Community College of Rhode Island
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EOC celebrates 25 years in RI
Rhode Island Educational Opportunity Center (RIEOC), as part of its ongoing 25th anniversary celebration, held a luncheon last month to honor 20 individuals as "Achievers," a designation given to recipients of RIEOC services who have since gone on to better themselves and their communities. All honorees sought EOC's help to attain a level of higher education, overcoming difficult circumstances. All attended CCRI, nearly all graduated with an associates degree or transferred credits, and most went on to pursue further education at a four-year college. Underneath the multicultural display of flags, the ceremony and luncheon were held in the Atrium at the Liston Campus in Providence.
RIEOC, one of 139 EOC offices nationally, is funded by the Department of Education through a grant administered by the Community College of Rhode Island. The program was established in 1979 as part of the national family of TRIO programs established by Congress and funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
RIEOC's mission to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions is realized through financial aid counseling, assistance in the application process, academic counseling, follow-up, advocacy and referral services. As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of participants served must be low-income and from families where neither parent graduated from college.
Last year 41 percent of participants were Hispanic, 22 percent were black or African American, another 26 percent were white, 5 percent were American Indian and Asian or Pacific Islanders the other 6 percent have more than one race reported. Of the total served, more than one in four were born outside of the United States.
Brenda Dann-Messier, a former director of the EOC and Educational Talent Search programs, emceed the event. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) joined in congratulating the winners and was presented with an Outstanding Service Award by EOC/ETS Director Philomena Fayanjuola. The award was given for Reed's dedication to serving all seeking higher education.
Also recognized at the ceremony was Charles Walton, director of special programs at CCRI. Walton was presented with a Community Service Award for his role in the development of the EOC program; he was the original grant writer credited with bringing the EOC program to Rhode Island and still is active in the oversight of the highly successful program.
Achiever Award recipients are:
Yassah Akoi Flowers
Ezenwayi Amaechi
Karen Barros
Sandra Cano
Michelle Carrasco
Simone Chandler
Maryanne Cross
Sheryl Dewey
Jorge Elorza
Chinonso Ezike
Maryann Fonseca
Yolanda Harley
Victoria Konovalenko
Helton Lopes
Yolima Perez
Maria Pilon
Brandon Ramos
Daniel Reyes
Sylvia Ann Soares
Deana Waite
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