Laura and Mike Naumes share a profound love for Oregon agriculture and community, which dates back to 1907 when Mike’s grandfather, J.P. Naumes, grew apples in Hood River. Mike’s father, Joe Naumes, started the present company, Naumes Inc., in 1946 after serving four years in the U.S. Navy.
SOU alumni often share that the university’s environment created pivotal moments that shaped their future, and that is just what happened with Lee Erickson ’71. For Lee, that “aha” moment happened during a recruiting visit by an Oregon state police officer. After testing the water as a summer cadet on the Oregon coast, Erickson began a 30-year career in law enforcement and public safety following graduation.
For Ashland residents Ron and Katharine Lang, gratitude isn’t just a sentiment—it’s a way of life. Through giving, volunteering, and building local community, Katharine and Ron believe the fulfillment they receive from their actions is as great as the gifts they give.
SOU’s vision is to nurture the potential within every student and shape them into future leaders. This is achieved by prioritizing learner success, promoting critical thinking, and building a diverse and inclusive community. This transformative work, particularly through initiatives like the University Coaching and Mentorship (UCAM) program, is possible thanks to the generosity of donors.
Shared passion is often one value that holds a couple together—and Linda Hammer-Brown and David Brown are no exception to this truism. Their collective passion for the arts and a strong devotion to service have translated into a philanthropic commitment to SOU’s theatre program. The couple established a scholarship to support students from historically underrepresented communities or those students who face significant challenges in attending college.
Kristy Henshaw Denman’s journey from a Willamette Valley farm to a passionate supporter of Southern Oregon University exemplifies the power of family and its influence on one’s aspirations. Growing up on the family farm near Brownsville, Kristy found inspiration in music, a passion ignited by her father. It was a love for music and children that led her to SOU, where she pursued a degree in education with a music specialist concentration.
Julia Sommer is no stranger to the influential power of music. From briefly playing cello with the Rogue Valley Symphony to singing with Southern Oregon Repertory Singers since 2006, Julia has found significant joy in music and the performing arts. She performed with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus for many years.
Dale Vidmar’s engagement with SOU spans forty years—first as a student and then as a long-time faculty member in Hannon Library. His early experiences at SOU were pivotal in shaping his worldview and played an important role during his career.
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.
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.