Incoming Freshmen Extol the Virtues of SIUE’s Summer Success Program
Completing Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s five-week Summer Success Program (SSP) was “a great way to experience college with training wheels on,” said Marleigh Toenyes, of Wood River.
Toenyes, a graphic design and media production major, was one of 37 incoming SIUE freshmen selected to participate in the SSP from the University’s fall 2022 freshman application pool of more than 12,200 students, according to Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Belobrajdic, EdD.
SSP held a closing ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 4 in Lovejoy Library on the Edwardsville campus, where students displayed project exhibits, received awards and accolades, and shared their experiences. The free program is open to a select cohort of newly admitted first-year students who identify as first-generation and/or Pell eligible. Program participants can earn up to five college credit hours.
“This was not an easy journey, and many of you had challenges,” said Director for SIUE CORE TEAM (College Readiness: Transition, Engage, Achieve and Mentor) MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD. “Many of you embraced those moments of challenge, overcame obstacles and expanded your comfort zone to succeed.”
“I’m excited and incredibly impressed to see all the scholarship that has taken place in five weeks,” said Associate Provost Elza Ibroscheva, PhD. “As our future students, we hope your journey will be one full of energy, inspiration and resilience.”
“Your maturity level is impressive,” added Belobrajdic. “you thought it would be a good thing to take five of your precious weeks of summer and spend them in classes at SIUE. Thank you, parents and support units, for agreeing with them.”
Each student was registered for two or more of the following college credit-bearing courses during the program:
- “Public Speaking,” taught by Jocelyn M. DeGroot, PhD, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Applied Communication Studies
- “Introduction to Sociology,” taught by Liz Stygar, instructor in the CAS Department of Sociology
- “First Semester Transition,” taught by Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, WE CARE Clinic director, associate professor and coordinator for diversity in the School of Nursing
- “American Literature and Culture,” taught by Cindy Reed, PhD, assistant professor in the CAS Department of English Language and Literature
- “College Resources and Finances,” taught by Harris Lee
Classes were held four days a week. Students also had the opportunity to earn a free health credit. On Fridays, students chose from workshops on a range of topics including: dealing with time management, how to take better notes and SIUE policies. Weekends included field trips to the City Museum of St. Louis, skating, community volunteer work and visiting Cahokia Mounds.
“When you all moved here, five weeks ago, I could see the apprehension in your eyes,” said Leslie Boudouris, SSP student engagement coach. “I’m proud to have been able to witness each one of you grow and blossom into the amazing students you’ve become.”
“I envy you students, because I didn’t have this program when I was here,” said Letrice “Lee” Young, EdD, SSP program coordinator and SIUE alumna. “I made all the mistakes for three and a half years, but I still persisted, and I know you will, too.” Young earned a bachelor’s in speech communication in 1988, a master’s in sports management in 2000, and a master’s in applied communication studies in 2018.
Students receiving awards during the ceremony included:
- Juan Pizano, Shining Star in Sociology
- Essence Holloway, Most Improved Speaker (public speaking)
- Jaymz Young, Class Energizer (public speaking)
- Alyssa Loyd and Nyah Williams, Shining Star in American Literature
- MyKenzie McCulloch, High Achievement in College Resources and Finances
“The Summer Success Program has brought so many opportunities, and one of my favorite things is the people within it,” said elementary education major Zayden Anderson, of Bethalto, elementary education major. “It has taught me hard work, the value of friendship, and ways to cope in a new environment.”
“I learned how to step out of my shell and meet new people,” confided pre-pharmacy major Caitlin Droll, of Mascoutah. “Although there was a ton of coursework and a lot of stress, the program leaders did a perfect job tying some fun into all of the work.”
“Thanks to how close-knit the program is, many of the students quickly formed strong interpersonal relationships,” added Nicholas Fowler, of Collinsville, who is studying history. “There are mentors available who help you adjust to campus life. Thanks to SSP, I feel much more confident starting at SIUE this fall.”
“I have gotten the opportunity to know many people from different backgrounds,” noted social work major Breanna Gartley, of Chicago. I especially loved the environment, and how easy it was to connect with both the staff and my peers within the program.”
“As a high school student, I was isolated but doing well in school,” said Soraya Huddleston, of Barbonnais, who is studying psychology. “I love how welcoming this campus is.”
“My favorite part of the program was experiencing the dorm lifestyle and being on my own,” said nursing major Jorden Johnson, of St. Louis. “Being on my own forced me to practice time management, and each day I am getting better at it.”
“I learned many skills in leadership, public speaking, and self-management,” said Jaymz Young, of East St. Louis, who is studying cybersecurity. “This program taught me how to truly advocate for myself, get involved and step outside my comfort zone. Thanks to the program, I will know my way around campus and where the useful resources are that I will need in the fall.”
“In 2018, we were able to create pathways for high school students to begin building a strong connection to the SIUE community,” said Harris Lee. “This year, it was rewarding to have five students from the SIUE Pre- Collegiate Programs matriculate into the SIUE Summer Success Program.”
Other students participating in SSP this year included:
- Kyla Anderson
- Micahya Banks
- Jasmin Beltran
- Irene Boone
- Israel Castro
- Breanna Chase
- Amara Coburn
- Savannah Cory
- Alanea Cyrulik
- Dainis Gonzalez
- Arriana Grimes
- Alene Hanks
- DeMarco Hudson
- Yanisa Junkham
- Makhia Logan
- Khristian Manning
- Jordan McMurray
- Mackenzie Monari
- Jaylin Morris
- Javier Osorio
- Naomi Owada
- Tyler Robertson
- Kacianna Schmitt
- Ahlaysha Stephens
The SIUE Summer Success Program is designed to provide assistance to incoming first-year undergraduate students. It works collaboratively with students to engage in an ongoing transitional process from high school to college and creates a foundation for persistence towards a timely graduation.
Photos:
Top (left to right): SSP students Makhia Logan and Zayden Anderson discuss their project with Jimmy DelVecchio, SSP intern and Amie Knafelc, SIUE graduate of 2022.
Bottom: SSP Arriana Grimes (right) and Juan Pizano (far left) talk about their project to Lydia Jackson,
assistant to the provost for Library and Community Engagement.
Group photo: SSP students, instructors, coordinators and administrators attended the SSP Closing Program on Thursday, Aug. 4.