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.
Boston University's Fall Induction Ceremony for the Gamma Iota Chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society takes place on November 9, 2026 at 6PM EDT. Placeholder for Livestream Link to be added on November 9, 2026 by 5:30 pm. We welcome these inductees to the Boston University Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor […]
This article was written by Elena Pejic at the Daily Free Press. Read more about our collaboration with the BU Libraries engagement team.
Join the Newbury Center and the entire BU community as we celebrate the achievements and experiences of our first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. While the official date for the National First-Generation College Celebration is November 8th, we're celebrating for a whole week. The Newbury Center and the entire BU community events: Monday, November 2: […]
What is a first-generation undergrad student? A student in the first generation of their family to go to college (i.e., a student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did not earn bachelor’s degrees, although elder siblings and cousins may be attending college already or have earned four-year degrees). What is a first-generation graduate/professional student? A student whose parents/guardians/caregivers did […]
Briana is a first-generation college graduate and worked at the Newbury Center during her undergraduate degree. She has now graduated from BU twice within the past three years.
BU Photographer Cydney Scott highlights a moment where the undergraduate student speakers shared what graduating means to them and their families through a photo at the first-generation pinning ceremony on May 15, 2026.
Kim Nguyen (CAMED’26) & Kim Ta (CAMED’26) share their experiences at BU and finding community at the Newbury Center as graduate students. Read the BU Today article.
Newbury Center Summer Fund Application Now Live for 2026 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. […]