Students from several Nebraska colleges gather at Doane University to celebrate National TRIO Day. Many of these students are reliant on TRIO scholarships for college.
National TRIO Day was celebrated on Feb. 22, with Doane TRIO students joining a collaboration of Southeast Community College, Peru State and University of Nebraska-Lincoln students for a day of events.
Beth Jacobson, executive director of academic support services, was one of the lead planners for this day. Along with her other responsibilities, she also “liaised with the offices of Congressman Flood, Congressman Smith, and Senator Fischer to secure the attendance of Jerad Reimers and Deb Schorr, as well as a video message from Senator Fischer, for the afternoon program.”
Recent administration actions have caused concern over the future of TRIO and the Department of Education as a whole. “The program’s foundation rests on fostering strong relationships, celebrating student successes, ensuring equitable access to resources, and providing transformative new experiences,” Jacobson said.
She went on to highlight the different opportunities which Doane TRIO SSS offers for its two hundred students. “Without TRIO SSS, Doane University would lack the necessary resources to adequately support these critical opportunities for this group of students and dedicated staff positions. Doane faculty, staff, and students can play a vital role in sustaining this program by actively engaging in advocacy,” Jacobson said.
During National TRIO Day, students collaborated with other universities to write Congress, share their stories and participate in community service for local humane societies. Junior Jordan Bocock and senior Tasha Pederson shared their experiences with TRIO and how the program has assisted them.
Last year, these same students accompanied Jacobson and Southeast Community College’s TRIO SCC director on an advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. Jacobson remembers an encounter with Don Bacon during this trip. “While our initial meeting was with his Chief of Staff, Congressman Bacon himself recognized us in the hallway and warmly greeted us,” Jacobson said. “His genuine enthusiasm and recognition of our group underscored the impact of our visit and the importance of our advocacy efforts.”
Throughout international TRIO day, attending students learned about the history of TRIO, such as the fact that Viola Davis, Oprah Winfrey and John Quinñones are TRIO alumni. There was even an opportunity for students to test their knowledge and win prizes.
Jacobson was thrilled by “the exceptional turnout and level of engagement.” She assured that Doane will continue to celebrate National TRIO Day.
“By amplifying our collective voice, we can ensure that TRIO continues to empower students and strengthen our community,” Jacobson said. She also encouraged the Doane community to take action by “contact[ing] our five Nebraska representatives in the national delegation via phone or email.”
