Clinton, N.Y. – Hamilton College Director of Opportunity Programs Aaron Ray received the Arthur O. Eve Human Relations Award from the Higher Education Opportunity Program Professional Organization (HEOPPO) at the organization’s conference in Westchester, N.Y. on Oct. 3. The Higher Education Opportunity Program is a New York State program focused on dismantling barriers and equipping historically underserved students with the resources they need to excel—on campus and long after they graduate.
Each HEOP institution must ensure that HEOP students are provided with sufficient academic support services, tuition assistance, supplemental financial assistance, and full need packaging to enable them to successfully complete the institutional components required for graduation.
The Arthur O. Eve Human Relations Award is given to an individual who “champions the issues of inclusion, access, and success while making post-secondary opportunities available to historically underrepresented students through their efforts at their institution and through their advocacy at the state level.”
Earlier this year, Hamilton was awarded funding to launch the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), a New York State Education Department initiative designed to increase the number of economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and other licensed and health-related professions. Ray led the grant proposal process and will serve as the inaugural director of the program.
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides a broad range of services to New York State residents who, because of educational and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend a postsecondary educational institution.
Ray joined Hamilton as Director of Opportunities Programs in 2021.
