Seeding the Future
A Planned Gift Will Support Future Generations of Raiders
Steve Bouck, ’82, MBA ‘84, embodies the true spirit of philanthropy. To honor the transformative impact SOU had on his professional and personal life, Steve decided to make a significant bequest to support the university. He was particularly drawn to the idea of supporting student-athletes who, like himself, may not have received athletic scholarships but demonstrated dedication both on and off the field. His gift will endow a scholarship in business marketing specifically for student-athletes. He’s also directing half of the gift to the athletic department, aiming to enhance opportunities for current and future generations of Raiders.
Steve Bouck, ’82, ’84 MBA
Small Campus, Big Connections
Steve Bouck grew up in Corvallis, Oregon and enrolled at SOU as a student-athlete in the fall of 1976. He walked on to the SOU football team as an outside linebacker and as a member of the 1978 SOU National Championship Wrestling Team. He was also a graduate assistant linebacker coach under Coach Chuck Mills for the 1983 SOU District Champion Football team. The close-knit community and personalized attention he received at SOU fostered a sense of belonging and academic growth, as well as the skills necessary to compete after graduation.
After graduating with degrees in marketing and geology, Steve faced unexpected industry hurdles in finding a job. As a result, he returned to SOU for his MBA with a minor in computer science. Steve approached his graduate studies with a renewed determination. SOU professors became true mentors, taking personal interest in Steve, but more importantly, prepared him to compete against students who were relying on their larger university name to obtain a job in the high-tech computer industry.
During graduate school, he became president of the American Marketing Association chapter, leveraging his experiences and connections to secure job interviews with industry giants like IBM and Burroughs. He also received the Salkow-Johnston Graduate Scholarship from the business department while working on his master’s degree.
Currently, Steve is the President and Founder of Solution Synergy, a leading healthcare cybersecurity sales and consulting firm located in Phoenix, AZ. Throughout his successful 40-year career in healthcare technology, Steve carried with him the values and competitive skills instilled at SOU. He became a Fellow of the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society as well as an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Regional Advisory Council. Bouck says, “I believe that teamwork, a positive environment, and a competitive willingness to go the extra mile are essential for both personal and institutional success. These principles are what make Southern Oregon University a very special place.”
“I believe that supporting student-athletes is crucial. My experience at SOU taught me the values of hard work, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, not to mention how to compete and excel in the corporate world. I hope this gift will significantly impact and assist the journey of future SOU students.”
— STEVE BOUCK, ’82, ’84 MBA
Steve Bouck with Mike Beagle, SOU Alumni Director
Giving Back to SOU
Steve’s philanthropic vision extends beyond financial contributions. He sees himself as an ambassador for SOU. He serves on the SOU Alumni Association Board, connecting with prospective students in Arizona, and advocates for greater alumni involvement in university initiatives. Steve believes there are many SOU alumni whose tremendous careers or unique experiences, that if shared, would enrich students, faculty, and administration.
Steve believes that SOU’s President Rick Bailey is the best thing that has ever happened to SOU, and that, the more alumni collaborate with the university, the more successful SOU will become. Steve says, “I believe SOU can reach even greater heights by fostering collaboration between alumni, administration, and current students.” Steve reflects the idea that having an ongoing relationship with the university after graduation is extremely helpful and important for the longevity of the institution and the community.
With the recent addition of Arizona Christian University to SOU’s athletic league, Steve has seized the opportunity to organize alumni gatherings during SOU’s away games in Arizona. These events have fostered community and camaraderie among alumni in the Southwest.
On numerous occasions, Steve returns to the SOU campus to share his career journey with current students, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Steve says, “I love talking to current students with the hope that my experiences inspire students to embrace their full potential and strive for excellence.”