EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Anthony Webster, program director of TRIO Student Support Services at Eastern Michigan University, is a living example of navigating academic environments and successfully reaching his higher education goals in the face of adversity. Webster, TRIO colleagues, and supporters will convene for National TRIO Action Day on Friday, Feb. 25, to serve the community, speak with local prospective students about college, and spread awareness about TRIO’s mission, vision, and values. 

Federally funded TRIO programs are making a world of difference for first-generation students, students from low-income families, veterans, and students with disabilities across the country. In place since 1965, TRIO provides students with academic tutoring, mentoring, and other support services to promote college access, retention, and graduation. Eastern currently has four TRIO programs, Upward Bound, Student Support Services -Veterans,  Student Support Services, and the McNair Scholars Program.

“As a nontraditional student coming back to college after quite some time away, TRIO made the transition seamless,” TRIO student Heather Evans said. “As a student and parent, I was able to balance my hectic schedule with the help of TRIO staff. There have been many challenges during my time at EMU, but the support I have found in TRIO has made the challenges much easier to overcome.” 

The National TRIO Action Day celebration will kick off with an event held at the EMU Student Center for volunteers, followed by a panel discussion with EMU faculty, staff, and TRIO students, at Ypsilanti Community Middle School and Ypsilanti Community High School. 

“Whether you are a freshman in high school or college student, there is always an opportunity to plant seeds, and that is what we hope to do during National TRIO Action Day,” said McNair Scholars Program Director Carmen McCallum.

TRIO will be collecting donations for SWOOPS Food Pantry leading up to the event as a community service effort to help students in need. To donate, please contact Josiah Pankiewicz at jpankiew@emich.edu. 

Swoop’s donation wish list includes:

• Reusable bags

• Hangers

• Small appliances

• Dishes

• Pots/pans

• Silverware

• Cereal

• Rice (brown, white, flavored)

• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper flakes, taco seasoning, chili powder)

• Condiments (salad dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, peanut butter & jelly)

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.