In February, a month where Valentine’s Day, United States Presidents, and even causes like heart awareness are observed, an event such as National TRIO Day may have gone unnoticed by many people.  If you are one the hundreds of University of Central Missouri students and alumni who benefited from these federally funded programs, you likely discovered what TRIO means to students’ success in college and in life.

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps, John Morgan is a 2004 UCM graduate who says he initially struggled in college and was behind his peers academically. With the help of TRIO’s-Student Support Services (SSS) program, however, he went on to graduate with a high GPA, and eventually became a military intelligence officer. He’s not only traveled the world, but also along the way, he has briefed generals on world events, and met a number of American dignitaries - people with names such as Hilary Clinton, John McCain and Donald Rumsfield.

UCM depends on federal funding to keep TRIO programs in operation, and this spring the university is submitting a proposal for a competitive grant that would give the institution five more years of support. Since the university first began receiving TRIO-SSS funding in 1978, total federal grant support is approximately $7.4 million

The 16th-ranked Mules basketball team is back in action tonight for the final home game of the regular season hosting Missouri Western at 7:30 p.m.  The Jennies kick off the basketball action with a 5:30 tip-off.

The Early Childhood Hunger Operation (ECHO) at UCM will be at the Mules and Jennies basketball games tonight, accepting donations of canned food items, snacks and juice drinks. All donated items will help to provide backpacks that are pre-filled with food and drink items for preschool children who may go hungry when they are out of school.  Everyone who makes a donation will receive a coupon good for a free box of popcorn, courtesy of UCM Concessions by Sodexo, as well as be entered in to a drawing to win $50 in gift certificates from UCM Athletic sponsors.  Monetary donations will also be accepted by ECHO.

loading...

More From KIX 105.7