Dennis Slattery’s connection to SOU spans over four decades. He has not only been a cornerstone of the university but a shining example of how a sustained commitment to exceptional teaching and generosity can transform the lives of SOU students.
Konaway Nika Tillicum is an overnight academic camp for Native American students in grades 7 to 12 held on SOU’s campus each summer. Students from across the Northwest travel to engage in a range of lectures, cultural experiences, recreational activities, and classes with tribal leaders. For nearly 30 years, this unique program has been making a profound impact on the lives of young Indigenous students, providing them with academic support, cultural understanding, and a strong foundation to navigate the challenges of higher education.
Kayla Dumore wanted to stay close to home when she was thinking about college. Since she grew up in Central Point and graduated from Crater Renaissance Academy, place was an important factor in her decision making. She chose SOU as a way to stay close to family and also because of one of her influential mentors, Native American Studies faculty member Brent Florendo, guided her toward SOU as an exceptional educational choice.
Morgan Ulu knew she wanted to go to college, but it wasn’t until an SOU delegation came to American Samoa that she knew it was a real possibility and in reach. Since then, Morgan has flourished as a leader to her peers and American Samoan community. As a ROTC Commander, she looks over 50 cadets while also working as a building lead at the SOU Recreation Center. She is preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant Officer this summer.
Robby Running grew up in Hood River and thought for sure he was going to college to become a dentist. All of that changed for him when he took an organic spectroscopy class at SOU, and his world opened up. That’s the magic of what happens in the classroom at SOU. The path to discovery looks different for each student, but the opportunities are everywhere you look. Robby had the innate curiosity—and eager mind that many SOU students have—to venture into the exploratory nature of the sciences. Following that curiosity led him to an exciting path of career advancement.
Nayeli Esqueda Alvarado remembers learning to love video games ever since she could move her thumbs. She recalls spending much of her childhood playing video games with her father, a happy memory that Nayeli carries with her as she reflects on her SOU college experience. Nayeli will be graduating as a double major in Computer Science and Emerging Media and Digital Arts in June with the hopes of entering the video game industry. It’s because of her education at SOU that Nayeli is poised for a promising future.
The writer and teacher bell hooks wrote that “…education as the practice of freedom affirms healthy self-esteem in students as it promotes their capacity to be aware and live consciously,” which relates beautifully to SOU’s mission of preparing students to become engaged citizens in our democracy. The SOU Bridge program does just this by providing resources to underrepresented students so they can learn how to create successful lives of purpose.