When two-time graduate Cleo Walters first arrived at Troy University as a first-generation college student, she felt overwhelmed and a bit lost.

The Union Springs resident, who now serves as an Institutional Parole Officer for the Alabama Department of Pardons and Paroles, remembers walking across the quad wondering if she really fit in.

“When I began college, I didn’t have a collegiate family legacy to lean on. I didn’t have a blueprint,” she said. “I had to navigate financial affairs, housing, academic expectations and a whole new environment, all while trying to figure out who I was.”

Speaking during Troy University’s Student Support Services Awards Banquet on May 6, Walters recalled that it was during one of those low moments that she discovered TRIO, a federally funded initiative established to increase the retention and graduation of first- generation students, students who fall within certain federal income guidelines or students with a documented disability.

“I remember walking across the quad feeling small, like maybe I didn’t fit in or maybe I wasn’t ready like everyone else seemed to be,” she told the gathering in the Lamar P. Higgins Ballrooms on the Troy Campus. “But that’s when TRIO found me, or I found TRIO. Either way, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Through TRIO, I gained access to resources that immediately began to change my experience here at TROY. Through TRIO, I was connected to a support system that I didn’t even realize I needed.”

Walters, a rising doctoral candidate in TROY’s new Ph.D. in Criminology program, said beyond the academic support, TRIO provides students with a sense of community.

“TRIO is not just a program; it is a community. It is a lifeline,” she said. “It is a launchpad for people like us, who may not have been handed the easiest path, but have the strength, the courage and the determination to succeed. TRIO did not just support my academic journey, it supported me, as a person, as a young black woman trying to find her way. There were moments when I felt like giving up, times where things outside of the classroom were just too heavy, but someone in TRIO always noticed, someone always checked in and they always saw me, they heard me, and they reminded me that I belonged.”

Walters offered advice to TRIO students in the room.

“TRIO is here to walk with you, support you and push you to the finish line and beyond it, but it only works if you use it,” Walters said. “Use every service TRIO offers — tutoring, mentoring, counseling, leadership opportunities, financial aid guidance. Build relationships with the TRIO staff. They are all allies, counselors, people you will find that you will lean on far after you graduate. Remember, you are never alone. Be present. Go to meetings, events and trips. Be active in your success, and even if you feel like this trip isn’t for you, go anyway. And lastly, always give yourself grace. You are learning and growing. Growth is not always neat, but progress is progress, no matter how small. No matter what comes your way, no matter how challenging, nothing is too far gone for the on-time God.”

The event also featured reflections by current TRIO students Ahmad Collins and Christina Keith, as well as comments from Shantel Barginere, TROY’s Director of Student Support Services, and Michael Harrison, President of the Alabama Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel.

Graduate certificates were presented to students from the Dothan and Troy Campuses, and Grant Aid recipients were also recognized.

Dothan graduate certificates were presented to: Ahmad Collins, Anmol Christian, Cheyenne Toni Combs, Destinee Buchanan, George Jackson, Keaton Huckenphaler, Kimberly Branch, Laloya Spann, Leslie Nowling, Jr., Loran Pettis, Marquita Paul, Monika Trevathan, and Treasure Martin.

Troy Campus graduate certificates were presented to: Aaliyah Jenkins, Aaliyah Williams, Alicah Long, Amber Steen, Asia Peoples, Christina Keith, Jamecia Moore, Kaitlyn Pink, Kasheena Grandberry, Kaylia Anthony, Kishon Reynolds, Linda Tyson, Maya Salone, Quinterra Nichols, So’mer Davis, Tammy Hamilton, Tra’nyia Chatman, Tramaine Davis, and Tyren Robinson.

Dothan Grant Aid recipients recognized were Adrianna Curry, Ahmad Collins, Angel Collins, Bethany Worley, Breanna White, Cameron Barkett, Destinee Buchanan, Kayla Owens, Kimberly Branch, Phyllis Dickens, and Stephanie Ousley.

Troy Campus Grant Aid recipients recognized were Amber Steen, Christina Keith, Jamylah Jackson, Kaylia Anthony, Kylie Blankenship, Melanie Jones, Ta’Niya Traylor, Ty’Shaun Caldwell, and Zoe Morris.

The following Troy Campus students received special recognition certificates: Ty’Shaun Caldwell, SAEOPP Survivor Scholarship; Alyssa Williams, AAEOPP Survivor Scholarship; Ta’Niya Traylor, Betty Duff Student Leadership Scholarship; Zoe Morris, SAC Dedication and Leadership Award; and, Aaliyah Griffin, SAC Dedication and Leadership Award.

Dothan Campus award recipients were: Adrianna Curry, Outstanding Non-Traditional Student; Cameron Barkett, Spirit of Endurance Award; Kimberly Branch, Advisor Award; Destinee Buchanan, Advisor Award; Randall Parnell, Tutor Award; Kiera Hall, Excellence in Academic Achievement Award; Bethany Worley, Exemplary Service Award; Stephanie Ousley, Most Dedicated SSS Dothan Participant; and Breanna White, Most Dedicated SSS Dothan Participant.

Troy Campus award recipients were: Robert Foshee, Outstanding Non-Traditional Student; Ty’Shaun Caldwell, Outstanding Freshmen Student; Ta’Niya Traylor, Outstanding Sophomore Student; Alyssa Williams, Outstanding Junior Student; Tra’Nyia Chatman, Outstanding Senior Student; Kylie Blankenship, Advisor Award; Hayle Jackson, Advisor Award; Alexys Frazier, Peer Tutor Award; Aaliyah Griffin, Peer Tutor Award; Amari Bryant, Peer Tutor Award; Zoe Morris, Director Award; Kaylia Anthony, Outstanding GPA Award; Emily Kolb, Tutor Award; Chanukah Anderson, Staff Award; Jayden McQueen, Excellence in Leadership Award; Ty’Shaun Caldwell, SAC Executive Board President; Jamarion Willie-Hughes, SAC Executive Board Vice President; Ta’Niya Traylor, SAC Executive Board Secretary; Morgan Blackmon, SAC Executive Board Treasurer; Jamylah Jackson, SAC Executive Board Public Relations Officer; and Alexys Frazier, SAC Executive Board Public Relations Officer.

A full gallery of photos from the Student Support Services awards luncheon is available at: https://troyuniversity.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000OD4mp1008z4/G0000EKKKHIH1x7A/20250506-TRIO-Awards-Luncheon.