The TRiO Program helps low income, first generation, and students with disabilities  build social networks, it also provides mentoring, facilitates successful transfer to four-year universities, and empowers students to succeed in college and beyond.

Despite the success of the administrators of this program at Truman College in winning a new federal grant, the staff has been fired and forced to re-interview for their positions.

The staff which includes the Director Roberto Valadez, Student Support Specialist Bernadeth “Bernie” “Mom” Weekes, and Administrative Assistant Danubia Guerra, provided TRiO students with personal academic advising and mentoring, tutoring, transfer assistance, financial aid assistance, cultural events and social activities. Not to mention they keep us focused and sane throughout the school year.

This has been a confusing time for students starting out this semester as most students have relationships with the staff and are concerned about losing their support system. This is where you come in. Please support us in petitioning the Board of Trustees in charge of the hiring and firing of TRiO staff. Please sign our statement of support.

Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 508

We, the undersigned, call on the Board of Trustees to reconsider any staff changes to the TRiO program at Truman College. The students here are opposed to any such changes as the staff has been successful in achieving its goals of having its students exceed academic standards. The students in this program have forged relationships with the staff and would be the ones facing a disruption in their academic lives. We ask that you consider the students, and the goals that TRiO under Roberto Valadez has been able to realize in your decision.