Celebrating TRIO Graduates
Along with the normal trials and tribulations of college, TRIO students overcome significant education access barriers in pursuit their first bachelor's degree. As such, we are incredibly proud to recognize and highlight our TRIO graduates for their hard work in college and beyond!
Stay tuned for more of our Spring 2025 graduates' profiles.
Spring 2025 Graduates
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Liudmila Karaseva (Spring '25)
"I am graduating with a Multidisciplinary Studies degree with my two areas of studies being 'The Arts' and 'Human Studies'. After receiving my Associate of Arts in 2019, I came back to school to finish my bachelor's."
"I am planning on taking some time from school to get clear and have a rest then hoping to pursue a master's degree in counseling in the future. I feel incredible grateful to have gotten the assistance and opportunity for higher education."
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Silver Little Eagle (Spring '25)
Silver Little Eagle, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, will graduate in the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work (BSW) - summa cum laude. Silver recently completed her BSW practicum as a Youth Engagement Specialist at the Missoula non-profit EmpowerMT.
This summer marks the start of big plans for Silver. She commence studies in a year-long Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at the 猎奇重口, while simultaneously beginning an internship at the American Indian Governance and Policy Institute on a Baucus Leaders MT Fellowship from the Max S. Baucus Institute. There, she will be completing projects that provide tribal governments with evidence-informed tribal policymaking support to address the core causes of socioeconomic challenges in health-related issues on reservations.
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Victor Perez Carrillo (Spring '25)
"I am an immigrant from Mexico and a proud first-generation college student. In May 2025, I will graduate with a B.S. in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management. After graduation, I will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 猎奇重口 Army National Guard, where I plan to serve in either logistics or aviation."
"Upon returning from officer training at Fort Knox, I plan to pursue a dual civilian career in public service—potentially as a state or federal law enforcement officer, park ranger, or game warden. My long-term goals include serving my community, protecting natural resources, and developing a wildlife photography business that reflects my passion for conservation and culture."
"TRIO has provided invaluable support throughout my academic journey. The resources, mentorship, and inclusive environment helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am deeply thankful for my peers, my family, and my community for standing beside me every step of the way."
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Jessica Ragan (Spring '25)
"Hi, I'm Jess and I'm a first-generation college student! I'll be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration this spring, and then continue my studies through the Doctor of Physical Therapy School here at UM! I look forward to the next chapter of college at this great university in beautiful Missoula."
Liudmila Karaseva (Spring '25)
"I am graduating with a Multidisciplinary Studies degree with my two areas of studies being 'The Arts' and 'Human Studies'. After receiving my Associate of Arts in 2019, I came back to school to finish my bachelor's."
"I am planning on taking some time from school to get clear and have a rest then hoping to pursue a master's degree in counseling in the future. I feel incredible grateful to have gotten the assistance and opportunity for higher education."
Silver Little Eagle (Spring '25)
Silver Little Eagle, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, will graduate in the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work (BSW) - summa cum laude. Silver recently completed her BSW practicum as a Youth Engagement Specialist at the Missoula non-profit EmpowerMT.
This summer marks the start of big plans for Silver. She commence studies in a year-long Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at the 猎奇重口, while simultaneously beginning an internship at the American Indian Governance and Policy Institute on a Baucus Leaders MT Fellowship from the Max S. Baucus Institute. There, she will be completing projects that provide tribal governments with evidence-informed tribal policymaking support to address the core causes of socioeconomic challenges in health-related issues on reservations.
Victor Perez Carrillo (Spring '25)
"I am an immigrant from Mexico and a proud first-generation college student. In May 2025, I will graduate with a B.S. in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management. After graduation, I will commission as a Second Lieutenant in the 猎奇重口 Army National Guard, where I plan to serve in either logistics or aviation."
"Upon returning from officer training at Fort Knox, I plan to pursue a dual civilian career in public service—potentially as a state or federal law enforcement officer, park ranger, or game warden. My long-term goals include serving my community, protecting natural resources, and developing a wildlife photography business that reflects my passion for conservation and culture."
"TRIO has provided invaluable support throughout my academic journey. The resources, mentorship, and inclusive environment helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am deeply thankful for my peers, my family, and my community for standing beside me every step of the way."
Jessica Ragan (Spring '25)
"Hi, I'm Jess and I'm a first-generation college student! I'll be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration this spring, and then continue my studies through the Doctor of Physical Therapy School here at UM! I look forward to the next chapter of college at this great university in beautiful Missoula."
Fall 2024 Graduates
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Sarah Hauser (Fall '24)
"Hello, I'm Sarah Hauser and I'm graduating with a BFA in Game Design and Interactive Media!
"Navigating college with medical issues on top of being a first-generation college student was always difficult. But, having the help of my Trio advisors and the staff here and at ODE have been a blessing! I'm so excited to graduate and move onto the next chapter of my life."
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Suzie Rosalez (Fall '24)
"I have an Associate's in Psychology and just earned my Bachelor's in Criminology. I currently work in sober living group homes with a mental health facility; however, I do plan on furthering my education on the Sociology of Law and entering a career in law enforcement. I have always known that I would attend college, but never knew how I would accomplish it. For me, higher education was my ticket to a better life for myself and my family.
"I had a very non-traditional college experience. I started at a community college, and many of my classes were online due to working full time. I also took a ‘gap’ period, which almost resulted in a withdrawal from my education entirely. I owe a lot of my ongoing success to my own determination (it is very important to acknowledge your own efforts!), as well as to my loved ones and the TRIO program. I understood that I had the cards stacked against me, and TRIO helped me to turn these obstacles into stepping stones rather than roadblocks. I am grateful for the program and the individuals behind the scenes who have offered me endless support and kindness. There is no community quite like TRIO."
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Grace Suden (Fall '24)
"My name is Grace Suden and I am graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geoscience. I am the first to go to college in my family and wasn't sure how to navigate this new experience alone. I transferred from MSU to UM and switched my major three times, struggling with what I wanted to do but TRIO was always there to help.
"After starting at the 猎奇重口 I was finishing up my last elective as an Elementary Education Major when I was introduced to Geology. The gap between these two paths was immense but I will always be thankful I took the leap. I always thought I just needed to pick a major and it would all come together later but this experience taught me that it is never too late to find your passion, and I hope my story resonates with others who might be feeling lost or uncertain. The end can feel far away at times, but the journey- meeting new people, learning new things, and finding support- makes it all worthwhile."
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TRIO Works!
Fall 24 Graduates - Not Pictured
Gabriel Caye: Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Jessica Dorband: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude)
Caleb Giacomini: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Concentration in Criminology
Piper Jackson: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Cum Laude)
Tyrel Rodarte: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Jillian Waltman: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management
Sarah Hauser (Fall '24)
"Hello, I'm Sarah Hauser and I'm graduating with a BFA in Game Design and Interactive Media!
"Navigating college with medical issues on top of being a first-generation college student was always difficult. But, having the help of my Trio advisors and the staff here and at ODE have been a blessing! I'm so excited to graduate and move onto the next chapter of my life."
Suzie Rosalez (Fall '24)
"I have an Associate's in Psychology and just earned my Bachelor's in Criminology. I currently work in sober living group homes with a mental health facility; however, I do plan on furthering my education on the Sociology of Law and entering a career in law enforcement. I have always known that I would attend college, but never knew how I would accomplish it. For me, higher education was my ticket to a better life for myself and my family.
"I had a very non-traditional college experience. I started at a community college, and many of my classes were online due to working full time. I also took a ‘gap’ period, which almost resulted in a withdrawal from my education entirely. I owe a lot of my ongoing success to my own determination (it is very important to acknowledge your own efforts!), as well as to my loved ones and the TRIO program. I understood that I had the cards stacked against me, and TRIO helped me to turn these obstacles into stepping stones rather than roadblocks. I am grateful for the program and the individuals behind the scenes who have offered me endless support and kindness. There is no community quite like TRIO."
Grace Suden (Fall '24)
"My name is Grace Suden and I am graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Geoscience. I am the first to go to college in my family and wasn't sure how to navigate this new experience alone. I transferred from MSU to UM and switched my major three times, struggling with what I wanted to do but TRIO was always there to help.
"After starting at the 猎奇重口 I was finishing up my last elective as an Elementary Education Major when I was introduced to Geology. The gap between these two paths was immense but I will always be thankful I took the leap. I always thought I just needed to pick a major and it would all come together later but this experience taught me that it is never too late to find your passion, and I hope my story resonates with others who might be feeling lost or uncertain. The end can feel far away at times, but the journey- meeting new people, learning new things, and finding support- makes it all worthwhile."
TRIO Works!
Fall 24 Graduates - Not Pictured
Gabriel Caye: Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Jessica Dorband: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude)
Caleb Giacomini: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Concentration in Criminology
Piper Jackson: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Cum Laude)
Tyrel Rodarte: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Jillian Waltman: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management