News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online five-week Summer Success Program (SSP) was confirmation for Belleville East High School graduate Treyvoyn Perkins that the University was the right fit for him. Perkins highlighted some of the program’s positive attributes during SSP’s virtual closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 30. 

“I learned that time management and organization is key in college,” said Perkins, who spoke at the graduation on behalf of the 2020 SSP cohort. He is a freshman majoring in theater performance. “I also learned to be more responsible about the choices I make. I was happy with the Summer Success Program, because it made me feel comfortable and ready to be productive and effective in college.” 

Perkins was one of 14 students who participated in the SSP’s second annual ceremony, which was a celebration of determination and perseverance during an international pandemic and social unrest, according to Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator. 

Program guests offering statements and appearing live via Zoom included SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD; Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic, EdD; and Interim Assistant Provost for Academic Equity and Inclusive Excellence Jessica Harris, PhD. 

The virtual program also included a recap of summer activities and student acknowledgments. SSP teaching assistants Dominique Peel, Karagan Romoser and Lakenzie Walls each recognized the Most Interactive student in their small group. The awardees were Mia Trautman, Taylor Meek and Geraldine Evans. 

Jeff Spinks, lecturer in the Office of Learning Support Services and SSP summer course instructor, recognized students for Outstanding Performance in a Virtual Classroom. The winners were Evans, Perkins and Christian Shadowens. Students voted for their peers in categories of Most Inquisitive, Most School Spirited, Most Likely to Log-in Early and Life of the Virtual Party. 

“I’m glad I attended the Summer Success Program,” said Heidi Kassab, a freshman majoring in biological sciences and graduate of O’Fallon Township High School. “I learned about services that are provided to us, such as resume help, job research and how to use Blackboard and Zoom. I definitely see the program giving me a slight advantage upon entering the University.” 

 “The program was beneficial, because although it was online, we had interactions that made it feel like we were together,” said Trautman, a freshman nursing major and graduate of St. Clair High School. “The program made me more confident about how to handle classes that are online and how to interact with peers.” 

The SIUE Summer Success Program is designed to provide assistance to incoming first-year undergraduate students. It works collaboratively with students to engage in an ongoing transitional process from high school to college, and creates a foundation for persistence towards a timely graduation, according to MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs. 

“The program is open to a select cohort of newly admitted first-year students who demonstrate a financial need or hardship, and those who may self-identify as first-generation college students,” added Harris Lee. “The three major components of the Summer Success Program include academics, campus resources and social development.” 

Photos:
Treyvoyn Perkins is a freshman theater performance major. 

Mia Trautman is a freshman nursing major.