The Newbury Center opened its doors in January 2021 with the goal of fostering the holistic success of first-generation students at Boston University—students we refer to as “Terrier F1RSTS.” We aim to become a highly visible, transformative unit of the University, offering programming and services designed to ensure that first-generation students experience the same sense of well-being, belonging, self-efficacy, and academic accomplishment as their continuing-generation peers. The center is primarily funded by an endowment established with funds received from Newbury College, a private liberal arts college that served many first-generation students in nearby Brookline before closing its doors in 2019.
Specific initiatives include:
Part of fostering the first-generation student is providing them resources to help them succeed.
Jayde Best's first-gen journey is one many of us can relate to: navigating a new beginning, self-discovery, and finding community. After discovering the Newbury Center and being introduced to Maria Dykema Erb, Jayde knew she wasn't alone. Learn more about Jayde's story in BU Today's latest article. Read Jayde's Story Here
"Always greet the host, don't order anything too expensive, and be on time" — BU lecturer Lisa Flores is a master of business dining etiquette. Last month, she hosted The Art of Modern Business Etiquette Dinner to teach first-gen students the ins and outs of attending a formal dinner. Check out what BU Today says […]
The Newbury Center stands as a pillar of light for first-generation college students all over campus. In this BU Today article, learn how it got started and how it's changed the lives of so many at BU. Read it HERE.
Amid rising concerns for the safety and protection of international students and scholars across the country, many questions are coming from Boston University’s own international community—around their visas, their legal rights, their international travel plans, and other issues. BU Today has compiled a list of resources and important information that the University has put together (as […]
First-Generation Graduation Pinning Ceremony 2025 Graduation is always a reason to celebrate, but it’s an especially proud occasion for first-generation students. Before Commencement each May, we hold a pinning ceremony to celebrate BU’s first-gen graduates. Each student participating in the ceremony invites a guest—a family member or other supporter—who will have the honor of “pinning” […]
Newbury Center Summer Fund Application Now Live for 2025 The Newbury Center Summer Fund is a selective program designed for a small cohort of first-generation undergraduate students. It provides a living allowance stipend of $4,500 to support participation in experiential learning opportunities during the summer. It is funded from a generous donation to the Newbury Center. […]
Boston University's Spring Induction Ceremony for the Gamma Iota Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society took place on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. We welcome these inductees to the Boston University Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society: Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Inductees Graduate & Professional Student Inductees Graduate & Professional […]
Blue Light Hours Book Discussion Thursday, March 20, 2025 5:30 - 7:30 PM Howard Thurman Center, Room 205 808 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 RSVP Here! Bruna Dantas Lobato, an award-winning translator and first-generation college graduate, will be discussing her sensitive debut novel, Blue Light Hours at the Howard Thurman Center. Join us as she […]