For the past 55 years, Marquette’s Educational Opportunity Program has enabled low-income, first-generation students around the Milwaukee area to enter and succeed in higher education.
A federally funded TRIO program, EOP started at Marquette in 1969 with just 40 students. Currently, there are 1,300 students enrolled and more than 10,092 students who have served over the past five decades.
EOP houses six different programs for students pursuing their education at Marquette: Student Supportive Services, Upward Bound, McNair Scholars, Upward Bound Math and Science, Educational Talent Search and S.O.A.R.
Steven Robertson, associate director of EOP and pre-college programs, provides supportive tools and mentorship for students to unlock their full potential and confidence during their time at Marquette. He considers the program to be an essential part of the Milwaukee community for his students.
“The Educational Opportunity Program embodies the university’s mission of excellence, faith, leadership and service in Milwaukee. It serves as a beacon of hope, empowering potential in some of the city’s most underserved areas,” Robertson says. “Marquette’s dedication to being good neighbors and investing in Milwaukee’s youth resonates deeply.”
Deeply, indeed. Over 20 alumni, like Robertson, have returned to Marquette as employees.
Here in a Q&A, five EOP alumni who currently work on campus share how the program supported them throughout their educational career and life.
Marilyn Jones
Marilyn Jones graduated from the EOP program in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and Spanish from the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences. Years later, she is now the inaugural director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success, helping students achieve the most out of their educational experience.
“At the core of who I am and what I do are the values that I learned from my EOP experience,” Jones says. “Leading from a place of authenticity, empowerment and personal growth through a sense of community became the foundation for what came after graduating from Marquette.”
Ruth Peterson
Ruth Peterson graduated from the EOP program in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and law studies from the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences. She is now a captain in the Marquette University Police Department.
“The EOP program offered support to the program’s students,” Peterson says. “The staff truly cares about the success of its students and makes everyone feel like a family. My time as a student was filled with so many great memories.”
Dr. Albojay Deacon
Dr. Albojay Deacon graduated from the EOP program in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from the College of Health Sciences. He now serves as the coordinator of diversity equity and inclusion in the Department of Physical Therapy, ensuring fair and diverse learning opportunities for students.
“My adviser was instrumental in mapping numerous game plans that would get me into PT school,” Deacon says. “This took much effort on my part, but I don’t think hard work alone would’ve helped me reach my goals; the advising and the coaching from the EOP program staff was everything.”
Roy Avila
Roy Avila graduated from the EOP program in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and graphic design from the Diederich College of Communication. He is now the associate director of the Lemonis Center for Student Success, aiding students with their college journey.
“Having a dedicated team of staff members with whom I could always check in and ask questions left me feeling empowered to face the challenges of being a first-generation student,” Avila says. “The staff at EOP continue to Be The Difference that we talk about at Marquette.”
Enrique Torruco
Enrique Torruco graduated from the EOP program in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in communication from the Diederich College of Communication. He is now the associate director of social media for the Office of University Relations, portraying positive ideas and messaging for and about Marquette.
“EOP supported me financially and academically, providing grants and tutoring services when needed,” Torruco says. “The friendships and relationships built with my peers and the EOP staff stayed with me through my time as a student at Marquette.”
