Every year, Harris-Stowe State University President Henry Givens gives graduating seniors a special gift — free graduation announcements.

It’s a small gesture, but it’s one that recognizes that many Harris-Stowe students are the first in their families to graduate from college. That means that many of them want to make sure their families and supporters who have helped them get there know about this important milestone.

This year, Harris-Stowe students picked up 5,200 graduation announcements. The total cost for the envelopes and invitations was $4,524. Corporate and private donations covered the tab for the university.

“A lot of times, paying graduation fees is a hardship for our students,” Courtney McCall, a university spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail. “We try to at least make it a little more affordable for them.”

Each senior initially gets 40 invitations,  which would otherwise cost them about $40, but they can get more if they want.

Priscilla Alfaro, a recent graduate, picked up the first packet of 40 invitations — then went back for 20 more. She included a picture of herself in her cap and gown with the invitations along with a thank-you note to everyone who helped her make it to that day. The Texas native is the first person in her family to graduate from her college.

The 25-year-old had planned go to college right after high school. But then she found out she was pregnant so her plans changed. But seven years later, she got her degree.

She graduated on Tuesday with a degree in secondary education.

The Grade is the St. Louis region’s premier blog on education and child welfare. To read other recent posts, go to www.stltoday.com/thegrade.