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Events & Activities

TRiO Day

Faustina Gamble, Sallie Kernan, EOC Outreach Counselor and Carmen Olson
Above from left, EOC participant Faustina Gamble, who received the “Achiever” Award, and Carmen Olson, from Workforce Connections in Black River Falls, who received the "Friend of TRiO" Award.

The TRiO programs at UW-Eau Claire. participated in the Sixth Annual TRiO Day on Tuesday, 25 February. Congress established TRiO Day on the 28th of February 1986, as a day of celebration, reflection and action around increased access to higher education for disadvantaged students: celebrating the positive impact of federal TRiO programs in our communities throughout the nation, reflecting on the importance of educational opportunity programs in creating a fairer society for all Americans, and acting to protect and help advance access to higher education for disadvantaged individuals. Every February TRiO programs across the country recognize and celebrate the achievements of its participants.

Ann Lapp, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development & Diversity
Above, Ann Lapp, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development & Diversity.


Dr. Denise Myers, former EOC Director, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Ann Lapp, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Diversity, provided a comprehensive explanation about the history of TRiO programs, as well as the success of the programs on the UW-Eau Claire campus.




Faustina Gamble, Dr. Denise Myers, EOC Director, and Carmen Olson
Above from left, Faustina Gamble, Dr. Denise Myers, former EOC Director, and Carmen Olson.

The event was great fun. Senator Herb Kohl, a long-time supporter of TRiO programs, sent one of his staff members, Marjorie (Marge) Bunce, to represent his office. There were several breakout sessions for the participants to choose from, and there was a drawing for door prizes at the end of the event.



Each program nominates participants for four awards: Achiever, Newcomer, Dedication, and Pacesetter. In addition, the programs also nominate a community member who has demonstrated strong support and commitment to the TRiO mission. This year the EOC award recipients were:

  • Achiever: Faustina Gamble (in attendance)
  • Newcomer: Jeffrey Ames
  • Dedication: Kenneth Mark Wood
  • Pacesetter: Tammy Anderson
  • Friend of TRiO: Carmen Olson, coordinator for the Jackson County Job Center and the Workforce Connections program in Black River Falls
Jim Dzimiela, EOC Outreach Counselor
Above, Jim Dzimiela, EOC Outreach Counselor






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