First-Gen Students
This term describes a college student whose parents did not complete a four-year degree, even if a parent attended a two-year school or started but didn't finish a bachelor's.
What is a "first-generation college student"?
This is the nickname of Saint Mary's athletic teams, also the name of their mascot.
What is the Gael(s)?
HP's support team is made up of Coaches, Staff, and these students who work directly with HP students to build academic and leadership skills.
What are Peer Mentors?
This two-time Academy Award winner is an HP alum and visited HP in January!
Who is Mahershala Ali?
This center supports students exploring their cultural identity and hosts programming and safe spaces around race, ethnicity, and diversity on campus
What is the Intercultural Center (The IC)?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, roughly this fraction of all college students in the US are first-generation
What is one-third?
Saint Mary's was founded in this year, making it one of the oldest colleges in the western United States.
What is 1863?
Two students, part of the class of 2028, are the current lead peer mentors for the 2026-2027 school year.
Who are Franchesca and Mitchell?
This Assistant Dean of Students, a former USC activist who once worked with the Black Panther Party's breakfast program, was tasked by the College president with building the services that became HP.
Who is Tom Brown?
This confidential campus office provides free professional counseling and mental health support to all SMC students.
What is Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)?
This psychological pattern, common among first-gen students, involves persistent self-doubt and feeling like a fraud despite evidence of success
What is imposter syndrome?
These 3 cities have all housed Saint Mary's at some point in history.
What are San Francisco, Oakland, and Moraga
Peer Mentors host these events to give HP students a chance to get involved, learn about program offerings, and share feedback. (+200 if you can name all events!)
What are Kickbacks, Book/Streetsmarts, Helping Hands, and Mindfulness Moments
This is the year the High Potential Program was founded at Saint Mary's
What is 1973?
This office offers pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and interfaith programming for students of all backgrounds.
What is the Mission and Ministry Center?
This is the most common reason first-gen students cite for going to college
What is financial stability?
Saint Mary's is affiliated with this Catholic religious order, known for its commitment to accessible, transformative education, giving the college its "Lasallian" identity.
What is the De La Salle Brothers (Christian Brothers)?
Two recent SEBA alumni of Saint Mary's, this unstoppable (and humorous) duo were the lead peer mentors last year.
Who are Alexis & Antonio?
Beloved by generations of HP students, this history professor, Collegiate Seminar instructor, and HP director left such a mark on HP that even its signature color pays tribute to him.
Who is Dr. Dennis (Dr. D)?
This support service helps students facing food or housing insecurity access resources to meet their basic needs, a lesser-known but critical safety net on campus.
What is Essential Needs (the Essential Needs program)?
In 2019-20, this percentage of undergraduates was first-generation college students.
What is 25.8%? (26%-27% ok)
This NBA player and Australian Olympic star, famous for his buzzer-beater in the 2015 WCC Tournament, is one of SMC's most well-known basketball alumni.
Who is Patty Mills?
A group of students, these 7 are the peer mentors for the 2026-2027 school year
Who are Franchesca, Mitchell, Myiia, Pablo, Veronika, Wilberth, and Yamilet
HP was created after these two student organizations held a joint press conference and occupied the campus Chapel, demanding programs to support Black and Chicano students.
What are BSU (Black Student Union) and MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán / 'Chicano Student Movement of Aztlán')
Students use this platform, accessed through the Career Center, to find job postings, internships, and schedule career counseling appointments.
What is Handshake?