TRIO programs celebrate students during First-Gen Day

Grand Valley’s TRIO programs celebrated First-Gen Day with panelists of former and current students who offered advice and experiences to their peers.

First-Gen Day, also known as the National First-Generation College Celebration, takes place every November 8 and honors the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The federal legislation ushered in programs like TRIO, which provide services to college, middle and high school students from underserved backgrounds.

Panelists at the Cook-DeWitt Center included Louis Cousino, who is a member of the McNair Scholars program . Cousino is working on a research project centered on the value that first-generation college students provide to their institutions. His faculty mentor is Rachel Campbell, associate professor of sociology.

“A lot of the past literature has, at the very least, implied that first-generation college students are deficient,” Cousino said. “That doesn't mean there's something wrong with these students. It means to me that they've been put in a position that if they want to succeed, they have to work a little harder.”

Dantya Jennings, director of the McNair Scholars program, said: “First-generation students are impressive. Their perseverance is like none other, and I have watched many go on to Ph.D. tracks.”

Andy Beachnau, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, was a panelist and discussed his 40 years of experience at Grand Valley, noting relationships were key to his success during college and his career.

“You surround yourself with smart people, they become your friends, and they will help you,” said Beachanu. “Make it a goal to have three new relationships by the end of the year, and try to make one a faculty member, because it just takes one faculty member to find a mentor and a guide.”

Beachnau received the Award of Appreciation from the TRIO team, recognizing his dedication to students.

Thomas Garrett is a student writer for University Communications. Garrett, a native of Stevensville, is a senior who is majoring in writing.