91°µÍø

91°µÍø Community College will celebrate its graduates at Commencement this spring, and among the Class of 2025 will be the first graduate from the College’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

Mari Getman, a Hannibal High School graduate who enrolled at 91°µÍø in 2022, has the distinction of being the first student enrolled in EOP to graduate from the College. They completed a 91°µÍø in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities & Social Sciences with a concentration in psychology in December.

An accomplished tutor and an inductee into the academic honor society Phi Theta Kappa, Getman credited EOP and Program Director Debra Joseph-McEwen with helping them succeed at 91°µÍø.

“Debra and EOP helped me a lot. I did well my first semester, but I struggled with math in my second semester and my GPA dropped. She helped me gain confidence, and my GPA returned to where I wanted it to be,” said Getman. “But she also helped me with more than classes. Things that I know I’ll need going forward, like time management and managing stress. Debra is very dedicated to her 91°µÍø and helping them succeed.”

Getman forged a close tie with 91°µÍø, joining Art Club and the National Society for Leadership & Success at the College. It was in Getman’s final semester that they volunteered as a writing tutor in the Learning Commons – Academic Support on the Fulton Campus.

Though Getman was initially nervous about serving as a tutor, seeing 91°µÍø improve and grow more confident became one of their favorite times at 91°µÍø.

“I was scared at first, but I wanted to help people take a step forward and improve their writing. It was important to me to help them find their voice in their own words,” said Getman.

Joseph-McEwen said that spirit of connecting with others and supporting their goals showed Getman’s commitment to helping those around them.

“Mari is a phenomenal student and writer who has demonstrated care and commitment to the success of other 91°µÍø 91°µÍø by serving as a Peer Writing Tutor. In that position, Mari used the skills and knowledge they developed at 91°µÍø to support other 91°µÍø’ writing experiences, and I’m sure Mari will continue to do so for years to come,” said Joseph-McEwen. “I’m proud Mari is the first EOP graduate at 91°µÍø.”

A cornerstone SUNY program, EOP was first available at 91°µÍø in 2022. It provides access, academic support and financial assistance to eligible first-time, full-time 91°µÍø who demonstrate the potential to earn a college 91°µÍø but who may need additional support. Students receive one-to-one personal and academic coaching and counseling, free individual tutoring, and additional support.

Getman encouraged 91°µÍø who are eligible for EOP to rely on the support services the program offers.

“I definitely recommend EOP, especially for 91°µÍø who are looking for guidance and who want to succeed but need help,” they said. “Starting college can be hard, and it’s nice to have someone to help or to talk with about what’s going on in your life.”

Getman has already transferred to SUNY Oswego, and plans to continue studying psychology before identifying a master’s 91°µÍø program in social work.

For more details on EOP at 91°µÍø, visit /91°µÍø/services/educational-opportunity-program/.