Geraldine Graham, director for the Project Upward Bound program at Oakland University, recently was awarded the Council of Opportunity in Education (COE) 2003 Board Chair Award, which is given to individuals who are committed to advancing equal educational opportunity and to promoting diversity in America's colleges and universities. Graham also was inducted into the COE Hall of Fame.

"We are pleased that Geri has been recognized for her dedication and leadership in the Project Upward Bound program," said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for Student Affairs. "Her commitment to the students and her tireless determination to make this program a success is a testament to her character."

The Upward Bound Program at Oakland University is a federally funded college-preparatory program that provides support services, such as tutoring, counseling, mentoring, job shadowing, cultural enrichment and instruction, to area high school students.

Graham, a resident of Pontiac, has served on the Michigan Chapter of the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MI-MAEOPP) as education foundation chair, TRIO Day chair and the Silver Anniversary president from 1998-1999. She also has been a trainer with the University of Washington's Technology Training Grant and an MI-MAEOPP board member and committee chair.