November 8 is National First-Generation College Student Day. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides equal opportunity for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. Towson University was selected as a member of the First Scholars Network this past summer for its commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students.
There are several first-generation college students amongst the over 500 Tiger student-athletes on campus that are making an impact on and off their playing fields, all while carrying the load of being the first member of their family to graduate from college.

Demi Pierre, a graduate student from Sweden, has been on the women's soccer team for five seasons. Her freshman year, she was on the CAA All-Rookie Team and now in her fifth season with CAA Coach of the Year, Katherine Vettori, has made school history winning its first CAA Regular Season and Conference Championships.

"I chose Towson because I saw it as a great opportunity for me to combine soccer and traveling while pursuing a degree," Pierre reflected. "When Coach Katherine reached out, I could feel that the program would be a nice home away from home."

Demi is the first person to go to college from her family, but she attributes the strong work ethic and mentality to the attributes that were instilled in her by her parents.

"Even though both of my parents haven't attended a university, they have both started their own companies and always worked hard for the life that we have," said Pierre. "This has helped me immensely to form the mentality to keep pushing and pursuing higher degrees. It feels great that I have been able to achieve the academic milestones that I have so far, and I know that my parents and family are very proud of me."
This past weekend the Towson Women's Soccer team made even more history by clinching an NCAA Tournament automatic bid by winning the CAA Conference Tournament Championship. This will always be something that Demi remembers when looking back at her time in the States, but it's the full student-athlete experience that she has been able to gain that stands out.

"The highlights of my experience at Towson have been meeting friends for life and experiencing things that I would have never experienced at home in Sweden," said Pierre. "Both of my parents are happy that I have been given this opportunity and that I am able to do what I love all while creating a future for myself."

The Tiger Athletic Fund strives to connect alumni, parents, and community members with the mission of Towson Athletics, to be able to provide and enhance the student-athlete experience at TU. Whether it's a first-generation women's soccer player from Sweden or someone born and raised in Towson, the Tiger Athletic Fund supports all of the efforts to recruit, retain and celebrate its 500 student-athletes who are making a difference in all that they do at TU.

"I would like to say a big thank you to those who help our program through donations," expressed Pierre. "Without people who believe in the progress of our program, and can help through valuable donations, it would be difficult for us as a team to achieve the results we want. You guys make it possible, and we are extremely grateful for it!"

To learn more about the Tiger Athletic Fund and how to help elevate the student-athlete experience at Towson, please visit www.towson.edu/taf. 

GOH Tigers!