Twenty-four incoming freshmen were hailed as pioneers by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook, at the SIUE Summer Success Program’s (SSP) Closing Ceremony and Awards, held Thursday, Aug. 8 at Fixin’s Restaurant on campus.
The Office of Retention and Student Success offered its inaugural residential program that ran from July 7-Aug. 9. Makesha Lee Harris, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs, devised and designed the program with the goal of helping first-generation college students be successful in the transition from high school to college.
“To be a pioneer it takes courage and adaptability. Congratulations to you all,” said Pembrook. “I hope the program was a good mix of academic challenge and fun. We want you to succeed and will do everything we can to help.”
Also addressing SSP graduates was SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD.
“This is new for us. We want feedback from you, so we can learn, grow and get better,” said Cobb. “What did you learn?”
Some of the students’ responses:
- “The amount of biodiversity on campus.”
- “How to speak extemporaneously.”
- “It costs $15 to replace your ID.”
Cobb offered another question to the group. “If you find yourself struggling in a class, what are you going to do?”
- “Get in a study group.
- “Go to the Writing Center.”
- “Go to a faculty member for help.”
To the last response, Cobb expressed delight and encouragement. “Many students don’t feel comfortable going to faculty office hours, but go. If there is a line, wait. If it is scary, be bold. It’s important to let faculty help guide you.”
During the program, SSP students gave poster presentations on books they read in English Literature taught by Margaret Black, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of English Language and Literature.
Alexis Banks and Kiely Swanson, both students in the public speaking course taught by Jocelyn DeGroot Brown, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies, each presented a speech. Banks talked about SIUE Emergency Campus Telephones, and Swanson told the audience about campus safety.
Neshay Sanders was selected to make remarks for the graduating class. “I don’t believe any other college could have produced a more beneficial and exciting program,” Sanders said. “Programs like this sets SIUE apart.”
Students also received awards and recognition for achievements and participation. Among those were Alexis Davis and Emma Davis for making the highest A in quantitative reasoning, taught by Drew Imhoff, lecturer in the Department of mathematics and statistics. Receiving the SSP Shining Star Award were Sanders and Curtis Galloway.
“I would encourage every incoming freshman to apply for this program,” said Christian McAffee, of St. Louis, who plans to major in chemistry.
“The best thing about the program was getting six hours of college credit for free,” said Gabrielle Hoffman, of Mulberry Grove, who plans to major in psychology. “I also appreciated making connections with faculty, staff and fellow classmates.”
“My biggest accomplishment was getting through 16-week courses in five weeks,” said Jakhari Gant, of Springfield, who plans to major in accounting. “If I can do that, I can get through the rest of college.”
“I look forward to shaking your hand four years from now when you graduate and cross the stage, prepared to shape a changing world,” encouraged Pembrook.
Photos:
SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, speaks to SIUE Summer Success Program (SSP) students at their Closing Ceremony.
Receiving one of the SSP Shining Star Awards was Curtis Galloway. L-R: Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator, Makesha Lee Harris, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs and SSP program director; and Capri Wroten, SSP graduate assistant.
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, far right, celebrated with the SSP graduating class, faculty and staff.