Embracing the Aloha Spirit and Finding the Best in Others
A two-degree alum of SOU, Bernie believed in the powerful opportunity that education offers, especially as he experienced it in SOU’s closely knit and nurturing community.
Entries by Melissa Matthewson
2023 Impact of Giving: The SOU Foundation Annual Report
Our optimism in philanthropic commitments for 2023 materialized remarkably—the dedicated generosity of over 2,600 benefactors set a new record, culminating in $15.4 million in contributions to strengthen the university.
Spotlight on Creativity & Athletics: LAD Scholar Embraces Her First-Year at SOU
Natasha Perez Parra is our second featured LAD Scholar, a first-year SOU beach volleyball athlete who is studying Emerging Media and Digital Arts.
Cultivating Student Leadership at SOU: Tiana Gilliland’s Scholarly Achievement and Leadership Development
Tiana Gilliland is a first-generation student who grew up in Grant Pass, Oregon. Tiana’s journey to SOU is a brilliant testament to the profound impact of higher education on students who earnestly carve their own path toward academic excellence.
Legacy Gift Will Foster Sense of Belonging and Community
Sue and Mike Collins are driven by a commitment to community, education, and philanthropy. Their journey is a blend of shared experiences, professional accomplishment, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Building a Sustainable Future: Historic Gift from Alumnus Bryan DeBoer
Bryan DeBoer ’89, values the deep-rooted significance of a regional public university like SOU. He understands the out-sized role it can play in a geographic region, recognizes the importance of having a thriving school from which to draw future employees, and leans into “the possible” when organizations come together to solve larger issues.
SOU Welcomes First Generation Scholarship Student Mayra Sanchez Contreras to Campus
Mayra, a first-generation college student, is dedicated to the pursuit of education and aspires to contribute to the field as an elementary or middle school teacher, a dream she’s had since she was very young.
Inspiring Change Agents: Mentorship Propels Emerging Native Scholar’s Journey
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.
Scholarships Propel Nikita Bazarsky Toward a Bright Future in Business & Computer Science
Learning never exhausts the mind, as Leonardo Da Vinci famously said, and for Nikita Bazarsky, current SOU Business student, this is a true statement that exemplifies the tremendous opportunity SOU has offered him to explore new pathways. Nikita’s experience at SOU showcases the phenomenal impact scholarships can have on students.
Where Faculty Mentorship & Philanthropy Meet: Dennis Slattery’s Lifelong Commitment to SOU
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.