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Students can meet first-generation professionals and KU alumni at an informal gathering during First-Generation College Celebration Week.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
The route from a college classroom to a career is the subject of Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen, a University of Kansas networking event at the Jayhawk Welcome Center on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The gathering brings first-generation working professionals and KU alumni from different industries together with students for informal conversation. Students can ask about education and career paths, meet other first-generation students and practice making professional connections. Appetizers and mocktails are planned.
A useful question to bring might be how someone chose their field or which experiences helped them move from college into work. The event also offers a chance to learn about campus resources, whether a student is just beginning to explore careers or is further along in their studies.
Further reading: Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails & Mingle | University Career CenterUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Mocktails and Mingle follows the I am First Too Poster Unveiling, a TRIO-sponsored recognition of first-generation KU faculty and staff. The unveiling is at the Kansas Union Ballroom; the networking event is in a different building, with 15 minutes between their scheduled times.
Both are part of KU’s November 8–13 First-Generation College Celebration Week. The national celebration falls on November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which helped establish college-access and support programs.
Hawk Link, a program partner, helps students navigate university processes and find resources. Its initiatives include the Mentored Scholars Program, which supports first-generation students through mentorship and educational experiences, and the Tri Alpha honor society for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students.
Further reading: Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Hawk Link | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
The poster unveiling and networking event are scheduled at separate campus venues.
KU’s First-Gen Week page offers separate registration options for students and networkers. Registration requirements and admission terms are not specified; contact the University Career Center at [email protected] or 785-864-3624 to confirm.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Mocktails and Mingle is at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, 1266 Oread, Lawrence, KS 66045. The center says it has no dedicated parking and recommends the Mississippi St. Garage.
The building has a front entrance ramp and elevators serving all levels. The venue also lists an induction-loop system in event spaces A and B; the room for this gathering is not specified. For access questions, contact [email protected].
Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Jayhawk Welcome Center - KU Alumni ↗
No. KU says students from all majors and class levels, including first-year and graduate students, are welcome.
Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
KU offers separate registration options for students and networkers, but does not specify whether registration is required. Contact the University Career Center to confirm.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗ · Mocktails and Mingle: First-Gen - The University of KansasUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
Yes. It is scheduled before Mocktails and Mingle at the Kansas Union Ballroom. Allow for the change of venue; the schedule leaves 15 minutes between events.
First-Generation College Celebration Week | Hawk LinkUniversity of Kansas logo ↗
1266 Oread, Lawrence, KS 66045
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.