Nearly 90 former and current students from Concordia College-Selma and Selma University were recognized at a banquet earlier this month inside Concordia College-Selma’s auditorium.

The Upward Bound Achievers Recognition Program honored past and present students ranging from Chicago, Selma, Camden, Kentucky and Georgia who participated in the program since the 1970s and went on to complete college and have successful careers.

The Rev. Tilahun Mendedo, president of Concordia, said the program was a tribute to the fine work and achievements of the program’s graduates.

“We’re proud to host this program on our campus,” Mendedo said. “Mr. Harrison and his staff do a wonderful job relating to students and providing them with opportunities to succeed.”

Ronnie Levern Harrison, program director, said this is the first time a ceremony was held in honor of Upward Bound students.

“The students honored were only a portion of students who went through the program,” Harrison said. “We wanted to locate students doing great work even in the military. The ceremony lets current students and other students in the program know they can achieve afterwards.”

The Upward Bound Program, a federally funded program, provides would-be first-generation college and low-income high school students a chance to experience college life.

“Students can come to our campus on Saturdays and for six weeks during the summer time,” Harrison said. “They can meet new people, learn responsibility — like washing clothes, etc., and even take a couple college courses that will be transferrable.”