First Gen Lunch and Learn

Join the ICC, Student Success Center, and EOI for a First-Generation Lunch & Learn Panel designed to connect first-generation students with faculty and staff who can relate to their experiences and offer advice, encouragement, and mentorship. Hear from faculty, staff, students as they share their first-generation journeys, lessons learned, and insights on navigating college and building a successful academic and professional path. This will also highlight first-generation initiatives and resources available to students across campus. Lunch will be provided alongside the panel discussion.

Learn more about our Panel Below:

-Lake Obiagu is a Sociology Major in and in his senior year. He works in the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives and and co-hosts a podcast, on campus, called Connecting Sociology. He has been married for 16 years and is a father of 3. Before starting classes at UM-Flint, he served 13 years in the Marine Corps and lived in Japan for 4 years. After graduation he wants to be a researcher in public health and continue podcasting. When he is not in school, he is playing video games or watching movies with his family.

-Dr. Julie Ann Snyder has 30 years of experience in higher education, with expertise spanning residential life, student conduct, leadership, crisis management, wellness programming and services, academic success initiatives, and first-year experience. She has held roles at Albion College, Arizona State University and Bowling Green State University, where she served in multiple leadership capacities. She has served as Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at the University of Michigan-Flint for the past 10 years. As a first-generation college student and a first-generation American, Dr. Snyder has used her experience and research to focus on practices that can increase retention and graduation for low-income students. Above all else, she is the proud parent of two amazing children - Elijah and Liliana.

-Dr. Melissa A. Sreckovic, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education and Director of the Honors Program at the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is passionate about helping students navigate higher education and access opportunities that support their academic and professional goals. Her work as an educator, researcher, and administrator centers on creating more inclusive and supportive communities for students and individuals with disabilities.

-Shannon Resowski is the Director of Student Services for the College of Innovation and Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint. As a first-generation college student, she earned both her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and master’s degree in Higher Education from Grand Valley State University. Shannon served as an academic advisor for more than 13 years, helping students recognize their strengths and explore what is possible. She brings that same focus to her current role, creating an environment where students feel supported and empowered to shape their own path.

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Co-hosted with: Division of Student Affairs, Education Opportunity Initiatives, Student Success Center