From Unexpected Romance to Business Leaders
Matt Essieh ’82 MBA’ 83 and Emmanuella Essieh ’82 share a history at Southern Oregon University that opened the doors for thriving business careers, philanthropy, and a lifelong romance.
Entries by kuriyamf
Alumna leads the future of analytical chemistry with groundbreaking research
Dr. Jessica Prenni ’98 had a straightforward reason for attending Southern Oregon University (SOU) after graduating from Roosevelt High School in Portland. “I chose SOU for the in-state tuition and planned to major in pre-engineering, then transfer to Oregon State University in Corvallis,” Dr. Prenni explained. However, during her freshman year, she enjoyed her general chemistry class so much that she changed her major to chemistry, which allowed her to complete her degree at SOU.
Alum leads premier regional trail maintenance non-profit
With a father who attended Southern Oregon College in the 1967-68, it seems fitting that Gabe Howe ’12, would eventually become a Raider. Initially, he came to SOU in 2002 and met his future wife but left the spring of 2003. He moved back to the Portland-metro area and would bounce around jobs for several years while also earning an associate’s degree from Mt. Hood Community College. By 2009, he was ready to return to Ashland and once there, he’d never look back.
Amistad exchange brings a change champion to Rogue Valley
Angelica Ruppe MS ‘86 said it has always been her calling to be of service to others and that coming to SOU helped make that possible. “SOU gave me the opportunity to grow and to change my life and to help change the lives of other people,” she said.
Alum lives a life of public service
“You can accomplish anything if you are willing to give the credit away!” This selfless philosophy from Jason Atkinson ’92, perfectly describes his combined three decades plus of public service in the Oregon legislature and private conservation efforts to restore the legendary Klamath River.
Talented alumna uses diverse arts background at WOU
Dr. Kendra Taylor ’11 MAT ’13 grew up in Medford and graduated North Medford HS. She took piano lessons starting in the 2nd grade because she saw her mother taking piano lessons and wanted to join in. She then joined the orchestra, playing cello, in elementary school
Alums met as students and became a lifelong team
It’s always special to hear stories of alums who met at SOU then end up spending a lifetime together. Jennifer ’93 and Sean ’92 Bagshaw have a very unique story about how they met during their campus employment as students and how they ended up together.
Servant leadership inspires alum in law enforcement career
Dr. John Lohrfink ’06 took multiple paths to get to SOU, but his latest one is predicated on servant leadership. Growing up in a suburban town north of New York City
Alum serves in the US Army JAG Corps
Nick Perrino ’ 15 grew up in Reno, Nevada and graduated from McQueen High School. At that time, there was a sort of pipeline of McQueen student-athletes attending SOU
Alumna promoted to direct program at the University of Oklahoma
Dr. Dolores Christensen ’10 grew up in the foothills of the northern California Sierras in the community of Paradise. After graduation from Paradise HS, she decided to stay close to home and save financially by attending nearby Butte Community College in Oroville