TRiO Success Stories

TRiO Student Support Services is a federally-funded program that has been dedicated to serving program-eligible students on Clarion's campus for more than 30 years. The program provides services including, academic advising, counseling in academics, financial literacy, career and graduate school topics, professional tutoring and study/test skills application, among others. The office is located in Becht Hall and serves more than 200 students. The following are testimonials of students who have utilized our services and found success at Clarion University.

Tiffany Maxwell

Tiffany MaxwellTiffany Maxwell is a 2018 graduate of Clarion University. While at Clarion, Maxwell majored in marketing, while working on a minor in entrepreneurial leadership. She now serves as the marketing coordinator at Farmers National Bank.

When asked how the TRiO program prepared her for her current position, Tiffany's response was:

"TRiO assisted me with my current position through several different methods. During my time at Clarion, TRiO provided a constant resource for advising help, study help, and valuable seminars and information sessions. Each member of TRiO has represented such an encouraging light in my life, and I am so thankful for their hard work and dedication to ensuring students have all of the best resources available to succeed.

"TRiO provided me with the necessary skills to begin my new position with confidence. They helped me to manage stressful schedules, and provided me with the assistance I needed to walk across that stage in May, with an understanding of my field. I utilize their tips and tricks on a daily basis and strive to be better each day."

Tiffany has a few tips that she would like to share with current TRiO students as well.

  • "Don't be afraid to raise your hand in class. Chances are if you have a question, several of your classmates have the same question.
  • "Your professors are there to help you succeed and desire to see you learn and understand each concept. Attend your advisor meetings and stay on top of your schedule.
  • "Utilize all university resources available to you. (Try TRiO and the Career Center for Professional Development.)
  • "Take every opportunity to travel. Check out the department of Business and Information Sciences. They do yearly trips abroad to amazing destinations.
  • "Get involved. Join a club, try out for the hip hop team, or volunteer. You'll be amazed at the bond between Clarion University and the surrounding community.
  • "(Perhaps the most important.) Take the time to thank those who influence your life. It does not take a lot of time to thank special individuals but thanking them can have an impact on them for years to come.
  • "Finally, remember that you are not alone on this journey. I, as well as the rest of Clarion University's proud alumni, faculty, and current students are rooting for you. Dream big, work hard, and have fun along the way."

Seth Carr

Seth Carr

Seth Carr graduated from Clarion University majoring in Nutrition and Fitness.  Seth graduated with honors and had perfect class attendance through his time at CUP.  Seth’s future goals include owning his own business and becoming a personal trainer.

“I am very happy that I was part of the Trio Program. The support the Trio program provided me with throughout my academic career was extremely positive and gave me the confidence I needed to succeed in the classroom. Everyone involved in the Trio Program was always there to answer questions, quick to help with any obstacles I had to overcome, they were very kind individuals, and provided the necessary tools to help me obtain my degree.  I want to thank everyone for the support they have provided me with and I would highly recommend this program to other students”. 

Catelynn Fleming

Catelynn Fleming

"My name is Catelynn Fleming, I’m originally from Curwensville, PA. I’m a 2015 Graduate from Clarion University and the TRiO Program!  I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Rehabilitative Science with a concentration in Addictions. I then went on to pursue my Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. I graduated this past May! I just began my professional career in Higher Education at Medaille College as a TRiO Academic Counselor. I’m super excited about this opportunity. Being a part of the TriO program was an absolute blessing for me and I cannot wait to give back to the program that gave me so much. It definitely helped shape who I am today. Through TRiO at Clarion I was able to learn so much from my mentors, everything from study skills, goal setting and getting involved on campus. If it wasn’t for the TRiO program and staff my college experience would have been completely different. I made lifelong friends in the program through classes and going to events on campus." 

Barry Wolfe

bw img

"I'll never forget the day I committed to attending Clarion University. I was filled with joy, fear, apprehension, and hope, which only became more magnified just before my first class, English 110, with Dr. Welsch, and after reading that first syllabus. I almost ran from the room screaming. As a non-traditional college student, my first semester was challenging academically and socially, but I was determined to succeed. Embarking on my final undergraduate semester in January '17 I can look back now and say it was my second semester when college existence became natural for me. My first exposure to the CU student support staff was with my TRiO adviser, and through the years I have built a strong network of advocates here at Clarion. My academic and social networking determination has paid off with an internship and exciting career opportunity post-graduation. This is not just my success, but that of all the faculty working at CU and they all deserve my heartfelt appreciation!"

What others are saying about mr. Wolfe

"Mr. Barry Wolfe, a senior accounting major, has been a part of the TRiO family since fall 2013. He has been an active participant within the program, making the most of his experience as a TRiO member. Barry has not only made connections within the Student Support Services program, but many campus resource offices/faculty/staff have had the privilege of getting to know Barry, through his pursuit of knowledge and experience, which has enriched his overall college career. We believe this determination has brought Barry to the place he is now -- a dean's list recipient who is on his way to graduate with an exciting career opportunity upon graduation. The TRiO faculty are excited and honored to have such an industrious, thoughtful student representing the TRiO program and CUP. We congratulate Barry on his hard work and determination!" -Maria Aiello, Director, TRiO Student Support Services

"What can I say about Barry... determined, energetic, always wanted to learn and understand. I have known Barry ever since he was a freshman in my Introduction to Business MGMT 120 course. He was always asking questions in class and would come to my office to have deeper discussions. I was impressed with Barry then, but the amazing part is I am now even more impressed with him. His ability to conceptualize has grown tremendously during his time here at Clarion. This is demonstrated in the questions he now asks. Barry is an exceptional student but more importantly he is an exceptional individual who will make Clarion proud!" -Dr. Chad Smith-College of Business Administration & Information Science

"Barry Wolfe is an adult student who displayed real courage in changing careers after a serious work-related injury. His maturity and intelligence have been a great asset, both to himself academically and to the university through his service. As president of the Accounting Society, he has been a dedicated and articulate leader, and has done a great job of acquiring top-notch speakers for meetings and increasing the society's participation in university and community events, along with fundraising to support the society's objectives." Frank Pici, Executive in Residence-College of Business Administration & Information Science

Last Updated 3/4/20