Center for Educational Opportunity Programs

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Marsha McCartney, Ph.D.
Program: Faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation college student. I take pride in sharing my own journey, supporting first-gen students, and normalizing the struggles of these students. I want FGCS to see the possibilities when they have guidance and encouragement!"

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Kevin Foster, B.S.
Program: Assistant Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because... in my current role, I have the amazing privilege of working every day with first-generation college students. As a first-gen student myself, I understand the financial and personal challenges that come with being the first in your family to go to college. I was incredibly fortunate to have a family willing and able to support me through my journey, but not all of us share that same story. I have profound respect for our first-generation population, and aim to do everything in my power as a financial aid administrator to advocate for and support students as they navigate the financial barrier of obtaining a degree. It is an absolute honor to serve our students, and I hope to do so for many more years to come!"