The Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted its first-ever Make Your Own Pizza event Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Lynn Dining Commons. Students, mentors and staff worked together with Stetson Dining staff members to prepare their own unique pizzas — from the shaping of the dough, to adding the toppings of their choice to having them served in a box.

This event was part of the WISE Peer Mentorship Summer Bridge Program. This is one of the many activities that ODI is planning to offer first-generation college students this semester.

For Tineeke Thomas, 18, whose plan is to major in Accounting, joining the WISE Peer Mentorship Program was a step in the right direction, as she can already see the benefits of being a part of it.

“I feel proud of myself for taking that step and going out and applying and coming to college,” she said. “They are great helpers. Without them, I would be lost.”

According to its website, the WISE Program aims to empower first-generation college students “to gain the confidence and skills necessary to thrive academically and beyond,” guiding them as they navigate the “hidden market,” to aid them in unlocking institutional, professional and global knowledge that is essential for their success.

“ODI created the WISE Program to be able to provide that extra level of support, and to be really intentional about making sure that those students know how to navigate Stetson and know how to speak the language of higher education,” said Alexis Newman, assistant director of Diversity and Inclusion, and the WISE Peer Mentoring Program.

Peer mentorship is one of the pillars of the WISE Program, as well as bonding and developing a sense of belonging. All these were palpable during the event.

“Stetson’s never done anything like this,” said Erin Doggette, PhD, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “This program is about team-building, bonding and getting to know each other. … We are trying to give these first-generation students memorable experiences that are positive, and this is going to impact not just their collegial experiences but their lives forever.”