Kayla Dumore wanted to stay close to home when she was thinking about college. Since she grew up in Central Point and graduated from Crater Renaissance Academy, place was an important factor in her decision making. She chose SOU as a way to stay close to family and also because of one of her influential mentors, Native American Studies faculty member Brent Florendo, guided her toward SOU as an exceptional educational choice.
Learning never exhausts the mind, as Leonardo Da Vinci famously said, and for Nikita Bazarsky, current SOU Business student, this is a true statement that exemplifies the tremendous opportunity SOU has offered him to explore new pathways. Nikita’s experience at SOU showcases the phenomenal impact scholarships can have on students.
Dennis Slattery’s connection to SOU spans over four decades. He has not only been a cornerstone of the university but a shining example of how a sustained commitment to exceptional teaching and generosity can transform the lives of SOU students.
Konaway Nika Tillicum is an overnight academic camp for Native American students in grades 7 to 12 held on SOU’s campus each summer. Students from across the Northwest travel to engage in a range of lectures, cultural experiences, recreational activities, and classes with tribal leaders. For nearly 30 years, this unique program has been making a profound impact on the lives of young Indigenous students, providing them with academic support, cultural understanding, and a strong foundation to navigate the challenges of higher education.
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fostering-Belonging-Native-Youth-Thrive-at-Konaway-Nika-Tillicum-at-Read-More.jpg1101800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-08-21 14:25:562024-01-17 14:05:07Fostering Belonging: Native Youth Thrive at Konaway Nika Tillicum at SOU
Morgan Ulu knew she wanted to go to college, but it wasn’t until an SOU delegation came to American Samoa that she knew it was a real possibility and in reach. Since then, Morgan has flourished as a leader to her peers and American Samoan community. As a ROTC Commander, she looks over 50 cadets while also working as a building lead at the SOU Recreation Center. She is preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant Officer this summer.
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Student-Grows-Into-Remarkable-Leadership-by-Creating-Community.jpg9001200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-05-30 09:17:412024-01-18 15:18:21Student Grows Into Remarkable Leadership by Creating Community
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/learn-more-sou-food-pantry.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2025-02-24 11:05:362025-02-26 11:26:25The SOU Food Pantry: Resiliency in Action and a Cornerstone of Student Success
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sierra-sam-fong-featured-image.jpg451800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2025-02-01 14:09:212025-02-24 11:06:26Scholar-Athlete Sierra Sam Fong Makes Her Mark in the Classroom and on the Soccer Field
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20240701_144117.jpg811800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2025-01-31 09:09:302025-02-06 10:16:39A Planned Gift Will Support Future Generations of Raiders
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/featured_image_INL.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-12-06 08:59:162025-01-09 14:12:53SOU’s Innovation & Leadership Program: A Catalyst for Community and Career Growth
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/layla-gross-lad-scholar-4.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-12-06 08:58:212024-12-06 09:00:04First Generation Scholar’s Journey to SOU: A Bright Future Fueled by the Lithia & Driveway Scholarship
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sou-theatre-scholarship-featured-image.jpg6751200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-12-06 08:58:062024-12-06 08:58:06Love for Theatre and Community Lead to New Scholarship
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/bob-leona-featured-image.jpg6751200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-12-06 08:57:222024-12-06 08:57:22DeArmond Foundation Supports Working Students
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sou-student-ai-community-innvoation-learn-more.jpg6751200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-11-04 10:58:472024-11-07 09:38:41SOU Student’s Passion for AI Drives Community Innovation
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Honors-College-Scholar-Taylor-Jackson-Balancing-Brilliance-on-the-Court-and-in-the-Lab-Read-More-2.jpg6311122Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-06-19 10:18:452024-09-25 12:09:35Honors College Scholar Taylor Jackson: Balancing Brilliance on the Court and in the Lab
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Thomas-Eldridge-Painting-SOU-ALUM.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-06-11 11:58:002024-06-11 15:24:57A Legacy for the Arts: Artist & SOU Alum Leaves Bequest to Schneider Museum of Art
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Finding-a-Place-to-Belong-at-SOU-Featured-Image.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-05-16 11:17:282024-05-16 11:17:28Finding a Place to Belong at SOU: Leader & Basketball Athlete Theodore Reid
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kierstin-Groteweil-Scholarship-Impact-Athletics-Academics-Featured-Image-1.jpg12002134Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-04-08 12:36:522024-04-08 12:58:58From the Softball Diamond to the Lab: Kierstin Grotewiel’s Journey in Science and Softball
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LAD-Scholar-Dev-Kapil-From-India-to-Southern-Oregon-University-On-Facebook.jpg450800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-03-18 12:23:132024-04-04 13:17:51Lithia & Driveway Scholar Dev Kapil: Fostering Community While Excelling in Academics
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sustaining-the-Arts-and-Beyond-Donor-Gives-Charitable-Gift-Annuity-to-SOU-Read-More.jpg4321024Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2024-01-25 10:45:172024-08-08 13:49:11Sustaining the Arts and Beyond: Donor Gives Charitable Gift Annuity to SOU
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Embracing-the-Aloha-Spirit-and-Finding-the-Best-in-Others-Read-More.jpg4321024Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-12-04 09:32:022024-08-30 13:29:25Embracing the Aloha Spirit and Finding the Best in Others
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lithia-Bryan-DeBoer-1-scaled-1.jpg495800Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-11-27 15:07:082023-12-15 14:07:452023 Impact of Giving: The SOU Foundation Annual Report
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Spotlight-on-Creativity-Athletics-LAD-Scholar-Embraces-Her-First-Year-at-SOU-Read-More.jpg6751200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-11-22 11:06:572024-02-26 13:34:09Spotlight on Creativity & Athletics: LAD Scholar Embraces Her First-Year at SOU
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Legacy-Gift-Will-Foster-Sense-of-Belonging-and-Community-at-SOU-Read-More-1.jpg6751200Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-11-07 10:31:362024-04-02 12:41:50Legacy Gift Will Foster Sense of Belonging and Community
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Building-a-Sustainable-Future-Historic-Gift-from-Alumnus-Bryan-DeBoer-Read-More.jpg4321024Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-11-07 10:31:272024-04-02 12:42:57Building a Sustainable Future: Historic Gift from Alumnus Bryan DeBoer
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Robby-Running-3-edit.jpg583600Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-05-22 11:30:162023-10-17 11:17:31Small Campus, Big Connections: Student Athlete Discovers Exciting Career in STEM
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Building-Community-and-Resiliency-600.jpg450600Melissa Matthewsonhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMelissa Matthewson2023-03-29 15:09:522024-05-14 13:53:44Building Community & Resiliency for Underrepresented Students
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/hennion-alex-bellen.jpg450600Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2022-11-21 13:38:472023-10-25 14:36:50Bridging the Gap: Donors Support SOU’s Bridge Program
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/carol-and-blair.jpg510600Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2021-10-06 10:51:522024-04-02 12:47:47Gift Provides a Helping Hand to SOU CARES Program
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/taylor-burke.jpg624600Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2021-10-06 10:46:322023-10-17 11:10:17SOU Cares Program Helps Students When It’s Needed Most
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gene-thumb.jpg475500Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2021-10-06 10:27:072023-10-27 14:56:55Rogue Credit Union & SOU Partnership Energizes the Rogue Valley
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/jim-and-dena.jpg546600Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2021-10-06 10:17:372024-04-02 12:48:51A Passion for Innovation: New Endowment for Business Students
https://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/donna-ritchie-1.jpg635600Marc Friedmanhttps://giving.sou.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOU-Giving-Logo-6.0.pngMarc Friedman2021-10-06 10:11:132023-10-27 15:02:31Donor Shares Her Love of SOU and the Arts
Inspiring Change Agents: Mentorship Propels Emerging Native Scholar’s Journey
/in Impact Stories, Scholarships, StudentsKayla Dumore wanted to stay close to home when she was thinking about college. Since she grew up in Central Point and graduated from Crater Renaissance Academy, place was an important factor in her decision making. She chose SOU as a way to stay close to family and also because of one of her influential mentors, Native American Studies faculty member Brent Florendo, guided her toward SOU as an exceptional educational choice.
Scholarships Propel Nikita Bazarsky Toward a Bright Future in Business & Computer Science
/in Impact Stories, Scholarships, StudentsLearning never exhausts the mind, as Leonardo Da Vinci famously said, and for Nikita Bazarsky, current SOU Business student, this is a true statement that exemplifies the tremendous opportunity SOU has offered him to explore new pathways. Nikita’s experience at SOU showcases the phenomenal impact scholarships can have on students.
Where Faculty Mentorship & Philanthropy Meet: Dennis Slattery’s Lifelong Commitment to SOU
/in Academic Programs, Donors, Faculty, Impact Stories, ScholarshipsDennis Slattery’s connection to SOU spans over four decades. He has not only been a cornerstone of the university but a shining example of how a sustained commitment to exceptional teaching and generosity can transform the lives of SOU students.
Fostering Belonging: Native Youth Thrive at Konaway Nika Tillicum at SOU
/in Donors, Impact Stories, Scholarships, Students, Youth ProgramsKonaway Nika Tillicum is an overnight academic camp for Native American students in grades 7 to 12 held on SOU’s campus each summer. Students from across the Northwest travel to engage in a range of lectures, cultural experiences, recreational activities, and classes with tribal leaders. For nearly 30 years, this unique program has been making a profound impact on the lives of young Indigenous students, providing them with academic support, cultural understanding, and a strong foundation to navigate the challenges of higher education.
Student Grows Into Remarkable Leadership by Creating Community
/in Impact Stories, Scholarships, StudentsMorgan Ulu knew she wanted to go to college, but it wasn’t until an SOU delegation came to American Samoa that she knew it was a real possibility and in reach. Since then, Morgan has flourished as a leader to her peers and American Samoan community. As a ROTC Commander, she looks over 50 cadets while also working as a building lead at the SOU Recreation Center. She is preparing to commission as a Second Lieutenant Officer this summer.