On April 26, the TRiO program held its end-of-year banquet.
The event started with a speech by Jeremy Cadwell, director of the writing center, which included his original poem “You as the White Pine.” This was the precursor to an event where graduating seniors will help plant a tree. This tradition began four years ago in the white pine grove on campus, where some of the oldest trees on campus are located.
After the tree-planting ceremony, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Sue Larkin, addressed the students present, delivering a speech centered on celebrating yourself. “I’m so proud of the things you’ve accomplished, and Doane is so proud of the things you’ve accomplished,” Larkin said.
Following this, Doane Alumnus Jaelynn Scott shared her experiences at Doane and as a TRiO student. She shouted out several staff members, including director of career, leadership and service Quint Geis, who she explained played a big part in her college journey and who she still receives help from as an alumnus.
Dinner was followed by a few more speeches by some of the Academic Success Center (ASC) staff. “It’s not just our office here to help you; there are so many people across campus who want to see you succeed,” assistant director of the ASC, Blake Tobey, said.
Senior Caden Campbell was announced tutor of the year. Several students were awarded writing consultants of distinction. Cadwell gave figurative keys to the writing center to staff who served two years or more, or who are graduating. Five students received the financial empowerment award for attending financial literacy workshops and working with staff on managing their finances.
The mentee of distinction and Tiger Success Endurance award was given to freshman Avani Zephier-Wilkie. Her tiger peer mentor, sophomore Kayla Meyer, explained that Zephier-Wilkie had demonstrated incredible persistence in the face of adversity, making the dean’s list, competing in wrestling and joining the Chi Delta sorority despite losing a family member. Title IX equity compliance officer, Suzanne Mealer, also spoke about Zephier-Wilkie’s character as the two had connected over their shared native american heritage.
The international mentee of distinction went to freshman Felicia Deumi-Nappi, who came to Doane from Germany. Tobey spoke about how she had adapted and blossomed to life in Nebraska. Five mentors were given the award of mentor of distinction. The Glenn Mitchell Leadership Award went to senior Amy Parra. The international student mentor award went to senior Fernando Moreno.
The last awards represented the four pillars of TRiO. Persistence was presented to senior Elenna Koenig, growth to senior Jenny Cardoso Franco, advocacy to sophomore Izzy Uecker and leadership to senior Jerzie Maher.
The night wrapped up with graduating seniors being given their cords and a plant, which was individually propagated by the TRIO staff and friends of the ASC. Additionally, the executive director of academic support, Beth Jacobson, celebrated her birthday with Parra, sharing some thoughtful words about Jacobson’s impact and gifted her with a plant.
