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The TRIO Student Support Services Program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent recognized Mary Trudeau as the 2014-2015 TRIO Student of the Year recently at its annual banquet.

The organizations gives this to a student who has shown exemplary participation in the Student Support Services program on- and off- campus involvement, has shown skills in leadership, team building, communication, as well as persistence towards their academic goals and success as a student.

Trudeau enrolled as a student in the UMFK nursing program last January. Prior to UMFK, she earned an associate's degree in public administration from Lagos State University, Nigeria and continued to work on a bachelor's degree in political science education until she moved to the United States in 2006.

Because of the difference in education systems, she enrolled in a GED program through adult education, where she was an outstanding student and received the honor to give the class commencement speech. She is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and attended the University of Maine at Augusta taking prerequisite nursing classes.

In her home country, Mary was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization where she participated in community volunteer activities, such as going to orphanages and homes for the elderly to help with their daily needs.

She currently volunteers at the Fort Kent CHIPPY Center, the early learning and preschool program, as well as the American Red Cross. She is also an active member of the Student Nurses Organization.

Her goal is become a nurse educator and an advocate for women's rights, educational parity, and opportunity by working through the community and political arena.

Director of Student Support Services Lena Michaud said, “This student has received many different services through the TRIO program and clearly demonstrated a commitment to reaching her academic and career goals.”

Michaud added, “Mary is a great example of a leader.”