Taking pride in being a first-generation college student can run deep, but the most fashionable, student-designed swag remains hidden unless you know where to look.  

Alex Elbaz

First-gen students, who represent about 27% of University of Minnesota students, have a strong sense of their identity. 

Yet it’s challenging to find fashionable pride gear that isn’t the same old maroon-and-gold hoodies, mugs and graduation stoles with the First-Gen Proud logo. 

The First-Gen Student Success Center in Appleby Hall has a solution with student-designed merchandise..Here are some of the key items:

• First-Gen Proud beanies: Knit in signature maroon and gold, these one-size-fits-all caps are free at the center.
• “1G” logo black-and-white T-shirts: Sized small to 4XL at no expense, the tees feature a minimalist white “1G” logo over the right chest with a First-Gen Proud graphic across the back.
• Mentoring program sweatshirts: Designed for First Too and First to Go in black and white in sizes small to 4XL, these come complimentary for program participants.
• Everyday accessories: Freebies at the center’s front desk include standard maroon, gold and white buttons, center stickers, a number-one-shaped keychain and a zippered black “1G” ID pouch.

Kaitlin McKinley, student engagement coordinator for the center, said the merchandise helps distinguish first-gen students on campus. 

“You can’t tell who’s first-gen and who’s not just by a quick glance, and with so many students on campus, it can be overwhelming,” McKinley said. “So I think having anything that’s first-gen branded automatically signals like, ‘Hey, I share that in common with you,’ or this is an aspect I’m proud of that I want to share.”