Wilkes-Barre Student Success Services celebrates students

DALLAS, Pa. — Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s TRiO Student Success Services (SSS) program held its year-end celebration on April 30 in Hayfield House, recognizing the accomplishments of graduating seniors and celebrating the dedication and perseverance of all SSS students throughout the academic year.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s SSS program assists first-generation college students, those who meet income eligible guidelines and students who require disability services by providing tutoring, academic support, career counseling, mentoring and guidance regarding financial aid and literacy. The program is one of only two in the Penn State system and one of seven federal TRiO programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It was first funded at Penn State Wilkes-Barre in 1997.

“For the past 28 years, our program has continued to empower generations of students to achieve academic success and pursue their career aspirations,” said Gail Stevens, SSS coordinator.

Donovin Lindsay, a 2014 graduate and former SSS participant and peer mentor, served as the keynote speaker for the celebration event. Drawing on his own experiences, Lindsay encouraged students to actively engage in campus organizations and emphasized the value of building strong networks during their college years. He also shared a powerful message about the significance of one's “life’s dash” — the time between birth and death — and its potential to shape personal growth and positively impact others.

Several SSS alumni attended the event to support the program and current students. These alumni, who had assisted during the year through career panel presentations, included Alexa Fagotti (class of 2019), John Fagotti (class of 2019), Ted Frear (class of 2017), Evelyn Hosey (class of 2021), Ty Pace (class of 2015) and John Shaver (class of 2021). They engaged with students during the event, offering valuable networking opportunities and sharing their post-college experiences.

The evening served as a celebration of persistence, mentorship and the strong community that continues to thrive within the TRiO SSS program at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

As part of the celebration, the TRiO SSS team of Stevens; Megan Senausky, career/academic counselor; Kristen Durso, academic adviser; and Carrie Orlofski, administrative assistant, presented scholar certificates to all students in attendance, recognizing their efforts both in and outside the classroom. The program commended students who balanced academics with work, family responsibilities and participation in extracurricular clubs and athletics, reflecting their perseverance and commitment.

TRiO SSS scholars who attended the event included Tramiya Batts, John Bunting, Chris Clarke, Courtney Dierolf, Iman Fashina, Aaron Hardy, Anaja Jackson, Kassidy Martin, Inayah Muhammad, Eric Ramirez Puebla, Ray Sanchez, Ana Ventura Segura, Lamarsha Wilson and Shariah Yearwood.

TRiO SSS scholars who attended and earned their degrees two weeks later included Maria Luna, Shamonie Rose and Jada Vanderpool.

“On behalf of all of us at SSS, we’d like to congratulate our seniors on the completion of their successful college careers at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and applaud all students who continue to work hard to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom,” Stevens said.