June 10, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 19)
Article by
Adam Harris
From left are Adam Harris, scholar ambassador Bryce Wilson, Drew Coleman, Janelle Arbuckle and scholar ambassador Erica Brown at the TRIO Upward Bound Detroit Academic Year Celebration.
GVSU's TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Detroit hosted its third annual Academic Year Celebration at Michigan Central's Newlab building May 18.
Joe Tate, Michigan state representative, was the keynote speaker. Tate said: "The work that TRIO Upward Bound Detroit does in preparing scholars for college is indispensable and needed more than ever. Future leaders are found in all walks of life; many just need the right support and direction to be prepared for and complete their college studies. TRIO Upward Bound must continue its mission of investing in our first-generation scholars."
Other speakers included Janelle Arbuckle, Michigan Central’s talent development and programming associate director, and Drew Coleman, senior director of MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Coleman said that he was a first-generation college graduate and felt inspired to support students in the program.
Arbuckle said: "Michigan Central is dedicated to building up the talent right here in Detroit, and hosting GVSU TRIO students was a meaningful way to connect them with our innovation ecosystem. We hope their visit provided a tangible glimpse into the exciting post-secondary pathways and future careers in mobility and tech, empowering them as they step into what we know will be a very bright future as future leaders in our community."
The TRIO Upward Bound Detroit program is designed to help high school students reach their potential by earning a college degree. Primarily supporting students at University Prep District High Schools in Detroit, TRIO staff work with 60 students annually to build the academic skills, motivation and self-confidence needed for success in college.
Adam Harris, director of TRIO UB Detroit, said these students have a lot to celebrate. The average grade point average of the TRIO UB Detroit students was 3.1, while 41 students had a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 23 students had a 3.5 GPA or higher.
A new initiative that the program began this year was called the “Scholar of Excellence Award.” This challenge was for students to receive a 4.0 GPA, a minimum of 95% in-school attendance and a minimum of 95% after-school attendance with TRIO. During the celebration, five TRIO Scholars were honored with this award.
B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, added his congratulations. "Students in this program have been challenged to not just be ordinary but to be extraordinary," he said. "Their participation and enthusiasm have shown they are ready for what comes next."
Nykia Gaines, associate vice president for Federal TRIO Programs, said the success of TRIO UB Detroit is a direct result of the powerful collaboration among the Detroit partners, dedicated TRIO staff, and the committed teachers and administrators at UPrep schools. "Together, we are building a strong pathway of support that empowers students to thrive not only in high school, but in college and beyond," she said.
This article was last edited on June 6, 2025 at 8:11 a.m.
The Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence provides funding to colleges to accelerate external grant submissions.
June 10, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 19)
Article by
Michele Coffill
Wendy Reffeor, Heidi Jiao and Ryan Krauss were named new unit heads for the three academic programs within the college.
June 10, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 19)
Leaders said the workshops reaffirm the university's commitment to student success.
June 10, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 19)
