2024 IL National TRIO Day Celebration
Leadership Development: Driven by Passion & Purpose
Welcome From the IL TRIO DAY Hosts
Dear TRIO Student Leaders and TRIO Professionals,
Congratulations on taking the initiative to attend the ILLINOIS TRIO DAY 38th National Celebration In-person and Virtually! It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to the celebration personally and welcome to the campus of Eastern Illinois University! We hope your time with us is both exciting and informative. We want this celebration to aid in your personal, professional, and academic journey. I hope you will take what you learn to help others who were not able to attend.
As Conference Chair, I would like to thank all of the committee members who have done an outstanding job in planning a full schedule for you. We have 524 In-person registrations and 89 Virtual registrations. Keeping in mind President Anthony Sagos’ theme for his year we decided on a TRIO Day theme we thought would be befitting of the occasion “LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Driven by Passion & Purpose.” I’d also like to give you a glimpse of what you can expect to take place over the course of the day. You will have the opportunity to meet and greet other TRIO Students, Alumni, and Professionals. You will be encouraged by keynote speakers Senator Doris Turner of the 48th Congressional District and Mr. Jarrod Benjamin of the LEAD Firm, who promise to inform and motivate you to discover your passion and purpose. Our priority is your leadership development and promoting academic success. You will have the opportunity to participate in a Mini Fair, see a performance by some students of Eastern Illinois University and write postcards to your members of Congress about “How TRIO supports your passion and purpose.” You will hear from President-Elect Melanie Olivera Jones about the TRIO History, have a variety of excellent workshops to choose from in the areas of Leadership Development, Financial Aid, Financial Literacy Education, Diversity Education, Preparation for Graduate School, Mental Minfulness sessions, and more.
Before I close, I would like to once again thank each of you for attending this ILLINOIS TRIO National TRIO Day Celebration 2024, supporting our association, and discovering your Passion & Purpose in TRIO. You are indeed our greatest asset, and we could not accomplish what we do without your support and participation. Throughout this event, I ask you to stay engaged and be proactive. Please be cordial and respect the presenters and your fellow student attendees. If we can do anything to make this celebration more enjoyable, please let us know.
Maggie Burkhead
IL TRIO Day Host/ Director TRIO SSS, Eastern Illinois University
Dear TRIO Student Leaders and TRIO Professionals,
Welcome TRIO students to Eastern Illinois University and the Illinois TRIO Day events. This event exemplifies possibilities, a platform for ideas, and a catalyst for positive change. Like many students who have participated in past TRIO days, this experience can impact you tremendously. You can engage professionals, interact with peers from around the state, and learn ideas to take back to your communities.
So, let TRIO Day be more than just a gathering; let it be a catalyst for inspiration, collaboration, and positive action. Engage in the discussions, forge connections, and, most importantly, carry the spirit of TRIO Day beyond these walls.
As we kick off this incredible day, I invite each of you to contribute your unique perspective, to listen with an open heart, and to leave here not just with knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference. Make sure you come up and introduce yourself to me and take a selfie!
Anthony Saga
IL TRIO President / Director TRIO SSS, Highland Community College
Proclamation from Governor J.B. Pritzker
Agenda
TRIO Day 2024
February 24, 2024
9:30 - 3:30
9:30 - 10:30 Arrival and Registration
10:00 - 10:25 ISAC Community Worker Employment Information
10:35 - 10:45 Welcome Messages, and Housekeeping
10:45 - 10:50 Anthony Sago, IL TRIO President
10:50 - 10:55 Dr. Mona Y. Davenport, Dean of Student Success
10:55 - 11:00 Dr. Ryan Hendrickson, EIU Provost and Vice President
11:00 - 11:15 History of TRIO and National TRIO Day
11:15 - 11:30 Postcard Writing Campaign
11:45 - 12:30 Breakout Sessions (Pick One)
12:30 - 1:20 Lunch
1:30 - 3:00 Keynote Speaker
3:00 - 3:20 Entertainment and Closing Remarks
3:30 Photo Op on Doudna Steps then Departure
Click on the button to see today's full agenda.
Keynote Speakers
Jarrod Benjamin
Jarrod Benjamin is currently the Senior Project Manager for the Division of Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University. He is also serves as the Principal Consultant and Strategist of the L.E.A.D. Firm. He is responsible for curriculum development, leadership training, keynote events, and serves as an organization consultant for over 120 colleges and universities across the country. Oversight training includes Higher Education Enrollment Management Consultation, Student Leadership, Greek Life, and Student Affairs Professional Team Building. He is a published researcher, philanthropist, and advocate for sustained systematic change.
Mr. Benjamin has worked in numerous leadership roles at institutions of higher learning, and the United States Army in Miami Florida, Honolulu Hawaii, Fort Gordon Georgia, Germany, Korea, Brisbane Australia, and Wellington New Zealand. His diligence and compassion for his work has earned him the prestigious United States President’s Lifetime Award. He was also awarded one of Miami’s Top Black Educators of 2021 and was featured in The Miami Herald. Jarrod D. Benjamin is a proud military veteran, with over 48 months of combat deployment experience in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His research, work, and expertise are centered around equitable, applicable, and relatable programming that builds well rounded student experience for student leaders and campus-based professionals.
Click on the button to read Mr. Benjamin's full bio.
Presenters: (If on Mobile, Click Twice on Presenter to Open Presenter's Page)
Breakout Sessions: (If on Mobile, Click Twice on the Session to Open Session Page)
NOTE: Only the first four Breakout Sessions have virtual and in-person options.
Upcoming Event: Illinois TRIO Professional Conference
We're excited to bring together the expertise of colleagues from all over Illinois and beyond as we develop robust strategies to increase our presence at your institution, agency, and community.
This influential conference will celebrate 50 years of service as we recognize those who have paved the way while providing Illinois professionals with tangible tools to take back with them.
Registration and call for proposals will be available soon. We can't wait to see you all there!
Upcoming Event: Student Leadership Conference
🌟Discover the Leadership Renaissance: Student Leadership Conference 2024!
Embark on a transformative journey of leadership reinvention at the Student Leadership Conference 2024! Join us as we embrace the spirit of Renaissance to inspire, innovate, and ignite change.
Date: June 28-30, 2024 Location: Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Why Attend?
1. Inspiring Speakers: Engage with renowned leaders who will share their insights and experiences, empowering you to lead with purpose and passion.
2. Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops designed to enhance your leadership skills, from effective communication to strategic decision-making.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers and professionals, building a valuable network that will support your future endeavors.
4. Personal Growth: Discover your unique leadership style and learn how to leverage it for success in academics, career, and beyond.
5. Fun and Excitement: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with activities, team-building exercises, and memorable experiences.
Registration opening soon. Stay tune to Secure Your Spot!
Don't miss this opportunity to ignite your leadership potential and take the first step towards becoming a confident and influential leader!
Student Resources
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANK YOU’S FOR TRIO Day 2024
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my committee whose knowledge, skillset, and willingness to serve helped to make this celebration possible:
Dr. Tracy Cureton
Wain Davis
Tiffany Jackson
Sarah Johnson
Risa Lopez
Randi Torrence
Thanks also to all of our speakers, presenters, RSO’s, EIU College Departments, Yaree Wilson, Laurel Fuqua, volunteers, and especially my EIU TRIO Ambassadors, You Rock! I am also appreciative of the support of the administration of Eastern Illinois University for allowing us the space to host this auspicious occasion and Facilities for their support and patience with setting up for our event.
Special Thank you to my wonderful staff who step up whenever I ask without fail and they don’t complain about serving:
Lynn Griesemer
Troy Clark
Norri Hayes
Lois Karimu
Mana Lee
I must acknowledge the assistance of fellow colleagues who simply wanted to help us out on TRIO Day:
Thanveer Aslam
Danny Gourley Fischer
Yesenia Muruato
Jessie Shuemaker
Frankie Wilson and Daughter
Mini Fair Resource Participants:
ISAC – Illinois Student Assistant Commission
IL TRIO Membership & Certification
And the following services of Eastern Illinois University:
The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc.
Graduate School
Admissions and Transfer Relations Offices
Health and Counseling
William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad
Booth Library
Association of Honors Students
Academic Advising
Academic Support Center
Accessibility & Accommodations
TRIO Student Support Services
Office of Inclusion and Academic Engagement