CASP Uses Grant to Show Appreciation

The Collegiate Academic Support Program (CASP) held a luncheon entitled “The Path to Success” February 22, providing newly appointed peer mentors the chance to recognize the mentors who brought them this far and gave students the opportunity to network with others who attended.

The luncheon was made possible with a $100,000 grant from the MetLife Foundation to Hudson Valley’s Foundation and is being split between the Learning Assistance Center and CASP to help students succeed academically.

“The grant is a wonderful opportunity for us to concentrate on a series called ‘engagement theory’,” said Kathleen Quirk, associate dean for instructional support services and retention. According to Quirk, students who are retained are students who are involved on campus. “The grant is [meant] to create a network of contacts. If we build connections between the students and faculty, we can help retain [them],” said Quirk.

“I think it’ll be good,” said peer mentor Kurtis O’Brien, a 21 year-old Individual Studies major. “I know what it was like to be a freshman and to be disoriented. I felt lost because I didn’t know anybody. Now I can help orientate a student and introduce them to people so they can feel supported.”

To begin the event, Roy Pompey, the coordinator of the CASP program, welcomed all guests, stating that the grant enabled CASP to thank all of the people who “go out of their way to help the students succeed.” Itasha Hilton introduced the newly appointed peer mentors: Kenan Jamison, Mike Mason, Morgan Beaudoin, Tamieka Green, Kurtis O’Brien, Dierre Burt-Moore, Corey Gittens and Sabrina Skelton. Hilton said the students were selected to be peer mentors because of their leadership qualities, their communication skills and their challenging academic backgrounds.

The peer mentors’ then introduced their guests by stating what they meant to them and why they had invited them to the luncheon. Guests included: Ann Evancoe, Jennifer Thompson, Jonathan Winnicki, Oji Fagan, Sim Covington and John Kennedy.
Peer mentor Dierre Burt-Moore, a 21 year-old individual studies major said, “As mentors we’re here to recruit students into CASP. I feel like I have the responsibility of being a leader. I really have to make sure I’m a good role model.”

“I’m happy I can give back what was given to me.” said Corey Gittens, a 23 year-old individual studies major.

Kenan Jamison’s guest Ann Evancoe, an associate professor of the biology department said, “Kenan has grown so much. He wouldn’t make eye contact or talk much when he first came to the Bio Study Center as a work study. It was so wonderful to
watch him make friends [and] pick up great study habits. We have talked about everything under the sun and I so appreciate his friendship. I am really going to miss him when he leaves.”

Burt-Moore said “[The luncheon] was nice. It felt like one big family.” Peer mentor Sabrina Skelton added “I had a great time. It meant so much to me.”

“The luncheon was so successful that I think it’s going to happen again in the future,” said Pompey“It’s an opportunity to express gratitude.”