Felipe’s decision to attend SOU was influenced by a family friend who resides in Ashland and spoke highly of the university. Intrigued by the affordability, the beautiful natural surroundings, and the small class sizes, Felipe decided to visit the campus. The visit solidified his choice—SOU was the perfect fit for his academic and personal growth.
Ian Ingram, a computer science student and scholarship recipient at SOU, has committed himself to understanding and promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence. As an SOU student, he is passionate about driving community innovation.
Layla Gross, a first-year student from Medford, Oregon, is carving a unique path for herself at SOU. As a first-generation scholar with a passion for business and an ambition for leadership, Layla is incredibly grateful for the Lithia & Driveway scholarship that has made her academic dreams a reality.
Taylor Jackson, Honors College Scholar and SOU Beach Volleyball Athlete, is an exceptional student whose SOU journey exemplifies a commitment to societal betterment, academic excellence, and athletic skill. Taylor is a senior studying biochemistry with a minor in biology, and she hopes to enter the world of medicine and ultimately, would like to become a physician.
It’s not an uncommon experience for alumni of SOU to name the community as one of the most enduring and impactful reasons they loved SOU. There’s just something special about the small campus in Ashland that draws people to this beautiful location where art, connection, community, and purpose all converge.
The small campus and tight-knit community at SOU is a draw for many new students who are interested in finding community, leadership, and belonging and Theodore Reid, Lithia & Driveway scholar, is no exception. Hailing from the tight-knit community of Douglas County, Nevada, Theodore’s upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of community and a drive for success, all of which he has brought with him to SOU to explore leadership and find connection.
Kierstin isn’t your average first year SOU student. While scouting the field as a catcher for SOU’s softball team, she’s also a dedicated Biology major, eager to learn the intricacies of the scientific discipline. Kierstin came to SOU not just for the academics, but because of the vibrant campus community that SOU offers to students.
The next student in our LAD Scholar Series is Fiasamoa Faasauvale who has come to SOU from the village of Malaeloa in American Samoa. As the youngest of seven children in her family, Fiasamoa worked hard to support her family financially, an ethos instilled by her parents who have worked tirelessly to provide for their children’s education.