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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.

SOU’s Innovation & Leadership Program: A Catalyst for Community and Career Growth

Southern Oregon University’s Innovation and Leadership (INL) program has made a significant impact on the local community since its inception in 2015. Designed to cater to working professionals, the program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that equips students with the skills necessary to excel in leadership roles.  

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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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Love for Theatre and Community Lead to New Scholarship

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.

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New Fund Supports Summer STEM Research Experience

Gary Conner was known for his curiosity and his ability to fix or create anything on the spot. In fact, his wife, Cassie, describes a time when they traveled to Ecuador and he fixed a local man’s prosthetic arm in just a few hours—without any prior knowledge of its workings. That’s the kind of mind Gary had, and he loved to share his knowledge with young science lovers.

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DeArmond Foundation Supports Working Students

Bob DeArmond was a philanthropist at heart—his passion was to give back to his community and champion initiatives that uplifted others. Along with Leona, his wife of 65 years, the DeArmonds were a driving force for good in the Rogue Valley. Their belief in the power of education was profound, and they dedicated themselves to creating opportunities for young people to succeed.

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SOU Student’s Passion for AI Drives Community Innovation

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.

Honors College Scholar Taylor Jackson Balancing Brilliance on the Court and in the Lab Learn More

Honors College Scholar Taylor Jackson: Balancing Brilliance on the Court and in the Lab

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.