Industrious students meet tough academic challenge

KALAMAZOO—Another two students participating in Western Michigan University's TRiO Student Success Program have met a challenge to get top grades for an academic year and as a result, earned lunch with WMU President John M. Dunn.

Raymond Enbody from Crystal, Mich., and Samantha Kulhanek from Brighton, Mich., won the challenge and were feted at an on-campus luncheon Oct. 9. Enbody, who also earned the honor last year, is a junior majoring in criminal justice. Kulhanek is a sophomore majoring in pre-nursing.

Their accomplishment was also recognized by state Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who could not attend the challenge luncheon but sent recognition certificates to the students.

Enbody and Kulhanek are the second group to meet the challenge and win lunch with Dunn.

TRiO Student Success Program

The TRiO Student Success Program helps first-generation, income-eligible college students and/or students with disabilities complete their bachelor's degree and transition to graduate school and professional life. Dr. Charlotte Giscombe, the program's director, says participants were challenged in 2010 to obtain a cumulative 4.0 grade point average for a minimum of one academic year.

The Student Success Program is supported by grant funds from the U.S. Department of Education and is housed in the University's Center for Academic Success Programs. Each year, it offers scholarships, advising, tutoring, mentoring, job and leadership opportunities, and other services to around 200 students. Last year, 61.5 percent of participants maintained a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA. In addition, the program boasted an 89.6 percent retention rate and a six-year graduation rate, that at 59 percent exceeds the national graduation rate.

For more information, contact Dr. Charlotte Giscombe at @email or (269) 387-4450.