Program Overview
The Generation HC Program (Gen HC) engages, celebrates, and supports first-generation Honors College students throughout their first year at college. Being a first-generation (first-gen) student, the first in their families to go to college, is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to their academic strength, grit, and determination.
From the opportunity to move into the Honors College before the rest of the first-year class, to access to a yearlong Gen HC Mentor, specific Gen HC programming, a tailored Byrne Seminar, and more, first-gen Honors College students—known as Gen HC Fellows—get the support they need to help transition to college and succeed.
Gen HC Fellows
Gen HC Fellows are a select group of students invited to participate in the Honors College Gen HC Program, including:
- A special family welcome brunch
- A unique three-day pre-orientation designed to connect Gen HC students with first-gen faculty and staff from across Rutgers
- Eligibility for up to an additional $5,000 in need-based scholarships for education-related expenses for their participation in Gen HC events
- Access to a Gen HC Mentor, an upper-class mentor, based on their specific needs
- Yearlong programming focused on success, wellness, and maximizing the Rutgers student experience
Gen HC Mentors
Gen HC Mentors are upper-class first-gen Honors College students who serve as a resource for Gen HC Fellows. Together, they plan collaborative events designed to address the unique needs of high achieving first-gen students. Gen HC mentors foster a sense of community through group meetups and one-on-one interactions. They also serve as role models and referral agents for student questions and concerns.
Faith Dedopoulos
Gen HC Mentor
Steven Montecinos
Gen HC Mentor
Victor Vasquez
Gen HC Mentor
Faith Dedopoulos is a sophomore in RBS planning on majoring in Finance and Business Analytics & Information Technology (BAIT). Apart from being a GenHC Mentor, she is a member of the Business Information Technology Society and Rutgers Undergraduate Women in Business, and was a GenHC fellow in the past. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her friends, and going on walks around campus.
Jason Diaz is a senior majoring in biotechnology with a focus in bioinformatics and minoring in biochemistry at SEBS. Along with being a GenHC mentor, Jason has also served as a member for HC Ally and conducts research through the department of food science. He works as a delivery driver and part time personal trainer. Jason enjoys playing sports, going to the gym, learning about nutrition, and watching tv in his spare time.
Steven Montecinos is a sophomore striving to attain a biotechnology major. Apart from being a GenHC mentor, Steven is co-president of RUSOARS, involved in research, and a proud member of RU PASA! In his spare time, Steven likes to enjoy the outdoors, cook new recipes, play with his dog, fish with friends at the beach, and try new things!
Jay Mukhi is a sophomore majoring in Finance and Business Analytics & Information Technology. Aside from being a Gen HC mentor, Jay is involved in the Student Managed Fund as a Junior Analyst and is an incoming member of Rutgers Road to Wall Street (Cohort 12). Jay enjoys watching and playing all sports and is a big New York Giants fan. Additionally, Jay loves to travel, go on adventures, resell shoes, and eat wings.
Victor Vasquez is a senior studying computer science with a minor in critical intelligence studies. He was in the GenHC cohort of 2019. Besides being a Gen HC mentor, Victor has been involved with the Rutgers Mobile App Development club, worked at the Rutgers Art Library, and is involved in Greek life. In his spare time, you can often find Victor watching or playing sports and spending time with his friends.
