Washburn University will recognize two first-generation families of the year February 22

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University will celebrate its “First-generation Family of the Year” during halftime of the Washburn Women’s basketball game Feb. 22, in Lee Arena, in the Petro Allied Health Center. The game begins at 1 p.m. Washburn will recognize two families this year for their dedication to and enthusiasm for the university – the Asamoah and Martinez families. Washburn University Vice President for Student Life Eric Grospitch will make comments and introduce the students and their families.

      “Washburn takes opportunities throughout the year to celebrate our students – their accomplishments and the ways they give back to our community,” said Grospitch. “Our first-generation students have a unique perspective of the higher education experience and enrich the learning experience for us all.

     “This year, we have two students who were very involved in campus life. They happened to serve as our president and vice president of the Washburn Student Government Association together, and they both deserve this recognition.”

Tevin Asamoah

      Tevin Asamoah graduated in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Asamoah started his life after high school in the military. After serving our country, he followed a dream of becoming a physician to Washburn University to pursue his undergraduate degree. As the first member of his family to attend college, this was a new world for Asamoah.

      “There are some ways in which this makes me feel like I am living my ancestors’ wildest dreams. I am a first generation American, and first-generation college student,” said Asamoah. “I'm hoping to be one of the first in my family but by no means the last. The impacts are not yet directly felt but theoretically there are new doors open that I just need to knock on.”

      Knowing which doors to knock on isn’t always clear when you first step onto a college campus. It can feel overwhelming and lonely.

      Asamoah shared, “It was only through the combined efforts of my kin, my community and every Ichabod that I encountered that I was able to be successful on campus. Initially, when I arrived at Washburn, I was very much a parking lot to parking lot student. Until two students introduced me to WSGA [the Washburn Student Government Association], Dr. Reed [associate professor of biology] got me into the Biology Club, a member of BSU [Black Student Union], found me at a BOWTIE [Broadening Our World, The Ichabod Experience] event and got me into BSU, and OSID [the Office of Student Involvement and Development] and the Office of Student Life took me (and several others) to NCORE. Before I knew it, I was involved in the robust ecosystem of WU and was it a constant hustle.”

        Asamoah found that these experiences enriched his time at Washburn and helped him understand himself and his potential better.

        “My goals in coming to Washburn initially were to get a degree in something so I could be the first physician in my family. The people of Washburn granted me experiences I neither planned nor imagined and showed me so much more along the way than I can summarize,” said Asamoah.

       Asamoah’s involvement at Washburn left a positive impact on his fellow Ichabods – students, faculty and staff – as well. Among his many activities, he served as vice president of WSGA, providing direct leadership to the campus.

       Throughout his academic and extracurricular activities, he has had his family’s support.

       Asamoah shared, “My family has been alongside me in spirit 100 percent of the way from about 1,700 miles away. Every day that I showed up on campus - rain, shine, snow (or even when class was canceled, and I just didn't check my email) - I came to fulfill a dream. I showed up to live a life I didn't think was available to me or my parents, my family supported me.”

      Asamoah accomplished his goal of earning his bachelor’s degree. During his journey he supported and inspired his fellow Ichabods, and he showed his family what is possible. He is currently pursuing his career in South Carolina with his family by his side.

Antonio Martinez

      Antonio Martinez plans to graduate in May 2025 with his Bachelor of Health Science in public health. While Martinez is a first-generation college student in that his parents do not have post-secondary degrees, he was inspired to attend college and Washburn University by a close family member, his sister. Natasha Martinez graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Washburn in 2017.

     Antonio shared, “In the small town I am from, where the college-going rate is low, the decision made by my sister in middle school to pursue a college education was groundbreaking. As the first in our family to embark on this transformative journey, her choice set a powerful precedent, a testament to the boundless possibilities that education could offer. Our father, an immigrant who faced challenges, worked tirelessly to provide us with the opportunity for a quality education and a chance at success.

     “An amazing moment unfolded when he witnessed my sister being sworn into the Missouri Bar at the Supreme Court two years ago. This was a remarkable achievement that showed the profound impact education can have on an individual and a family. In a building that my dad should have never stepped into before, the future of my family changed due to the impact of higher education.”

    While Natasha’s journey inspired Antonio to dream in different ways, he still had doubts that his story would include college. Even after he reconciled his doubts and made his way to Washburn, Antonio still had to plot his own course.

     “Throughout my first year, I struggled with these thoughts [of doubt] and finding my own path was important to overcoming my identity outside of my sister. One of the most influential decisions that I have made in my college journey was getting involved in Washburn Student Government Association at the end of my first semester. Fast forward, two years later, I got handed the keys to the whole organization and was wondering what I got myself into, especially knowing my sister was never in this position. On the day I was elected student body president, seeing my whole family prioritize their attendance brought a point of pride and accomplishment. I finally felt I was on my own path. At President Mazachek's inauguration, I was honored to speak and have my mom in the crowd who later was able to be my plus one to a dinner neither of us imagined in our lives to be invited to.”

     Finding his place at Washburn included finding the organizations where he could use his talents like WSGA and find support, like with We Are F1rst, Washburn’s first-generation student organization. Finding support and inspiration also came with the faculty and staff Antonio met at Washburn.

     Antonio shared, “One exceptional individual at Washburn University, James Barraclough, has profoundly influenced not only my academic journey but also our family life. His unwavering support has been a source of guidance and inspiration, extending beyond traditional academic roles. James' encouragement during challenging times served as the motivation to persevere, not just for me, but for my sister as well. His influence within our family, symbolized by his central role in ordaining my sister's wedding. My mom frequently would bother me when I was frustrated or unsure what to do in my first year by saying "Why don't you go to James?" Washburn is not like a family, it is one.”

     Washburn’s unique environment of personally knowing faculty and staff is part of what fosters an environment where students who choose to get involved can find opportunities and start making a difference as undergraduates.

     “One of my greatest accomplishments at Washburn was the advocacy initiatives I established under my presidency within the State of Kansas. From the establishment of Kansas' First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8 to the inaugural State of Kansas First-Generation College Student Advocacy Day,” said Antonio. “These initiatives marked a transformative moment not only for Kansas but also for the nation, celebrating and sharing the journeys of countless First-Generation college students. The journey to these initiatives showcased the collective strength of our community and the impact we could have on a broader scale.”

First-Generation At Washburn

        Washburn considers a student first-generation if none of their parents or their legal guardians completed a bachelor’s degree (regardless of if siblings or other relatives have earned degrees). The university has multiple programs in place specifically to integrate first-generation students and their families into Washburn University and the college experience.

        “Washburn is committed to supporting these students and families, from the first conversation about their interest in Washburn through graduation,” said Dr. Alan Bearman, vice president for strategic enrollment management and student success, and libraries Washburn University. “Our work on behalf of these students has been recognized nationally.”

- 30 -