FLI Day

FLI Day is annual celebration of the Johns Hopkins first-generation, limited-income community through art, activities, giveaways, and refreshments.

A large group of people cheering while standing around a sign that reads "FLI Proud"

Each November, Johns Hopkins University joins hundreds of universities across the nation to celebrate the National First-Generation College Student Celebration. Join us for our annual FLI Day event on Keyser Quad to celebrate the Blue Jay community of FLI students, FLI graduates, FLI staff, FLI faculty, and FLI friends- through art, activities, giveaways, and refreshments.

On FLI Day, we celebrate those who dare to push past barriers, dream big, and actively pursue their goals. It’s a call to action, encouraging students to not only imagine what’s possible but to take daring steps toward making their dreams a reality, and to confidently do the work that transforms those dreams into achievements.

Stay tuned for more information about this year’s FLI Day celebration.

Scenes from FLI Day

Three students hold up blue t-shirts that read "I'm First"

Campus Partners and Vendors

Each year we partner with over a dozen campus offices and local vendors to bring you a fun, engaging experience tailored to help you connect and thrive at Johns Hopkins. Whether you’re someone who prefers quiet, thoughtful interactions or you’re ready to dive into something new, there’s something at FLI Day for everyone. Campus partners and vendors offer interactive activities, games, and opportunities to win awesome prizes. FLI Day is a great chance to explore a variety of resources and meet people who are excited to share their insights, expertise, and a little fun with you!

A collage of photos of tabling vendors at FLI Day

Activities

Each FLI Day, Keyser Quad is filled with lawn games, swag giveaways and trivia!

A collage of photos of students playing games and participating in activities at FLI Day, including Connect Four, picking up commemorative scarves, and entering a raffle

FLI Shim Mirror

The shim mirror reflects the physical image and the intangible qualities and values the FLI community brings to the university. It symbolizes the unique and diverse backgrounds, each shim oof the mirror representing a different facet of their journey. It represents the hopes and dreams they carry, not only for themselves but also for their families and communities and the opportunities that higher education provides. The Shim mirror has become an unofficial symbol of the FLI community and the different versions of it can be viewed in the Center for Student Success, Mason Hall, and in the University Writing Center located in the Hutzler Reading Room of Gilman Hall. We are so proud and excited to unveil where the next mirror will be this year.

A collage of photos of students decorating shims at FLI Day

Food and Drinks

Indulge your taste buds with a mouthwatering fall snack menu at FLI Day! We’re excited to offer a delectable array of pastries and sweet treats to warm your heart as the weather cools down. From classic hot chocolate to freshly baked donuts, cookies, and brownies, there’s something for everyone to savor. And if you’re in the mood for a refreshing twist, try our signature Blue Jay Lemonade water, a delightful blend of citrus and sweetness.

But that’s not all – you’ll also find fresh brewed coffee to perk you up and keep the energy flowing throughout the day. Our sweet treats are carefully selected to make your FLI Day experience unforgettable.

And the best part? This delightful menu is brought to you by 1876 Distinction, renowned for its exceptional catering and culinary expertise. You can trust that every bite will be a flavorful delight.