CSU’s First-Generation Student Organization welcomes over 70 new members

Calvin Masten
The Ramspondents

The Colorado State University group welcomed their newest members at one of the largest induction and networking events the organization has ever hosted.

Joy, community, and passion filled Grand Ballroom D in the Lory Student Center on Nov 6., as the First-Generation Student Organization hosted an induction ceremony and networking event for more than 70 new official members.

Built on the pillars of academic support, community engagement, and inclusivity, CSU’s FSGO  offers a place for students’ experiences to be validated and discussed. The organization has and continues to be a place for first-gen Rams to find support and a sense of identity. 

That support was clearly seen with the welcoming of FGSO’s newest members. Gissele Bueno Castañeda, FGSO’s marketing director, said hosting an event of that magnitude was “absolutely amazing.” 

“It was so inspiring to see everyone come together and have the opportunity to make that event a reality,” Bueno Castañeda said. “One where we can celebrate first-gen students and have them be a part of a legacy that will be left and continued in the future.”

The induction ceremony and networking event began with speeches from Irving Mendoza Hinojos, the organization’s president, and Alondra Mendoza Hinojos, the organization’s vice president. Afterwards, the organization welcomed guest speaker Ivan Adolfo Mendoza Hinojos to the stage, a CSU alum and brother to the organization’s president and vice president. 

Once the speeches had concluded, the current FGSO officers were given their certificates by the organization’s director. From there, over 70 new members in the audience received their certificates as well.

“To me, it represents hope and proof of impact,” said Irving Mendoza Hinojos when asked what an incoming group this large means to him. “FGSO has grown from a small group of fewer than 10 students to now more than 80 members, and that growth reflects what can happen when you lead with heart, intention, and a commitment to an authentic community.”

After the certificates were handed out and pictures were taken, a game of networking bingo began. New members and audience participants were given bingo sheets with questions to ask fellow inductees, ranging from “how do you relax” to “what’s your favorite quote?” 

From students to alumni, and faculty to supporters, the entire ballroom was filled with networkers mingling and celebrating the accomplishments of the First-Generation Student Organization. 

One in four students at Colorado State University are first-generation students, one in five of those students being from the College of Business. 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, or NCES, 38% of students in undergraduate programs in 2020 were first-generation students. For comparison, the same set of statistics found that in 2011, 18% of students were first-generation. 

When asked about advice for future first-generation students considering a higher education, Bueno Castañeda admits it can be scary, but students shouldn’t be afraid to get involved. 

“You don’t need to have everything figured out, you are right where you need to be even if you feel lost, even if you don’t know what you want to do in life,” said Bueno Castañeda. “Higher education gives you the opportunity to explore that. Navigating higher education can be scary but there are so many people who want to help you navigate it, so don’t let fear stop you from pursuing higher education.”

Irving Mendoza Hinojos said that the journey isn’t easy, but if a first-generation student is even considering a higher education, that is a huge step towards embodying their ancestors’ greatest dreams.

“Every step in this journey is a moment of growth and a reflection of your strength. Higher education isn’t just about a degree, it’s about recognizing the power you carry and the path you’re creating for those who will come after you,” said Irving Mendoza Hinojos.”You deserve to take up space here, and take it proudly. Come as who you are, and leave as who you want to be.”

For more information regarding the event and CSU’s First-Generation Student Organization as a whole, check out their website here, or their Instagram at firstgencsu. 

Calvin Masten is a third-year Journalism and Media Communication major and Sociology minor at Colorado State University. His fondness for interpersonal stories and human connections drives his enjoyment of writing, editing, and filming.

By Maximus Vogt 
The Ramspondents

The City of Fort Collins will be offering free parking on Saturdays and city-designated holidays in downtown parking garages. 

Free parking went into effect on Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 3, at all three city parking garages: Firehouse Alley Parking Garage, Old Town Parking Garage and Civic Center Parking Garage, all of which are located in Old Town, Fort Collins. 

Parking is always free on Sundays and city-designated holidays including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On all other days, parking is free for the first hour then $1 for each additional hour. 

Parking Services Senior Manager Eric Keselburg said the hope is to support local businesses and make downtown’s holiday atmosphere more accessible. 

Maximus Vogt is an art history major and journalism minor at CSU, active in fine art happenings on campus. He is interested in the intersection of art, community and news. 

Bailey Borkowski
The Ramspondents

Fort Collins Parking Services will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 4, and Friday, Dec. 5, due to office relocation. During this closure staff will be checking phone and email messages. Their current office is located at 215 N. Mason St., which will close permanently on Thursday.

The new location of Fort Collins Parking Services is at 144 N. Mason St., Suite 5. This location will open on Monday, Dec. 8.

For drop off of  immobilization devices the location will remain in its current location in the parking lot just north of their current location at the corner of Maple Street and Mason Street. 

For any payments, people can pay citations online at the city's portal. The current in-person drop-off location, located at 215 N. Mason St., will permanently close on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The new drop-box will open on Thursday, Dec. 4 and will be located on the front door of the New Parking Services location.

For any questions you can email [email protected].

Bailey Borkowski is the station manager at CTV 11 and a journalism student at Colorado State University who focuses on reporting the full and accurate truth and keeping the Fort Collins community informed.