TRIO

Federal TRIO Programs have provided the path to success for more than two million students since beginning in 1965. To honor the students who have succeeded in college and those who are currently working hard to reach their academic goals, University of North Dakota TRIO Programs celebrated National TRIO Day on Thursday, February 11, 2010.

United States Congressman Earl Pomeroy spoke at the event, “Higher education is basically a gateway but also a gauntlet, and it is particularly a gauntlet for navigating through extraordinary challenges… that’s why these TRIO Programs are so important,” said Pomeroy.

Awards were presented to students and alumni of UND TRIO programs and to UND Assistant Vice President of Research & Education, Grants and Contracts Administration, David Schmidt, and Dr. Douglas Munski, UND Geography professor.

Page Nickelson (former TRIO/Upward Bound and Student Support Services participant) received the Outstanding TRIO/Student Support Services Award, which is given to a UND student participating in that program who has achieved academic success.

Douglas Osowski, UND Staff (former TRIO/Student Support Services participant) and Shannon Fox (former TRIO/Upward Bound participant), received the Outstanding UND TRIO Alumni Award, which is given to honor educational and career success by alumni of UND TRIO Programs.

Part of the luncheon program was devoted to student speakers who described their experience in each of the five UND TRIO Programs.  The students representing the programs included:  John Wilebski, Talent Search student; Casey Johnson, Upward Bound student; Kfayah Alniemy, Educational Opportunity Center student; Page Nickelson, Student Support Services student; and Amber Annis-Bercier, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate student.

David Schmidt was recognized with the Advocate for UND TRIO Award, which is given in recognition of strong advocacy for and commitment to the mission of TRIO Programs, which is equal educational access.

Dr. Douglas Munski, was honored with the Friend of UND TRIO Award, which is given in recognition of outstanding service in support of TRIO Programs and their students.