Although access to higher education has increased over the last several decades, success gaps in higher education between first-generation and continuing-generation college students persist. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of first-generation college graduates who are leaders in higher education to learn about what helps first-generation college students succeed. The dual perspectives of participants as both students and professionals provided insights regarding what can be done in higher education to reduce success gaps of first-generation college students. The primary research question that guided this study was: What can be learned about first-generation college student success from the experiences of first-generation college graduates who are leaders in higher education? Participants in this study were first-generation college graduates who were leaders in higher education in a region in the Midwest United States that included all or parts of eight counties. As a phenomenological study, data were gathered through a semi-structured interview and a demographic questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used in coding the data for this study. The primary theme that emerged from this study was people are key to first-generation college student success. Three subthemes also emerged from the study: (a) the influence of individuals working in higher education is significant in helping first-generation college student succeed; (b) involvement with other people on campus is significant in helping first-generation college students succeed; and (c) desire to "be that person" for others is a motivating factor for first-generation college graduates who are leaders in higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]