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A First-Generation Scholar’s Path to Innovation

Jillian Chamberlain-Seitz, a Lithia & Driveway first generation scholar in her first year at SOU, is deeply passionate about costume design and eager to explore the many creative avenues SOU has to offer.  

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From First-Generation College Student to Future Officer

Annabell Delgado, a first-year student and Lithia & Driveway Scholar at SOU, is making a name for herself as a first-generation college student while juggling work, school, and her passion for criminal justice.  

Scholar-Athlete Sierra Sam Fong Makes Her Mark in the Classroom and on the Soccer Field

Sierra Sam Fong, first-year SOU student, athlete, and Lithia & Driveway Scholar, arrived at SOU in the fall of 2024 to a campus that felt like a long way from her home in Oahu, Hawaii. Yet, despite the distance, Sierra has found community and belonging at SOU.

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A Scholar’s Story: Felipe Garcia-Fisher’s Pursuit of Academic Excellence

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. 

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First Generation Scholar’s Journey to SOU: A Bright Future Fueled by the Lithia & Driveway Scholarship

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.  

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Finding a Place to Belong at SOU: Leader & Basketball Athlete Theodore Reid

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. 

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From the Softball Diamond to the Lab: Kierstin Grotewiel’s Journey in Science and Softball

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.

LAD Scholar Dev Kapil From India to Southern Oregon University On Facebook

Lithia & Driveway Scholar Dev Kapil: Fostering Community While Excelling in Academics

LAD Scholar Fiasamoa Faasauvale Finding Belonging Opportunity at SOU

Lithia & Driveway Scholar Finds Belonging & Opportunity at SOU

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.

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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.