Opportunity Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree . . .
Since its inception, the Educational Development Program’s Student Spotlight series has been centered on our traditional undergraduate students and their academic and extracurricular activities. This edition focuses on two recent graduates, Marcus B. Anderson and David M. Chatterton. Both young men have successfully completed their undergraduate course work and graduated in spring 2012 and spring 2013, respectively. They have now returned to campus and are working on their master’s degrees with some financial help from the EOPGOP (Educational Opportunity Program Graduate Opportunity Program).*
Hailing from Blasdell, NY, Marcus Branden Anderson, graduated from West Seneca West High School in 2007 and came to Fredonia in fall, 2007. He has a double major in Adolescent Social Studies Education/History and is currently pursuing a M
aster of Science in Literacy Education (Grades 5-12), with an expected graduation date of May, 2014. When Marcus isn’t commuting to Fredonia from Buffalo to complete his current academic work, he substitute teaches in three school districts in the Buffalo, NY area and is employed part-time at Wegman’s Food Markets, Inc.
Marcus feels “the graduate tuition waiver propels me forward as an educator and provides me with a sense of responsibility representing the EOP present and future students to strive toward excellence in and outside the classroom. It gives me a strong sense of pride through the investment that EOP has made in offering me the tuition waiver. Throughout all EOP has done for me, my passion is forever ignited in all I do.” Marcus received the EOP Arthur O. Eve Scholarship in 2012, has been on the Dean's List, and received academic certificates at EOP's annual awards ceremonies.
David Matthew Chatterton arrived in Fredonia from Oswego, New York, in August, 2008 as a Music Education major. A graduated of Oswego High School, he is the second of four siblings to attend Fredonia. Having played the cello since he was eight years old and in the third grade, David is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Music Performance/Cello, and is thrilled to be back. “If I could call a second place my home, Fredonia would be it. It is not just the place that has made it home for me but even more so, the people here. I have been helped and guided at every turn on my way to where I am now.” 
David is grateful that . . . "Even in my graduate work I am still receiving help, not only in classwork, but financially as well. The only way for me to attend graduate school here was made possible by the EOP graduate tuition waiver. There are some amazing people in the EOP department and I have had the privilege of knowing them . . . I am so very thankful for everything that they have done for me here.” David plays cello with the College Symphony Orchestra, has been on the Dean's List, and received academic certificates at EOP's annual awards ceremonies.
Hopefully this Spotlight not only inspires students to successfully complete their undergraduate degrees but also motivate them to pursue an advanced degree and make them aware that the benefits of EOP go beyond a bachelor’s degree.
*The Educational Development Program (EOP) is also known state-wide as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). As EOP undergraduates, students benefit from a variety of support services (academic advising, financial aid, computer lab, supplemental instruction, pre-freshmen orientation, freshmen orientation class, etc.). As graduates of EOP, they qualify for the EOPGOP.
The EOP Graduate Opportunity Program provides financial assistance to cover tuition to EOP graduates undertaking graduate study at a participating SUNY graduate and/or professional institution when attending full-time. Students must apply and be admitted to a participating campus prior to approval of Graduate Opportunity Program funding. Documentation of a student's prior status as an opportunity program student is also required. Students who are interested in graduate study are encouraged to consult with their undergraduate program director. Early application to the campus of choice is encouraged as funding may be limited.
Applicants must be:
• New York State residents
• Graduates of SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) or of City University of New York's Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) Program or of the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP) conducted by private colleges.
• Accepted into a master’s program (matriculated) and registered as full-time students.
Applicants must:
• Complete the Certification of Participation form and have it signed by the institution granting the bachelor's degree.
• File a FAFSA renewal.