Southeast Missouri State University’s TRIO and Educational Access Programs celebrate National TRIO Day on Feb. 28, featuring a number of awards and a recognition for Wyman for its mission to empower teens from economically disadvantaged circumstances to lead successful lives and build strong communities.
“We are excited to celebrate National TRIO Day while recognizing accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, administrators and college access partners. This evening is a celebration. We have an incredible list of awardees this year that spotlight success across the many layers of education. We will also have our College Access Partnership Awardee, Wyman, in attendance. We will have a full house of advocates that promote and support the academic success of Southeast Missouri State University students and a very deserving group of awardees that will be honored for their commitment to excellence,”said Valdis Zalite, director of TRIO and Educational Access Programs at Southeast.
Other organizations joining the awards dinner will include Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network, College Bound, KIPP St. Louis Public Schools, Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, and Huskey Bus and Transportation Services.
Wyman will receive the College Access Partnership Award. Wyman is located in St. Louis and partners with several organizations to help find opportunities for those it serves, including SEMO.
“We are so honored to receive this award, which recognizes both the power of our partnership and the success of the young people we serve,” said Christina Donald, Wyman COO. “Through our years of work with SEMO, Wyman youth have had increased access to higher education, opportunities to receive financial assistance, and support to achieve the goals they have for their lives. In turn, they are leaders who contribute to the vibrant SEMO community in many positive ways. We look forward to continuing this partnership for the benefit of all."
National TRIO Day is an annual celebration in February to recognize TRIO programs that provide targeted support for first-generation, income-eligible, and students with disabilities. TRIO & Educational Access Programs at Southeast are staffed by professionals trained in higher education, financial literacy, and leadership development. The mission is to enhance the academic achievement and educational attainment of all students. The departments and programs span the educational scope from pre-college to undergraduate and graduate programs, assisting students in navigating their educational experience.
The awards will be presented, along with speakers and a dinner, on Feb. 28 at Century Casino in Cape Girardeau.
2024 TRIO Awards:
- Distinguished Graduate Assistant Awards – Tyler Richardson, Camille Shoals
- Michael J. Helm Leadership Award – Herica Campos-Martinez, Martha Lejarazu
- TRIO Alumni Award – Wykeshia Atkins, Neosha Smith
- TRIO/McNair Faculty Mentors of the Year – Barbara Glackin, Dr. Shawn Guiling
- TRIO/McNair Scholars of the Year – Maurice Weakley, Lillian Neely
- TRIO Rising Stars 2024 – Gustavo Juarez, Aaron Workman
- AMP Mentor Spotlight – Michael Heath
- AMP Mentee Spotlight – Abbey Rudisaile, Dikour Yarnankore
- College Access Partnership Award – Wyman
- Community Partnership Award – Huskey Trailways
- University Partnership Award – Human Resources, Information Technology