Demetris Morant, a biology major at Lincoln University (LU) and a former high school dropout, told the audience at TRIO Day celebrations that he had little encouragement to go to college.

"For me, college can by intimidating and impossible," Morant said. "After I got here, I found out I wasn't alone." LU faculty, staff and students gathered Monday in support of a program that has helped many first generation college students adapt to life in higher education.

State Sen. Rita Heard Days, D-St. Louis County, the keynote speaker and an LU alumna, praised the school for its dedication to administering education and support to a diverse group of student. "It is indeed a helping hand," Days said. "College is important for a better life."

Since 1986, TRIO Day has been recognized to celebrate the positive impact of the national TRIO program that offers educational opportunities for low-income and disabled Americans, helping students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

"You have a place in this world and in order to accept it, you must be prepared and TRIO helps make that happen," Days said.

Terrill Stringer, a biology and pre-med major at LU, is another example of the type of student TRIO assistance supports.

The first in his family to consider higher education, Stringer said, "I always wanted to go to college, but I didn't know how to get there. My parents couldn't help."

After coming to LU, Stringer took advantage of the assistance provided by the Student Support Services (SSS) department at the college. With tutoring in a few subjects, Stringer earned a 4.0 grade point average in his first college semester. With assistance from the TRIO program and SSS, college leaves him confident that he will achieve his dreams.

"I believe I can leave this world a little better than I found it," Stringer said.

On the Net: www.lincolnu.edu

* This article was posted in Jefferson City, MO newspaper, News Tribune, on March 2, 2007.

Mayor’s Youth Program and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program
participants (left to right )Steven Williams and Demetrius Morant.