GRAND FORKS – Since 1965 an estimated two million students have graduated from college with the special assistance and support of our nation’s TRIO Programs. To honor the students who have succeeded in college and those who are currently working hard to reach their academic goals, UND TRIO Programs celebrated National TRIO Day on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. The celebration began at the Hyslop Sports Center with a presentation designed to motivate students and staff.
Awards were presented to UND President Charles Kupchella, UND Staff, students and alumni of TRIO programs at UND.
Kupchella was recognized with the Advocate for UND TRIO Award, which is given in recognition of strong advocacy and commitment to the mission of TRIO Programs, which is equal educational access.
“I have been an advocate because I believe in programs like (TRIO),” said Kupchella. He said that he would like to tell legislators that TRIO is “One of the most effective federal programs that we’ve ever had.”
Francine McDonald received the Outstanding UND TRIO Alumni Award, which is given to honor educational and career success by a former participant in UND TRIO Programs.
Bonnie Nerby, UND Accounting Services won the Friend of UND TRIO Award, which is given in recognition of outstanding support for TRIO Programs operations given by a UND staff person.
Branden Kaste received the Outstanding TRIO/Student Support Services Award, which is given to a UND student participating in that program who has achieved academic success.
A part of the luncheon program was also devoted to student speakers who described their experience in each of the UND TRIO Programs. Those speakers were: Vincent Keener, former Talent Search student (current Student Support Services student); Jessica Pacheco, Upward Bound student; Jen Moreland, Educational Opportunity Center student; Branden Kaste, Student Support Services student; and Sarah Landsem, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate student (former EOC and SSS student).
Metcalfe receives Walter O. Mason award
Elaine Metcalfe, Director of the University of North Dakota TRIO Programs, was awarded the Walter O. Mason Award at the Council for Opportunity in Education conference in Chicago, Illinois, September 6, 2007.This prestigious award is the highest national honor given by the Council for Opportunity in Education, for distinguished service and leadership.
Metcalfe became the director of TRIO Programs in 2006. She has been with the University of North Dakota TRIO Programs for 20 years, including the previous five years as associate director.
Walter O. Mason is credited as one of the creators of the Federal TRIO programs. The Council established this award in his name, in 1988 to honor outstanding educational opportunity professional who exemplify his sense of leadership and his ideals.
UND TRIO Programs consist of five federally funded grants that help serve low income and disadvantaged students. The programs that are directed by Metcalfe include; Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate program, and Educational Opportunity Center.
05-18-07
TRIO Gets Fit
TRIO staff have literally been taking steps to get fit.
The staff at the University of North Dakota TRIO Programs have participated in several wellness events this year, nicknamed the TRIO-Athalon. They have been inspired by the UND Work Well initiative. Two of the TRIO staff are on the wellness committee.
The first event that TRIO staff participated in was tracking their individual walking goals during the month of November. The second event was the “Walk to Denver” where the staff as a group collaboratively kept track of the miles they walked in order to rack up 985 miles, enough miles to reach Denver, the site of their regional conference next fall.
During the final TRIO-Athalon event this spring, staff members participated in the Fargo Marathon by competing in the team marathon, walking or jogging the 5k race, and cheering on fellow staff. TRIO staff members are looking forward to carrying these healthy habits into the summer months.
The TRIO staff are shown wearing their TRIO-Athalon shirts donated by Universal Screen Printing in Thief River Falls.
