WHEREAS, April 12, 1997 marks the 25th Anniversary of Student Support Services at Rhode Island College. More popularly known as the PEP Program, Student Support Services came into being at RIC in 1972 as a six-week summer session for enrolled students intended to give them individualized, intensive academic study in writing, mathematics and communications, as well as one freshman level course for college credit; and

WHEREAS, Under the able and dedicated direction of Joseph L. Costa since 1980, the federally funded and state supported operation also calls upon enrollees to live on campus during the session. Prior to the summer component, students are also required to come onto the campus one evening a week for six weeks during the Spring semester to attend classes in study skills and to meet with their PEP counselor; and

WHEREAS, One of approximately 710 similar programs in operation across the country, criteria for selection includes a personal interview, low-income, high school academic credential review, and a written statement by the student; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Costa estimates that there are about 450 alumni, all of whom are Rhode Island College graduates, and that the successful program enjoys a superb 65% graduation rate. Most PEP alumni remain in the Ocean State after graduation and remain close to one another; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby salutes a quarter of a century of excellence in education by commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Student Support Services at Rhode Island College. A program that has truly made a positive and significant difference in the lives of hundreds of Rhode Islanders, this Senate is, indeed, pleased and proud to honor everyone who has ever been a part of Student Support Services at Rhode Island College; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Student Support Services Director, Joseph L. Costa.