Opportunity Programs hosted its 11th annual Parents’ Connected Day on April 8. More than 50 Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students and their families reunited for a day of information sessions, networking and student performances.
A highlight of the event was presentation of the Through the Doors of Opportunity award to Josie Collier ’97, P’14. The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor those alumni who choose to give back to their communities, not only in word, but in deed.
Director of Opportunity Programs Phyllis Breland ’80 said “Josie is unique in that her give back and personal investment has always included Hamilton College, and the students of Opportunity Programs. She ends each email with the quote: ‘There is no I in team, but there is a U in volunteer. Help someone today.” We awarded Josie this honor,” Breland said, “because she lives what she speaks.”
Parents were welcomed to the event by President David Wippman and Breland and later attended mini-classes with Philosophy Professors Todd Franklin and Rick Werner on the theme “Hope.” They enjoyed spoken word and music performances and attended a study abroad panel before boarding buses back to New York City.
