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Recent Stories & News

Finding Purpose at SOU: Student-Athlete & Native Scholarship Recipient Isabella Amoth

December 17, 2025/in Athletics, Impact Stories, Scholarships, Students

Isabella Amoth, a sophomore at SOU, embodies the ideal student-athlete. On the field, she commands the midfield for the SOU soccer team. In the classroom, she is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science. Isabella’s success is rooted in her strong connection to her family, her rich cultural heritage, and the supportive environment at SOU.

Naumes Family Scholarship Cultivates New Business Leaders

December 17, 2025/in Annual Report, Gifts, Impact Stories, Innovation, Leadership, Scholarships

Laura and Mike Naumes share a profound love for Oregon agriculture and community, which dates back to 1907 when Mike’s grandfather, J.P. Naumes, grew apples in Hood River. Mike’s father, Joe Naumes, started the present company, Naumes Inc., in 1946 after serving four years in the U.S. Navy.

Criminology Scholarship Follows Career in Law Enforcement

December 17, 2025/in Academic Programs, Annual Report, Gifts, Impact Stories, Scholarships

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.

New Exchange Program to Bring Global Opportunity to SOU

December 17, 2025/in Academic Programs, Annual Report, Global Exchange, Impact Stories

Matt Essieh ’82 MBA ’84 came to SOU as a young student unaware that his academic experience would lead him to find his true purpose in life. Matt grew up in a small rural farming community in Ghana where many did not have access to education. As luck would have it, he was chosen from 40 students in his class to attend a high school supported by three Peace Corps volunteers. Upon completion of that education, one of those volunteers—whose family lived in Grants Pass—facilitated his travel to southern Oregon where he enrolled at SOU.

Inspired By Gratitude: The Langs Make a Meaningful Gift to SOU

December 17, 2025/in Annual Report, Gifts, Impact Stories, Resiliency, Sustainability, UCAM

For Ashland residents Ron and Katharine Lang, gratitude isn’t just a sentiment—it’s a way of life. Through giving, volunteering, and building local community, Katharine and Ron believe the fulfillment they receive from their actions is as great as the gifts they give.

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