Persistence to Pride: TRiO graduates take center stage

Commonwealth University’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program welcomed students, alumni, families, and staff for its annual End-of-Year Celebration and Graduation Banquet — an evening that highlighted not only academic achievement but the resilience, growth, and community that define the TRiO experience.

The celebration opened with remarks from TRiO SSS leadership, who emphasized the program’s mission of expanding access to higher education and empowering students to persist through challenges and reach graduation.

“All the best in your future, and I expect that each of you will keep in touch as you go on to accomplish great things,” said Kelly Foran, director of TRiO SSS, praising the graduates while reinforcing the lasting connection they share with the program. "Each year, we honor graduating SSS participants with special cords to be worn on graduation day. The colors represent TRiO colors, and the cords themselves signify the hard work and persistence that you have dedicated to your academic goals over the years.”

A highlight of the evening came from alumni speakers who returned to share deeply personal stories of perseverance. Samantha Herrod '17 reflected on overcoming academic setbacks, rebuilding her GPA, and ultimately earning her degree. Now preparing to complete her Master of Social Work this summer, Herrod credited the TRIO staff for their unwavering support.

“There were moments I didn’t think I could do it,” Herrod said. “But I had people who kept reminding me that I could.”

Nathally Tiburcio '22, a current childcare center director pursuing a graduate degree, spoke about the sense of belonging she found through TRiO.

“They created a space that made you want to come back,” Tiburcio said. “It became more than a program—it was a support system, a place where you could reset and keep going.”

The program also recognized students for achievements in leadership, academic excellence, and engagement, while honoring graduates across diverse fields, including nursing, education, business, psychology, and the sciences.

Fall and Winter 2025 Graduates

• Natalie Card – BSN Nursing
• Ryan Moot – BSBA Management
• Maya Merrill – BSEd Special Education (PK–12), Early Childhood Education (PK–4)
• Tori Watkins – BSBA Marketing
• Siyannah Tipin – BS Medical Imaging

Spring and Summer 2026 Graduates

• Elijah Schwartz – BA Psychology
• Yasmin Vasquez – BSN Nursing
• Carley Stoup – BA Professional Writing
• Zachary Thompson – BSN Nursing
• Lauren Mai – BA ASL/English Interpreting; Minor: Psychology
• Kathryn Zerbe – BA Multidisciplinary Studies

TRiO SSS End of Year Celebration '26