Kent State’s TRIO Programs to Hold Second Annual Luncheon, Feb. 26

The three branches of the TRIO Program at Kent State University will host the second annual TRIO Achievers Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

The luncheon will be held to celebrate National TRIO Week. TRIO is a federal outreach program that helps disadvantaged students, including providing support services to low-income students, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities.

Sherice Freeman, director of the McNair Scholars Program at Kent State, said the TRIO luncheon is held to recognize students who have excelled in academics and are using the support services of each of TRIO’s three branches. She said those honored this year at the event include three students recognized as TRIO Achievers, and two TRIO Champions — administrators who go above and beyond to reach out and assist TRIO students.

The three branches of Kent State’s TRIO Programs include the Ronald E. McNair Scholars, assisting low-income and first generation students from underrepresented groups to continue to doctoral studies; Upward Bound, helping pre-college students to continue their postsecondary education; and Student Support Services, helping to increase TRIO members’ persistence and graduation rates.

Freeman said she expects a large turnout for the event. All participants of the TRIO Programs, the Kent State community and members of the national TRIO Programs are invited to the event.

“For years, TRIO directors said we should collaborate on an event,” Freeman said. “We are looking forward to recognizing the students and bringing everyone together for the second annual achievement luncheon.”

The cost of attendance is $12 for students and $20 for faculty, staff or community members. Attendees also may purchase a table for $160, which seats eight people. All proceeds will go to Kent State’s Upward Bound alumni and current students enrolled in Student Support Services and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars programs.

For tickets, contact Dennis Rule at drule@kent.edu.

For more information about Kent State’s TRIO Programs, visit www.kent.edu/diversity/precollege/trio.cfm.

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Media Contacts:
Sherice Freeman, slfreema@kent.edu, 330-672-2412
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595