Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) often go above and beyond the call of duty to encourage engagement and provide support to traditionally underrepresented students. This issue of Lumina Foundation Focus magazine, titled "Pillars of progress," examines MSIs and their efforts to maximize student success. Following the President's Message, In Student-Success Efforts, "Minority" Rules (Jamie P. Merisotis), articles in this issue include: (1) In Engineering Student Success, the Border is no Boundary (Christopher Connell); (2) Honoring Tradition while Preparing Students for Tomorrow (Stephen Giegerich); and (3) Focus on Freshman: Engagement Activities Put Students on the Path to Success (Patricia L. Brennan).