U of O to Celebrate National TRIO Day on Feb. 26

University of the Ozarks will join colleges and universities nationwide this week in celebrating the 40th annual National TRIO Day, recognizing the impact of the Federal TRIO Programs and honoring the achievements of first-generation, income-eligible students, students with disabilities, and veterans pursuing higher education.

Hosted by the University's Student Support Services department, Ozarks will celebrate TRIO Day on Thursday, Feb. 26. There will be a group TRIO photo on the library steps at 11:30 a.m., followed by a celebration, where students will be recognized as members of this important program.

Established by Congress in 1986, National TRIO Day highlights the importance of educational access, academic persistence, and college opportunity. The Federal TRIO Programs, created under the Higher Education Act, are designed to remove barriers to postsecondary education and promote student success.

The University's TRIO Student Support Services program serves approximately 180 students each academic year, according to Vanessa Hollowell, director of TRIO Student Support Services.

"Recognizing TRIO Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible potential, determination, and achievements of our TRIO participants," Hollowell said. "Through TRIO funding, our dedicated team provides eligible students with the tools, resources, and support they need to successfully earn their degrees. Each day, I witness the meaningful impact of this program-both in the small milestones and the major accomplishments-and that is truly something worth celebrating."

TRIO programs provide academic guidance, tutoring, advising, mentoring, college readiness services, financial aid support, and career development opportunities for eligible students. Nationally, TRIO serves more than 800,000 individuals each year, including middle school, high school, and college students, adult learners, veterans, and graduate scholars.

Said Ozarks student Kyndalee Villines: "The best part of being in TRIO is having a support group. Being First Gen is hard not having people there for me, but being in TRIO has helped me to not feel as alone. I could never be more grateful for that."

Student Ashlyn Khilling said, "Having the support not only from home but from my TRIO advisor is the best part of TRIO. She helps me feel like I have a cheerleader in the stands who wants me to succeed just as badly as I want it for myself."

Student Sherlyn Silva-Hernandez said, "Being able to have the support from the program and also being surrounded by other colleagues who are also a part of the program is great. I am really grateful to be enrolled in this program at Ozarks because it's always so supportive of students."

For more information about Ozarks' National TRIO Day events or to learn more about TRIO services on campus, please contact Hollowell at [email protected].

Topics: Student Support Services