Grand Junction City Council Celebrates program’s support for students
Western Colorado– The Grand Junction City Council honored CMU students and staff by issuing a proclamation celebrating one of the university’s most prominent and successful programs. TRiO Student Support Services celebrated National TRiO day on Saturday, February 23, as communities around the nation acknowledged the accomplishments of TRiO nationwide. City council members unanimously adopted the resolution highlighting the program mission and achievements on Wednesday, February 20.
Mayor Barbara Traylor Smith issued the proclamation and said, “February 23, 2019, is ‘National TRiO Day’ in the City of Grand Junction and I urge all the citizens of the city to turn attention to and increase awareness of the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives.”
CMU Vice President of Academic Affairs Kurt Haas, PhD, was present to accept the honor as were CMU TRiO students and Program Director Melissa Calhoon.
“The TRiO program served more than 150 students during 2018 with 86 percent of those served choosing to continue their educations,” said Haas. “We appreciate Mayor Smith and all members of the council for recognizing our students and the hard work that first generation college students invest in improving their futures.”
Congress designated National TRiO Day by resolution day February 28, 1986. Since that time the program has turned attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives.
In January 2018, CMU President Tim Foster hosted a campus-wide celebration of TRiO students celebrating their individual stories.