvard made first-generation identity visible—and insisted visibility was not enough.

Harvard brought first-generation identity into public view, connecting more than 350 students, alumni, and administrators around pride, belonging, and institutional change.

Inside the gathering

A summit built around pride, contribution, and institutional change.

Claiming a place at Harvard

More than 350 students, administrators, and alumni arrived for the second 1vyG. Hosted by the Harvard College First Generation Student Union, the conference capped three years of organizing that had already made first-generation support more visible on campus.

Keynote speaker Prudence Carter challenged institutions to pursue integration, not demographic diversity alone. The weekend’s clearest symbol was dinner in Annenberg Hall: organizer Ana Barros returned with the conference community to a room she had once avoided because it made her question whether she belonged.

Participation
More than 350 students, administrators, and alumni
Student host
Harvard College First Generation Student Union
Theme
More Than a Moment