SUNY Delhi's EOP Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Students with Promise

EOP provides supplemental support to academically and financially disadvantaged students

by Riikka Olson

Delhi, NY (09/28/2021) — SUNY Delhi's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall. Founded by SUNY in 1967 with the commitment that "every student capable of completing a program of higher education should have the opportunity to do so," EOP provides academically and financially disadvantaged students access to supplemental support such as tutoring, counseling, and financial aid. EOP was instituted at SUNY Delhi in 1971.

Mr. Gary Manning of Delhi, NY, worked with SUNY Delhi's EOP from the beginning, first as a counselor, and then as the director from 1978 until his retirement in 1999.

"I arrived at EOP as a kind of big brother, and by the time left, I was more like a grandfather," Manning says about his two decades in the role. "Every day, we endeavored to do our best to deliver EOP students the services they needed to successfully navigate college at SUNY Delhi. I thoroughly enjoyed my time - I went to work every day knowing my work was necessary, productive, and appreciated."

Current SUNY Delhi EOP Director Louis Reyes says he is honored to continue to build on the foundation left behind by former directors.

"Our campus has supported this program for 50 years which is testament to its commitment to access and support to all students and particularly those who are academically and financially disadvantaged but possess the promise to succeed in college."

Reyes continues, "SUNY Delhi President Michael Laliberte and Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Tomas Aguirre have been great advocates and really stepped up to the plate to support EOP. I also want to thank Deputy Student Advocate and Executive Director of EOP Cheryl Hamilton whose leadership has been remarkable in making EOP stronger. It truly takes a village."

To be eligible for EOP, a student must be a New York State resident, enrolled as a full-time student, and meet financial and academic requirements. Consideration is given to students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.

For more information, visit www.delhi.edu/eop or contact Louis Reyes at (607) 746-4747 or reyesla@delhi.edu

Media Attachments

Former SUNY Delhi EOP Director Gary Manning with a group of EOP students in the 80s.

Former EOP Director Gary Manning with a group of EOP students in the 80s.

Current SUNY Delhi EOP Director Louis Reyes with a group of EOP students in 2021.

Current SUNY Delhi EOP Director Louis Reyes (left) with a group of EOP students in 2021.

SUNY Delhi

SUNY Delhi's EOP Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Students with Promise

EOP provides supplemental support to academically and financially disadvantaged students

Media Attachments

SUNY Delhi

Share this Story

Recent News