As we bid farewell to another academic year and welcome the next cohort of EOP scholars this summer, I extend my warmest greetings to each one of you. It is a time of reflection, celebration and, unfortunately, somber remembrance.
Before we delve into the richness of the experiences in this newsletter, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a monumental figure in our EOP community. John Benson, our inaugural EOP director, passed from this life on April 2, 2024, in his 90th year. He was a man of many talents, earning his degrees within the SUNY system, the last being his doctorate from the University at Albany. John served the students of the Transitional Year Program (TYP) at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ from 1966-1977 during our program’s infancy. His life was a flame that he carried for people, adventures and equity. At EOP’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, we honored John for his instrumental role in shaping our foundation here at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ. His dedication, passion and steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within our University will forever be remembered.
Let us honor his legacy by continuing to uphold the values he championed.
In his honor, EOP presents the John Benson Award to a graduating senior each year for their contributions to activism on behalf of the program and its students. This year, the recipients were Sade Frazier ’24 and Tabitha Gregg ’24.
If you are so moved, you can give a gift directly to this award at the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ Foundation webpage. Be sure to specify the EOP John Benson Award in your details. We have also lost other members of our EOP and TYP family this year. I encourage you to consider ways to honor their lives. One defining aspect of our EOP community is that despite the obstacles we may face, we continue to strive to make a meaningful impact, even when there are challenges we cannot always understand.
To everyone who contributed to the EXCELERATE campaign — your gift represents your belief that Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ is the university of tomorrow, with EOP playing a large role in that progression. As we navigate the sometimes treacherous pathways of higher education, we do so with confidence because of the support of our alumni and friends.
EOP is boldly welcoming 185 first-year students to the 2024 Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ Enrichment Program, the largest number in our history. This new cohort represents the brilliance of today’s college-bound high school graduates, but we know that each of them comes with their own story, skills, expertise and areas needing support. We are ready to wrap them with EOP resources and modest direct aid, but we will need your help as we guide this group toward their future.
EOP’s mission is to complement the university’s academic support and resources. We stretch our offerings as far as we can, often working with very limited resources. However, basic insecurities like housing and food present significant barriers to our students' academic success. Instead of visiting the EOP Tutorial Center for assistance in the evenings or weekends, many of our students are working two jobs to pay their university bills or for off-campus housing and food, even after receiving full EOP support, TAP, Pell Grants, and both subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
This is a great University, and we keep getting stronger. But we must ensure that EOP students continue to access the education offered at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ. As a proud Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ EOP alumna, I am excited to present the opportunity to become a Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ student to interested high school students and families each year. However, as the cost to attend our University rises, we will need the support of our village.
In this edition of the newsletter, you will find inspiring stories of our students and alumni who are forging paths, even when the way is unclear. I hope their stories provide warmth, encouragement and a reason to celebrate. As we embark on a new season filled with endless possibilities, let us remain united in our shared commitment to excellence, equity and empowerment.
Wishing you all a joyful and rejuvenating summer ahead.
Walk Boldly,
Karima Legette ’01, MA ’05
EOP Director