WKU News

Photo Caption: 2025-2026 Officers: Camden Haga, Vice President; Jacob Thomas, Treasurer; Sandy Cruz, President; Jamie Barradas Vazquez, Secretary; Talaya Guest, Public Relations

Western Kentucky University proudly celebrates the formation and successful inaugural year of the First-Generation Student Association (FirstToppers)—a student‑led organization advancing belonging, service and support for WKU’s first‑generation students. Founded by first‑gen students for first‑gen students, FirstToppers is about belonging, service, community and pride in our journeys.

Planned in spring 2025, the organization emerged from a dedicated formation committee composed of first-gen students who drafted its first constitution and articulated a vision centered on advocacy, community and student success.  The committee included: Peter Aung, Sandy Cruz, Alyssa Fisk, Dallas Lockhart, Talaya Guest, Rawa Sam, Alonzo Davis and Jessie Puii.

The 2025–2026 academic year marked the organization’s first official year as a registered student organization. During this foundational year, the FirstToppers elected their inaugural officers:

• President: Sandy Cruz
• Vice President: Camden Haga
• Secretary: Jamie Barradas
• Treasurer: Jacob Thomas
• Public Relations: Talaya Guest

Under President Sandy Cruz’s leadership, the FirstToppers quickly translated vision into action. Cruz provided exceptional leadership, maintaining a clear focus on building an organization grounded in community, service and meaningful support for first‑generation students. “The goal from the beginning was to build a space where first-generation students could feel a sense of belonging and pride in their journey,” Cruz said. “We wanted FirstToppers to be welcoming, impactful and service‑oriented—something students could rely on throughout their time at WKU.”

The First-Generation Student Association serves WKU students defined as first generation—meaning neither parent graduated from a traditional four‑year college in the United States. The organization’s purpose is to create an inviting and safe environment for student participation, provide for scholarships, facilitate networking with other first‑generation students and first‑generation advocates and encourage sustained engagement among WKU’s first‑generation community. The FirstToppers also work to increase public attention for first‑generation students and spotlight what it means when students say, “I am F1RST.”

In its inaugural year, the FirstToppers demonstrated measurable impact across engagement, service and student financial support. The organization:

• Established a strong social media presence, launching an Instagram account that has grown to 140 followers
• Raised more than $1,000 to support students, disbursing $750 in awards to help cover education‑related expenses
• Logged 221 service hours, supporting organizational goals and serving area nonprofit partners
• Concluded the year with 27 engaged members, reflecting strong interest and consistent participation

Building on this strong foundation, the FirstToppers elected a new leadership team to guide continued growth during the 2026–2027 academic year:

• President: Nathalia Arechiga Zamarron
• Vice President: Jamie Barradas‑Vazquez
• Secretary: Alona Hill
• Treasurer: Sunny Jaglan
• Public Relations: Coumba Cisse
• Philanthropy: Martha Castro

WKU proudly recognizes the students whose dedication, leadership and vision brought the FirstToppers to life and looks forward to the organization’s continued contributions to student success and campus community.