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, tailored student success workshops, 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 unique pre-orientation designed to connect Gen HC students with first-gen faculty and staff from across Rutgers
A special family welcome and discussion to engage family members
Access to a first-generation Peer Mentor, an upper-class mentor, based on their specific needs
Yearlong programming focused on success, wellness, and maximizing the Rutgers student experience
Gen HC Leaders
Gen HC Leaders 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.
Alex Liu
Amber Safeer
Angeles Pinas
Ivan Zheng
Nimrat Kaur
Zunairah Rizwan
Josh Ding
Odaliz Ramirez Rojas
Rebecca So
Sofia Cangalaya
Wendy J. Ahedo
Alex Liu
Alex Liu (2028) is a Gen HC Mentor in the 6-year Pharm.D. program in the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. Passionate about drug development, Alex wants to contribute to the process of bringing safe and effective medications to the market. Beyond his role as a mentor, he serves as a Service Event Lead for HC Serves and as the Speed Networking Director for the pharmacy school. Outside the classroom, Alex enjoys playing basketball, watching movies and TV shows, and spending time with friends.
Amber Safeer
Amber Safeer (SAS '26) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Computer Science, minoring in Art, and completing an undergraduate certificate in Data Science. She hopes to integrate her passion for the arts and technology into a career in user experience design. Beyond her mentorship, she serves as President of The Rutgers Review: Arts and Culture Magazine and as Design Director for Creative X. In her free time, Amber enjoys crafting, musical theater, reading, and discussing her favorite animated series and movies.
Angeles Pinas
Angeles Pinas (she/her, 2026) is a first-generation student majoring in Biological Sciences. She hopes to one day become a Physician Assistant. In addition to being a Gen HC mentor at the Honors College, she is an interpreter for the non-profit clinic and a Clinical Care Technician at a hospital. Outside of school, Angeles likes to visit new restaurants and go to the beach!
Ivan Zheng
Ivan Zheng (2026) is a first-gen college student double majoring in CS^2 (Computer science and Cognitive Science). In addition to being a GenHC Lead Mentor, he is the president of mobile development club RUMAD, RA at the Honors College, and part-time data analyst at PECO, an Exelon company. Outside of school, Ivan loves going to concerts, rating new restaurants on Beli, and reading villainess manhwa.
Nimrat Kaur
Nimrat Kaur is a 4th year SAS student majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience. She is also part of the articulated 4+1 BA/MPH program with Rutgers School of Public Health. Outside of GenHC, she is part of HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the Cranford First Aid Squad. Nimrat hopes to pursue an MPH/MD post-grad!
Zunairah Rizwan
Zunairah Rizwan (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and minoring in Cognitive Science. She hopes to one day become a Physician Associate to ease the hardship that immigrant families face within the healthcare system. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, she is a member of Rutgers Pre-PA Club and Rutgers Health Service Corps. Outside of school, Zunairah loves to play with her Sun Conures, cook, and spend time outdoors.
Abigail Fulton
Abigail Fulton (2026) is double majoring in Communication and Sociology. In addition to being a GenHC Workshop Lead, she is the Public Relations Committee Chair and SAS Senator for the Rutgers University Student Assembly, an Honors College Ambassador, and an Account Manager for Robert Wood Johnson Hospital through ScarletPR. Beyond academics, she enjoys working out, hanging with friends, reading, and online shopping!
Josh Ding
Josh Ding (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor double majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Philosophy. He hopes to one day become a physician-scientist. In addition to being a Gen HC Mentor at the Honors College, he is also an Honors College Ambassador. He is also currently doing research at the Child Health Institute. Outside of school, Josh loves soccer, watching movies, and listening to music.
Odaliz Ramirez Rojas
Odaliz Ramirez Rojas (she/her, 2026) is a first generation student majoring in biological sciences and minoring in Spanish. She hopes to one day become a Physician-Assistant. In addition to being a Gen-HC Workshop Lead for First-Year Students at the Honors College, she is a member of Rutgers Pre-PA Club and Rutgers Mexican-American Student Association. Outside of school, Odaliz loves to spend time with her family ,listen to music and catch up on reality tv.
Rebecca So
Rebecca So (2026) is a first generation student who is undeclared but ready to go wherever her interests take her. She hopes to one day publish a best selling book. In addition to being a Gen HC orientation leader at the Honors College, she is the public relations chair of the Rutgers Cantonese Club. Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys reading, writing, watching animal documentaries, and playing mahjong with her family.
Sofia Cangalaya
Sofia Cangalaya (she/he/hers, 2026) is a first generation student. Class of 2026, double majoring in Marketing and Food Science. Aside from being a Gen HC mentor, Sofia is involved in the Peruvian Association. Is a member of Association of Latino Professionals for America and is involved with Paterson Education Fund. Outside school, Sofia enjoys watching sports such as tennis, and formula 1. She loves to go and adventures and travel and during her free time you will find her trying new restaurants, reading or walking around.
Wendy J. Ahedo
Wendy J. Ahedo (2026) is a Gen HC Mentor majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Military Science. She hopes to one day to practice Neurosurgery Active Duty in the Army. In addition to being a GENHC Mentor at the Honors College, she is a cadet in Army ROTC, member of Douglass College/HC Ally, part of a Bible study group, and a laboratory assistant at Nelson Bio Labs. Outside of school, Wendy loves to play the guitar and saxophone, hang out with friends and enjoy nature walks.
