As an Olsrud scholar and Psychology major, Danni Neis’ journey through higher education is anything but traditional. She is a mother, an advocate, in recovery, and a first-generation college student. Her path to SOU wasn’t straightforward, but when she arrived, she found clarity, purpose, and the support she needed to succeed. Thanks to donor scholarships, Danni turned what could have been a stopping point into a new beginning. 

Discovering a Passion for Psychology & Advocacy 

Danni initially began her studies at SOU as a theatre major, driven by a love for acting. However, a passion for psychology, cultivated since high school, called to her. A degree audit revealed she was actually much closer to completing a Bachelor of Science in psychology than her theater degree.  

This is when she had what she describes as an “aha” moment. Her true calling, she realized, was in advocating for prison reform and improving access to mental health care, topics that were rooted in lived experience. A loved one’s incarceration had opened her eyes to the failures in the justice system, and she wanted to be part of a solution. 

“I realized that prison reform and mental health access are critical issues,” she says. “That became my guiding post.” 

The Role of Donor Scholarships 

Despite finding academic purpose, Danni soon faced the weight of financial uncertainty when her financial aid loans ran out. The possibility of dropping out felt real. Just as she reached that precipice, two scholarships—one from the Olsrud family and the other from the James and Betty Akerill Memorial Scholarship—arrived. 

“I had no idea how I was going to continue,” she recalls. “I really would not have been able to get here without that help.” 

That funding allowed her to stay in school, and it gave her breathing room with space to focus, and the ability to follow her academic dreams while also managing her responsibilities as a parent. 

Scholarships that Make Change

The impact of scholarship support went far beyond Danni’s education. Shortly after securing financial aid, she was granted full custody of her daughter, who moved from Seattle to Ashland to join Danni and her 12-year-old son. The reunification was a turning point for the entire family. 

Without the burden of working full time, Danni was able to give her children what many student-parents can only dream of: her full presence. She volunteered in classrooms, attended field trips, and showed up for doctor’s appointments. These moments of connection, often sacrificed under financial pressure, became central to her family’s healing and growth. She recalls, 

“The scholarships gave me the freedom to be a very present parent during this transition. There are really not enough words to express how life changing that scholarship really has been for me.” 

A Sense of Belonging at SOU 

Danni’s time at SOU has also been shaped by community and kindness. She found mentors and supporters who saw her as a student and a whole person. 

Professors like Rachel Jochem in Psychology left a lasting impression. TRIO advisors became a steady presence, providing encouragement and strategic support as Danni balanced parenting, coursework, and personal growth. 

More broadly, Danni is “very grateful for the inclusiveness” she has felt at SOU. In the psychology department, where her recovery journey is highly relevant, she has shared her personal backstory and found “nothing but kindness from both my classmates and my professors.” She has never felt judged.

As an adult learner navigating recovery and raising two children, Danni found an inclusive and welcoming campus culture—one that acknowledged her unique journey and helped her thrive. 

Looking Forward: Purpose, Advocacy, and Future Goals 

Danni has ambitious plans for her future. She’s exploring a master’s program in community psychology at the University of Oregon, which strongly emphasizes interagency work. She is also committed to getting her drug and alcohol counselor certification as a next step. Ultimately, she hopes to foster research and establish ties with prisons and jails to continue advancing her mission of reform. 

Danni’s commitment to systemic change is not new. While at Rogue Community College, she served as the Director of Publicity and Media for the student government group. She was also invited to sit on task forces and forums, sharing her experience as a non-traditional student to advocate for greater access to higher learning.

She presented her own challenges and also the experiences of many other adult learners and single parents to policymakers. She even attended Zoom meetings where policies were being drafted, using her insights and those of her peers to help shape proposals submitted to the Oregon Legislative Committee.

While current time commitments with her daughter have meant stepping back from student government, Danni hopes to engage more in legislation in the future. 

Why Donor Scholarships Matter at SOU 

Danni Neis’ path to SOU illustrates the critical role of donor-funded scholarships. They provide stability during times of uncertainty and create opportunities when other options seem out of reach. Her experience shows how philanthropy directly supports student success, well-being, and long-term impact.  

“There’s definitely been a very big emotional aspect of this support. It really has changed my life.” 

Give today. Empower what’s next. 

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