On Sunday, July 20th, more than 25 students and their parents came together with 15 alumni in New York City, to welcome the incoming Class of 2029. For the first time, the Yale Black Alumni Association partnered with 1stGenYale and the Yale Latino Alumni Network to host the send-off. The incoming Class of 2029 came from all NY boroughs, with alumni ranging from the Classes of '81 to '25.
The event began with informal mingling among alumni, parents, and incoming students, followed by a shared meal of pizza and beverages. After one hour into the program, Juan Carlos (JC) Salinas ’03 MFA introduced himself and highlighted many of Yale’s resources, most notably the cultural centers. He advised students to note the difference between their talents and passions and to figure out where they align. He warned them not to carry the burden of others' expectations, and instead to be open to the guidance of their first-year counselors and peer mentors, saying, “Be open to change.”
Shortly after, Lise Chapman ’81 MBA introduced 1stGenYale and its programming focused on first-generation, low-income (FGLI) Yale students throughout the year. She added that the next event is a special family picnic for FGLI students, if their parents cannot attend Yale's annual Family Weekend. Lise added, "If parents are at Yale, they are most welcome at our special family picnic."
In the crowd was also the father of two Yalies — Brian Reyes ’20 who now attends Yale Law School, and his sister, who is an incoming freshman at Yale. “In my experience, one of the central challenges of higher education, which affects all other aspects of one’s education, is going from being a newcomer on campus to feeling at home,” Reyes shared. “I think 1stGenYale’s send-off has given the students a head start on feeling at home.”
The discussion concluded with a Q&A, in which alumni answered questions from incoming students, such as how to apply for extracurricular activities, how to choose a major, and what to expect during their first few weeks at Yale. Alumni were eager to share their advice with the students and encouraged them to explore their interests as freely as possible.
After the group discussion, laughter filled the room as alumni and students continued to have lively conversations about all things Yale.
Lise and JC both shared, “This is our third year for 1stGenYale and Yale Alumni Latino Network hosting, now we are thrilled to have the YBAA join us. We hope that next year, we will include other YAA Shared Interest Groups."
The next 1stGenYale event, 1stGenYale Summer Bulldogs Internship Fair, will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, 2:30-5:00 pm at the Office of Educational Opportunity in Sterling Memorial Library. If you would like to host a table for your nonprofit or for-profit company, please visit tinyurl.com/sb26fair. You do not need to be an alum to participate.
See the entire photo album from the event here!
