WHITMAN FIRST PROGRAM
The Whitman First Program is an initiative to support first-generation college students by helping them adapt more easily to the many facets of a business school environment.
Incoming Whitman first-generation students are invited to join the Whitman First Program. Members are offered monthly programs with rotating themes that focus on empowering students to know what resources are available to them to reduce the hurdles first-year students often can face while simultaneously building their Whitman community.
Whitman First members additionally have access to mentors, comprised of volunteers from the Whitman community including upperclassmen, faculty and staff, providing an additional layer of support during their first year at Whitman and Syracuse University.
Students additionally have access to Whitman First Liaisons, comprised of faculty and staff members and a dedicated Peer Mentor. These Liaisons provide an additional layer of support during students’ first year at Whitman and Syracuse University, empowering students to know what resources are available to them to reduce the hurdles first-year students often can face.
2025-2026 Whitman First Liaisons
Faculty: Sebastian Tideman-Frappart, Assistant Professor of Accounting
Academic: M'Tia Williams, Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Programs, Adams House
Career: Ashlei Rivera, Undergraduate Career Advisor, Whitman Career Center, Harrison House
Peer Mentor: Sam Kim, Class of 2027, Accounting & Finance, Harrison House
Whitman First Programming Team:
Kari Morrow, Co-Curricular Program Manager
Roshawn Kershaw, IMPRESS Program Coordinator
Questions? Email IMPRESS@syr.edu