b"NAUMES FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP CULTIVATES NEW BUSINESS LEADERS L aura and Mike Naumes share a profound love for Oregon agriculture andThe decision to create an endowed scholarship fund at SOU was inuenced community, which dates back to 1907 when Mikes grandfather, J.P. Naumes,by the familys community values, the university leadership, the unique grew apples in Hood River. Mikes father, Joe Naumes, started the presentinitiatives of SOU's academic programs, and the familys interest in company, Naumes Inc., in 1946 after serving four years in the U.S. Navy.education. Mike and Laura were both impressed by President Rick Baileys out-of-the box thinking, his strategic direction for the institution, and his While Naumes, Inc. is primarily known for its pear orchards in Oregon, thecollaborative focus on students. They see true value in SOUs role as a company also manages 100 acres of wine grapes, a direct result of initiatinguniversity, especially in a rural community, and understand how SOU new product lines to diversify their holdings. Operations also include theirdirectly impacts local business and the economy. own packing and cold storage facilities, a custom crush winery, a tasting room, and production of estate wines sold under the Naumes FamilyWhen crafting their gifts to SOU, Laura and Mike zeroed in on helping Vineyards and Naumes Suncrest labels. students who are just below the top academic tier and who possess strongleadership potential. The scholarship prioritizes rst-generation students The Naumes familys intergenerational legacy has deeply inuenced theirand Latinx students in honor of the many Latinx people who work for their philanthropic endeavors and community engagementvalues passed downcompany. We hope this scholarship will give students an opportunity they by their parents and extended through their business operations. The Joemight not otherwise have, allowing them to become great contributors to and Frances Naumes Family Foundation was initially funded by Mikessociety, said Mike. mother, Frances Naumes, to support a variety of community organizations in the Rogue Valley, including Southern Oregon University. Additionally, a portion of their gift will support the business dean to promote faculty development and support other initiatives in the School of Business. Our vision is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will take ownership, contribute to society, and create businesses of their own, shared Laura.12"