Senior Arian Alai, in a green plaid shirt, hugs Jill Kline, wearing a teal jacket, in front of a black, silver and red balloon arch. In the foreground, students and their families are seated, with only Arian and Jill in focus.
Arian Alai 鈥23 gives a hug to Jill Kline after receiving the Tutor of the Year Award during the TRiO program's end of year celebration on Sunday, April 23. Kline is the engagement and retention coordinator, and tutoring coordinator, for 91快播's Academic Success Center, and said Alai was an incredible help to her in her first year working at 91快播, that he took on more than was required and was the key behind the success of 91快播's tutoring program.

For 35 years, 91快播 has been awarded the federal TRiO grant, which serves students who are first-generation, income eligible or who have a disability. The grant funds many programs within 91快播鈥檚 Academic Success Center (ASC), including virtual and in-person tutoring, the Tiger Mentorship Program, financial literacy workshops and cultural events including First-Generation Student Week, the Writing Marathon to the Sandhill Cranes, and opportunities to attend off-campus events, such as the Lincoln Community Playhouse鈥檚 production of The Mountain Top.

Over the years, the number of students supported by TRiO has steadily grown and nearly half the residential student population is currently engaged in TRiO programming. On Sunday, April 23, a tree planting ceremony was held to recognize the hard work and enduring legacy of 91快播鈥檚 TRiO students. Dr. Roger Hughes, 91快播 president, and Dr. Lorie Cook-Benjamin, chief academic officer, both spoke at the event 鈥 both were first-generation college students themselves.

鈥淭he tree planting ceremony is our way of sharing that for students who choose 91快播 and qualify for TRiO support, not only are they going to be supported while they attend 91快播, but we help them build a community and a legacy that will stay at 91快播 representing who they are and their accomplishments,鈥 said Jill Kline, ASC engagement and retention coordinator, and tutoring coordinator.

Students also shared how TRiO had impacted them, in encouraging them to pursue on-campus leadership roles 鈥 like Payton Detavernier 鈥23, who served as executive director of Relay for Life, and Will Grixby 鈥23, who was Student Congress president 鈥 helping them find their way on campus, and finding success beyond 91快播.

鈥淚t did a lot for me to be that extra resource,鈥 said JP Payne 鈥24, who served as a Tiger Mentor to peers and younger students. 鈥淎nd the TRiO program was that resource for me.鈥 

 

Tiger Success Endurance Award 

The Tiger Success Endurance Award is presented to the Tiger Success Mentee who has demonstrated incredible persistence in the face of adversity, and in doing so, has achieved success for themselves. 

Jordan Bocock 鈥26

Glenn Mitchell Leadership Award 

Dr. Glenn Mitchell 鈥70 exemplified the qualities of a Tiger Mentor long before the program existed. As an undergrad, Dr. Mitchell found success on campus as a 4-year letter winner and earned his spot on the Dean鈥檚 List. He has spent his career in education mentoring youth as a teacher and administrator. Each year, the Academic Success Center and TRiO program presents the Glenn Mitchell Leadership Award to the Tiger Mentor who embodies the spirit of Dr. Mitchell.

Grace Deines 鈥23

TRiO Student of the Year 

Given to a TRiO student who has been enrolled in the program all four years at 91快播 and has given back in different ways to the program and to 91快播.

Cameron Hower 鈥23

Tutor of the Year Award

The Tutor of the Year Award is presented to a student who has shown exceptional communication skills, continuously advocating for themselves and their clients, and went above and beyond the basic roles of tutoring. They are supported by their professors and exhibit significant grasp on content and scholarship, along with a clear understanding of academic integrity.

Arian Alai 鈥23

TRiO Persistence Award 

Given to a TRiO student who has exhibited perseverance despite personal obstacles, and demonstrated academic excellence, as well as service and commitment to 91快播鈥檚 values and vision.

Grace Deines 鈥23

Tutors of Distinction

Ava Kuhl 鈥25

Ashley Marsh 鈥23

Emily Mason 鈥23

Jacob Patrick 鈥23

Jared Smith 鈥24

Derek Story 鈥25

Sydney Tramp 鈥23

Lindsey Udell 鈥25

Cristian Yanez 鈥25

Writing Consultants of Distinction

Jadyn Vacha 鈥23

Isabel Henson 鈥23

Luke Henriksen 鈥23

Brandon Linhart 鈥23

Ashton Brewer 鈥25

Liz van der Torre 鈥23

Mentor of Distinction

Liv Diggins 鈥24

Blair Kampovitz 鈥25

Jeremiah 鈥淛P鈥 Payne 鈥24

Zack Perez 鈥23

AJ Salinas 鈥24

Ashlyn Kucera 鈥25

Katie Schroeder 鈥23

Jadyn Vacha 鈥23

Krismar Williams 鈥25

Mentees of Distinction

Garrett Rasmussen 鈥26

Hannah Nix 鈥26

Jerzie Maher 鈥26

Gio Caste帽eda 鈥26

Financial Empowerment Award

Recipients attended multiple financial literacy events (workshops, scholarship search, meeting with financial aid, budgeting meeting) each semester.

Abby Reedy 鈥25

Devin Jepson 鈥25

Sam Collins 鈥26

Elenna Koenig 鈥26

Jay Kendall 鈥26

TRiO Outstanding Senior Award

Will Grixby 鈥23

Emily Ficke 鈥23

Frazzie Wynn 鈥23