More than 125 TRIO students from colleges across Minnesota attended the annual TRIO Adult Student Leadership Symposium held at Coffman on February 7. TRIO Student Support Services staff organized the conference around the theme of Honoring our Past, Owning our Future, in celebration of TRIO’s 50-year anniversary. View the video recap.

John S. Wright, Morse-Amoco Distinguished Teaching Professor of African American & African Studies and English at the University of Minnesota, delivered the keynote address, with a welcome from CEHD dean Jean Quam. TRIO alumnus Anthony Shields was the master of ceremonies.

Several CEHD student services staff presented at the conference on themes related to graduate school, working with kids, building social capital, the McNair Scholars program, and career decision making. Staff presenters were Anthony Albecker, Sheri Beck, Shade Osifuye, Jeannie Stumne, and Bai Vue. Additionally, more than 30 University of Minnesota TRIO students volunteered at the conference. Twin Cities-based Hmong dance group Nkauj lab Nraug OO provided the closing entertainment.

The annual conference is held at different institutions each year and is part of the Minnesota TRIO Association.