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.

While Lee was stationed in Medford for the first six-and-a-half years, his dream was to become a detective. Over time, he served as a trooper, detective, and detective sergeant before becoming a lieutenant, captain, and finally a major, where he managed all field operations for the state of Oregon. Lee ended his uniformed service in 2000 and then served another 18 as an instructor at the police academy.

Lee and his wife Connie chose to thank SOU by endowing a scholarship for students in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Lee’s connection with SOU is rooted in a great academic experience and also as the first head resident assistant in the Greensprings dormitory. Lee said,

“SOU blessed me with the opportunity to earn my way through college. That experience taught me the true value of hard work and self-reliance.”

The Erickson’s scholarship will support first-generation students and those historically underrepresented in higher education.

The motivation for Lee’s gift is to provide students the same opportunities he received from SOU. His career with the Oregon State Police started at SOU, and he is determined to give back. Lee specifically hopes to help students who may be the first in their families to attend college, an interest because his own father had to give up a scholarship in order to work.

Lee’s memory of SOU is one of a small campus feel combined with high quality faculty members. Lee said,

“We wanted to help students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. Our hope is that this paves the way for thoughtful approaches to public safety.”

“Though the scholarship amount might be considered a drop in the bucket compared to the overall costs of education, its impact on the recipients is immeasurable. A seemingly small scholarship can make a substantial difference in the life of a student.” This scholarship serves as a symbolic gesture of belief and encouragement, instilling confidence and affirming the value of the recipient.