We are First-Gen @ CCA

These are the stories of first-generation college students at CCA. We are students, faculty, and staff. We are complex, multifaceted, unique, strong, and an integral part of the CCA community. We are learning, influencing, and guiding along with our communities. Our stories are about vulnerability, pride, struggle, ease, and growth. We share our stories so we will be the first of many to graduate from college and pursue our dreams through a creative education. We share our stories to increase awareness of the first-gen experience and to celebrate the accomplishments of our community.
CCA's 2021 First Annual First Generation College Celebration was held on November 8 and was sponsored by the President's Diversity Steering Group and the Office of the Provost. Logo by Dylan Spangler, Graphic Design.
Click here to share your story or show your support!
Voy a ser artista y el mundo no está preparado.
Bryan Dominguez, Painting + Drawing Major and Undergraduate Advising Assistant
Be Unafraid in the Face of Ambition!
Nya Serano, Painting + Drawing Major and Student Success Peer Mentor
Proving Myself
Robin Parks, Illustration Alum and Former Senior Academic Coach
Wanting to 'be somebody'.
Lynda Grose, Professor, Fashion Design and Critical Studies
Opening Creative Doors for My First-Gen Students
Anthea Black, Assistant Professor Printmedia

I Knew I Was First-Gen When...
Maxwell Leung, Associate Professor Critical Studies and Critical Ethnic Studies

Be Persistent
Suzanne Greva, Vice President of Finance, Accounting and Business Services

I was pretty sure I didn't belong in Art School
Helen Maria Nugent, Dean of Design
Echale Ganas
Yesenia Aguilar, CCA Alum, Individualized 2019, current Alumni & Friends Engagement Manager
Use Every Resource You Can
Leonard Crosby, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction
Second Act
Rosa De Anda, CCA Alum, MFA Creative Writing, Fiction 2018
Building Resilience in College through Mentorship
Bianca Ramos, Assistant Director of Advising & Student Success
The Story I was Never Told
Jeremy Khuth, Former Director of Residential Education
Never Supposed To Get This Far
Niko Bellott, Senior Director, Grants, Partnerships & Engagement
Make the Most of your Time at CCA
George Luis Sedano (he / him / él) - Vice President for Student Affairs