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Three TRIO Leaders Honored with the 2024 Walter O. Mason Jr. Award for Exceptional Contributions to Educational Opportunity 

September 10, 2024 — by Terrance L. Hamm

The Walter O. Mason Award stands as the pinnacle of recognition bestowed by the Council for Opportunity in Education, celebrating extraordinary individuals who have made indelible contributions to the realm of college opportunity programs and the relentless pursuit of educational equity for low-income, first-generation students, and those with disabilities.

On Monday, September 9, at the Council for Opportunity in Education’s Annual Conference in New York City, three distinguished TRIO professionals were honored with the 2024 Walter O. Mason Jr. Award. This prestigious accolade, COE’s highest honor, recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to educational opportunity programs and their unwavering commitment to advancing access for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities. 

The 2024 award recipients included Randolph Holly Jr., executive director of COPE, Inc.; Lydia Perez, director of TRIO Support Services at Mesa Community College; and Randall “Randy” Schroeder, former TRIO Student Support Services educational counselor at the University of New Hampshire. 

Inspired by his experiences growing up in a single-parent household, Randolph Holly Jr. has devoted his career to advocating for TRIO students. In his acceptance speech, Holly spoke passionately about his mission to uplift others. Reflecting his deep commitment to TRIO’s work, Holly referenced a beloved gospel hymn, stating: “If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or a song, if I can show somebody that he’s traveling with me, then my living will not be in vain.”

Lydia Perez, a TRIO Upward Bound alumna, shared how the program changed her life from an early age. “TRIO not only taught me skills, but it taught me that I have worth, unlimited potential and that I belong anywhere I want to be,” she said. Perez also highlighted the unique role of TRIO professionals as mentors and guides, remarking, “The real genius is that [the creators of TRIO] knew they had to find special people, special leaders, who could walk that journey with TRIO participants.” 

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Randy Schroeder, who served at the University of New Hampshire for 24 years, expressed his surprise at receiving the Mason Award, as he had never held a TRIO director position. Reflecting on his long career and the challenges of TRIO work, he noted, “Some of us lived through the sixties and seventies, and TRIO work has always been hard and continues to be challenging. But back then, it was risky and dangerous.” Schroeder emphasized Walter O. Mason Jr.’s remarkable ability to build coalitions: “One of Mason’s singular talents was breaking through and forming a rainbow coalition.” 

The Walter O. Mason Jr. Award is COE’s pinnacle recognition, honoring individuals who have made lasting contributions to college opportunity programs and the quest for educational equity. Named after Walter O. Mason Jr., one of the architects of the Federal TRIO programs, the award celebrates those who embody exceptional service and leadership in advancing educational access for underserved communities. 

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