RISE Student Partners Come Together for Largest Gathering in Program History

A recent Student Partner event marked an exciting milestone for the RISE To the Top!, showcasing the program’s continued growth and the expanding culture of inclusion across the The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus.

Hosted by RISE staff member and Coordinator for Service and Volunteerism at IDS, Aysha, the evening brought together more student partners than ever before, making it the largest gathering since the RISE program began. The moment reflected years of dedication to building a supportive peer network that helps students succeed in college and beyond.

Student partners are at the heart of the RISE experience. These peer mentors volunteer their time to support RISE students both socially and academically, helping them navigate campus life while building authentic friendships.

Student Partners assist with:

* Attending campus events together
* Encouraging involvement in student organizations
* Supporting classroom engagement and study habits
* Building confidence, independence, and social connection

Through mentorship and friendship, Student Partners help ensure that RISE students thrive as active members of the Southern Miss community.

Participants enjoyed activities like Two Truths and a Lie – Mentor Edition, sparking laughter and strengthening relationships among partners. Conversations also focused on exciting program milestones, including:

* Expanding the network of Student Partners
* Preparing to welcome the Fall 2026 cohort
* Celebrating the program’s first graduating RISE students participating in full commencement ceremonies

These moments highlight how RISE continues to evolve, opening doors for students to experience college achievement and community inclusion in meaningful ways.

RISE staff host several Student Partner gatherings throughout the academic year because connection is central to the program’s mission. Each event reinforces a campus culture where students support one another and inclusion is lived, not just discussed.

As this record-breaking gathering demonstrated, the Southern Miss community truly rises to the occasion.

For more information on the RISE To The Top! Program, contact Danielle Mullins, Executive Coordinator for Postsecondary Education, at 601.266.5962 or alyssa.parks@usm.edu.