It was the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) that attracted Matia (“Tia”) Ayers ’08 to St. Lawrence. When he spoke to her at Albany Academy, HEOP director Bill Short encouraged her to consider St. Lawrence. “When they sent me an invitation to visit the campus I was thrilled,” she says. “Once I stepped on campus I loved the congenial atmosphere and the warmth of the people in HEOP.”

Tia’s campus involvement is extensive. She is president of the Black Student Union, coordinator of the Black Women’s Residence, an SLU Buddy (a companion to a local at-risk child), was an Orientation leader in 2005, was part of a production of The Vagina Monologues, and was has attended a conference in Maryland with one of her professors.  “All these things allow me to express myself,” she says. “The Black Student Union allows me and others to be comfortable on a predominantly white campus. It creates awareness of diversity on campus as well as off.”

“As a student grows here, he or she really begins to appreciate the things this institution has to offer,” Tia comments. “Being active in all aspects of campus life has helped my academic success,” says the global studies major.

After graduating, Tia plans on attending law school and then hopes to work in international and public affairs. “I am a political and social activist,” she says.  “I try to help others the best way I know how. St. Lawrence helped me realize the kind of person I want to become and strive to be today.”