b'CRIMINOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP FOLLOWS CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENTSOU alumni often share that the universitys environment created pivotalThe motivation for Lees gift is to provide students the same opportunitiesmoments that shaped their future, and that is just what happened with Leehe received from SOU. His career with the Oregon State Police started at Erickson 71. For Lee, that aha moment happened during a recruiting visitSOU, and he is determined to give back. Lee specically hopes to help by an Oregon state police ofcer. After testing the water as a summer cadetstudents who may be the rst in their families to attend college, an interest on the Oregon coast, Erickson began a 30-year career in law enforcementbecause his own father had to give up a scholarship in order to work. and public safety following graduation. Lees memory of SOU is one of a small campus feel combined with high While Lee was stationed in Medford for the rst six-and-a-half years, hisquality faculty members. We wanted to help students who might not dream was to become a detective. Over time, he served as a trooper,otherwise be able to attend college. Our hope is that this paves the way detective, and detective sergeant before becoming a lieutenant, captain, andfor thoughtful approaches to public safety, said Lee. nally a major, where he managed all eld operations for the state of Oregon. Lee ended his uniformed service in 2000 and then served another 18 as an instructor at the police academy. Lee and his wife Connie chose to thank SOU by endowing a scholarship for students in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Lees connection with SOU is rooted in a great academic experience and also as the rst head residentThe gift is intended to make education assistant in the Greensprings dormitory. Lee said, SOU blessed me with theaccessible for students who might not opportunity to earn my way through college. That experience taught me theotherwise have the chance. \x1f LEE ERICKSONtrue value of hard work and self-reliance. The Ericksons scholarship will support rst-generation students and those historically underrepresented in higher education. 16'