Bay College TRIO Students Sweep Statewide Honors

Students who started college uncertain about their abilities are now standing on stages, presenting research, and earning honors across Michigan and beyond.

Bay College's TRIO Student Support Services program celebrated an exceptional year as its students swept campus awards and earned statewide recognition. Two TRIO students, Laura-Jean Bowers and Adrian Rhode, received Outstanding Graduate honors for their academic divisions. Only one student from each division earns this distinction at the college-wide awards dinner.

TRIO student Olivia Versailles won an even more competitive award: Outstanding Student Employee of the Year. She was selected from every student employee across the entire college.

Abi Rich took the stage at commencement after winning the speaker competition. She addressed her fellow graduates on May 9, sharing her journey with hundreds of attendees.

Landon "Marcy" Dugree made waves beyond campus at Business Professionals of America competitions. He placed first in Digital Communication & Design Concepts at the state level, then traveled to Nashville with his video production team. They brought home first place nationally.

Five TRIO students earned competitive scholarships through the Michigan College Access Program & Personnel. Destiny Lopez, Chad Drummonds, Travis Mills, Lara Ryan, and Gabrielle LeBeau traveled to Lansing to receive their awards and deliver speeches at the recognition ceremony.

Why This Inspires

Matt Stewart, TRIO's director, watches these transformations happen year after year. Many students arrive at Bay College unsure of themselves and their capabilities.

"Some of these students came into college hesitant to speak up in class, and now they're presenting research, speaking in front of large groups, earning scholarships and being recognized across campus," Stewart said. The growth isn't overnight, but it's real.

The program supports first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. It provides academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and financial literacy workshops. But the real magic happens when students start believing in themselves.

Several TRIO students also presented at Bay College's Poster Symposium, with Adrian Rhode, Julie Rexford, James Maxwell, and Travis Mills earning awards for their research. Graduating TRIO students wore red and white honor cords at commencement, a visible symbol of their hard-earned growth.

These students didn't just earn degrees—they discovered what they're capable of achieving.