Success TRiO Empowers First-Generation Students
Photo by Megan Silva
Celebrating National TRiO Day and the Impact of SUCCESS TRiO
On February 25, The University of the Pacific’s SUCCESS TRiO celebrated National TRiO Day in the Alex and Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House with karaoke and a pancake bar. National TRiO Day is a time for celebration, reflection, and action focused on expanding access to higher education for underrepresented students. The federal TRiO Programs provide essential support to first-generation and underrepresented students, ensuring they receive the academic, financial, and personal assistance needed to thrive in college.
SUCCESS TRiO, a grant-funded program supported by the U.S. Department of Education, serves as a vital resource for students at Pacific. Offering services such as tutoring, financial assistance, and academic, career, and personal counseling, the program’s mission is to enhance student retention and success through holistic support. From grant opportunities and one-on-one advising to field trips and workshops, SUCCESS TRiO creates an accessible and enriching academic environment. As of Fall 2024, the program has helped maintain an average group GPA of 3.0, demonstrating its effectiveness in keeping students on track toward graduation and life skills navigation.
“TRiO has allowed me to have dedicated mentors and faculty guide me academically and emotionally through the college transition. The program also gives me the ability to talk to someone while also building a community with my peers.” - Veronica Diaz-Merino, Psychology ‘26.
The dedicated staff behind SUCCESS TRiO includes: Director Rosie Montes, Program Advisor Jacqueline De La Paz, Program Advisor Traeveon Jefferson, and Administrative Assistant II Angie Perez. Their efforts ensure that students feel comfortable and supported, offering check-in meetings at the beginning and end of each semester and facilitating workshops tailored to students’ needs. Additionally, the program employs upper-division students as mentors, allowing juniors and seniors within TRiO to guide lower-division students through their academic journey.
“College is hard, but knowing that there is always someone ready to listen to you makes the transition a lot easier. TRiO has been a support system in my life and has helped me so much throughout my time here at Pacific.” - Anonymous
Through events like National TRiO Day, National First-Gen Spirit Week, and the annual First-Gen Fest, students and faculty celebrate the impact of these programs while also raising awareness of their importance. As TRiO continues to encourage academic achievement and personal growth, it remains a cornerstone of support for first-generation and underrepresented students at Pacific.