LCCC’S SAGE TRiO program honored at regional conference

 

Late last year, three individuals nominated by Laramie County Communication College’s SAGE (Students Achieving Goals in Education) TRiO program received awards at the ASPIRE Annual Conference in Billings, Mont.

Floyd Esquibel, Wyoming state senator, received the “Champion of TRiO” Award given to an elected official for active support and advocacy on behalf of TRiO and disadvantaged students in the region.

As a state legislator, Esquibel avails himself to students by mentoring, sharing his history, attending events, and participating in awareness/advocacy campaigns including advising Wyoming’s Congressional delegation on TRiO students and programs. 

The TRiO Achiever Award, given to a former student whose participation in the program had a significant impact upon their educational and professional objectives, was bestowed up Joshua Nicholas.

Nicholas, an ardent advocate for TRiO who now holds a master’s degree, was extensively involved in the community following his time with SAGE. He built service programs for the community, developed partnerships at local elementary schools, and created numerous benevolent programs to benefit families locally and across the country. Additionally, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and recently served as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County. 

Michelle Carroll was honored with The Rising Star Award, given to a member who has worked in TRiO and excelled in providing services at the local, state, or regional levels.

An LCCC adjunct faculty member and SAGE TRiO adviser, Carroll implemented several ideas for student recruitment and expanded the online learning community, enhanced communication opportunities with students, revised the group’s promotional campaign, helped students maximize academic potential, and galvanized resources to advocate elected officials on behalf of the program.

The SAGE TRiO project is a federally funded program that works with first-generation college students who meet low income requirements or have disabilities. Its mission ensures that these students achieve their full academic potential by fostering a supportive environment that includes advising, counseling and mentoring to help students identify and overcome educational barriers.