CState TRIO program presented awards to graduating students and staff advocates
Cincinnati State’s TRIO Student Support Services program held their 24th annual pre-graduation celebration in May 2025 and presented awards to several students and College staff members.
The federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program helps first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled students to complete their associate degree and transfer to a four-year college or university.
The evening included words of congratulations and encouragement from Provost Robbin Hoopes. Also, the TRIO SSS students shared their personal success stories, highlighting how the program helped them with academic tutoring, coaching, and referrals for transfer and career planning to stay on track, graduate with an associate degree, and confidently take the next step in their education.
Dr. Sandra Dees, who recently retired after 25 years of service as a TRIO SSS Academic Coach, led the graduates into the event.
Attendees also enjoyed a meal prepared by Southern Grace Eats, a restaurant and catering company founded by alumnus Nickey Stevenson.
Several TRIO awards were presented:
- Michael Marquet (Civil Engineering Technology – Construction Management) received the Student of the Year award for demonstrating commitment to achieving his academic and personal goals.
- Bintou Diallo (Nursing) received the Perseverance award for showing great determination in overcoming challenges that could sometimes derail others.
- Doug Bowling (recently-retired Dean of the Engineering & Information Technologies Division) received a Student Advocate award for the impact that his efforts had on TRIO SSS students.
- Abby Motley, TRIO SSS Academic Tutoring Specialist, received a Student Advocate award in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a Science Tutor and her other contributions to TRIO students’ success.
(Reporting and photos provided by Latoya Chambers)