A special Oregon Tech event was held May 10 to celebrate nontraditional students’ academic success in the Tech Opportunities Program. The event honored over 100 TOP students with a grade-point average of 3.30 or above in the fall or winter terms, including Natalee Olhiser, who is from Quincy and studies respiratory care at Oregon Tech.
Oregon Tech TOP is a federally funded TRiO college opportunity program that powers the potential of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities who demonstrate academic need. In 2023-24, 160 students participated in TOP.
Motivational speaker Odell Bizzell II delivered keynote remarks at the event, encouraging students with his best advice: Listen to your parents, advisors and mentors more than you listen to your friends and social media.
“The big thing that I want to convey is that there are people in your corner; there are people in your community; there are people in your family that want you to win. Let them help you,” Bizzell said.
He also discussed three ways to guarantee success in TRiO:
- Brainwash yourself from all negative media: what entertains you trains you.
- Learn the No. 1 skill of success: you can only become successful through communication.
- Make connections: everything you want is inside a connection to a group of people.
TOP staff provides services and support in academic coaching and counseling, networking, workshops, cultural events and more.
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Institute of Technology offers programs in engineering, health technologies, business, technology, communication and applied sciences. Visit www.oit.edu to learn more.
Information provided by Oregon Institute of Technology
