Two Recognized for Life-Saving Efforts at SOU

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(Ashland, Ore.) —A Southern Oregon University Campus Public Safety Officer and SOU student were both honored with Life Saving Awards by University President Roy Saigo during a June 1 ceremony on campus.
The officer, Robert Gibson, and student, Kala Griffith, were honored in their role in saving the life of a man found unconscious in SOU’s Education and Psychology Building on April 6.

SOU President Roy Saigo presents Officer Robert Gibson with the Citizen Life Saving Award. Officer Gibson's wife, Tammy, joined him for the ceremony.

SOU President Roy Saigo presents Officer Robert Gibson with the Citizen Life Saving Award. Officer Gibson’s wife, Tammy, joined him for the ceremony.


Griffith was among the first people to notice that the individual was unconscious and began giving chest compressions. Upon his arrival, Officer Gibson took over giving chest compressions until emergency medical technicians with Ashland Fire and Rescue arrived and began administering CPR. The man was subsequently transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
Dr. Saigo presents the Citizen Life Saving Award to Kala Griffith.

Dr. Saigo presents the Citizen Life Saving Award to Kala Griffith.


“It is truly my honor to present you with this award today,” Dr. Saigo said. “Your quick and responsive actions that day saved a man’s life, and for that you should be very proud, just as we are very proud to have you as part of the SOU community.”
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.