Digital Media Center lighting upgraded

SOU Digital Media Center moves to energy-efficient studio lighting

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(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s Digital Media Center has addressed sustainability and improved educational resources for students in a recent, transformative upgrade to its studio lighting. The studio is now operating with state-of-the-art LED film and TV lighting fixtures, dramatically reducing energy consumption while enhancing the quality of its productions.

“This project has been a dream for some time, but until now has been cost-prohibitive,” said Brandon Givens, director of the DMC. “Thanks to a consortium of campus partners – as well as abnormally generous pricing from the manufacturer, ARRI Lighting – we were able to complete this incredible upgrade all at once.”

Better for users, better for the environment.
The new lighting system uses cutting-edge LED technology, reducing energy use by approximately 75% and aligning with SOU’s commitment to green energy. The lights are expected to run directly from the campus solar grid in the future, as SOU continues to add arrays of solar panels and expands its generating capacity to become the first public university to produce enough electricity to meet all of its daytime energy needs. The LEDs also produce far less heat than the lights they replaced, conserving energy by reducing the need for air conditioning.

The DMC project was funded largely by the Associated Students of SOU’s “Green Tag Fee” – an assessment of $14 per student each term that was approved in a student vote several years ago to promote sustainability projects. SOU Sustainability Director Becs Walker said the Green Tag Fee is “designed to empower student-led sustainability projects that not only benefit our campus but also set a precedent for environmental stewardship in higher education.” The DMC and SOU’s Sustainability Office and Institute for Applied Sustainability each contributed additional funding for the project.

“The new lighting capabilities in the studio allow students to experience a form of artistic expression they may not have otherwise cultivated,” said student Riley Carter, who is majoring in Sustainability with a minor in Digital Cinema.

“This program preaches collaboration on all fronts and I have gained experience and knowledge from every person I have had the opportunity to work with,” said Carter, who spearheaded the application for Green Tag funding.

Benefiting a variety of current and future users
The high-quality ARRI lighting fixtures, known for their durability and professional-grade performance, are expected serve the SOU community for decades. The improved studio environment benefits SOU student filmmakers and a variety of other campus programs, including digital and performing arts, The Fringe Festival, Rogue Valley Television, Community & Government Access, and Southern Oregon PBS.

The old lighting equipment was donated to local middle and high schools, aiding their lighting setups and promoting sustainability by avoiding unnecessary disposal.

An intersection of sustainability initiatives
The DMC’s lighting upgrade is an example of SOU’s efforts to make sustainability a team sport by encouraging collaboration and interconnected projects. The university is striving for a comprehensive model of sustainability that improves educational and community resources, prioritizes re-use of materials by way of local donations and opens potential revenue streams to expand access and opportunity for students.

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SOU Commencement 2024

SOU Commencement: good weather and optimism

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SOU’s 98th Commencement Ceremony on June 15 centered squarely on those receiving about 1,300 bachelor’s and master’s degrees – and on the recipient of a rare, honorary doctorate in humane letters. Sid DeBoer, who guided Lithia Motors from a single dealership in Ashland to the largest automotive retailer in the U.S., was honored for his business and civic accomplishments, and his longtime friendship with SOU.

“Lithia is one of just two Fortune 500 companies based in Oregon, and the only one without a swoosh as its logo,” SOU President Rick Bailey said, drawing a laugh from the crowd in his introduction of DeBoer.

The chair of Lithia’s board of directors – modestly referring to himself as a “used car salesman” – then encouraged the day’s other degree recipients to use what they have learned to take action and make their mark on the world. “It’s your moment every day when you get up,” DeBoer said.

Graduates and the near-capacity crowd at SOU’s Raider Stadium cheered and applauded throughout the 2 ½-hour ceremony – from the remarks by student speakers Edward Minasian, Emilio McCutcheon and Mimi Pieper through the awarding of diploma covers to the hundreds of new graduates who individually walked across the stage, shook hands with Bailey and posed for photos.

The graduates were asked to return to their seats after receiving degrees, to support those who followed them to the stage, and most did. The weather cooperated, with cooler-than-normal but dry conditions throughout the event.

Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Casey Shillam, emceeing her first SOU Commencement Ceremony following her hiring early this year, pointed out that many of the day’s graduates missed out on their high school commencements when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out four years ago.

“Many of those walking today were denied that honor four years ago,” she said.

Pieper, one of the three student speakers and also a student member of the SOU Board of Trustees, told her classmates that the uncertainty of life “is what makes it an adventure.”

She was the only woman graduate in the Computer Science Program, receiving her bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.95. Pieper tutored fellow students in computer science and math, and also served as SOU’s Student Sustainability Coordinator.

The Farm at SOU prepares for CSA season

Cultivating community: The Farm at SOU

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The Farm at Southern Oregon University is currently growing a variety of crops including kale, radishes, potatoes, asparagus, garlic and onions, despite recent weather adversities – signaling a promising start to the upcoming Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) season.

The Farm at SOU prepares for CSA seasonRecent potato plantings marked a significant step toward fulfilling the summer 2024 CSA Program, a cornerstone initiative of the farm, with crops that have over-wintered now approaching harvest. The CSA program yields high-quality, pesticide-free produce and fosters community engagement by offering subscribing members weekly access to fresh fruits and vegetables grown on The Farm.

CSA shares are available for participants who wish to receive weekly produce boxes. The program is open to all community members, regardless of their relationship with SOU. More information regarding the 2024 CSA program is available on The Farm at SOU website.

The Farm at SOU also partners with Aladdin, the campus catering service responsible for The Hawk dining commons. The Farm supplies fresh produce for a variety of dishes, enriching the dining experience while reinforcing The Farm’s commitment to sustainability, and compostable waste from the dining facility is used to enrich soil at the student-led and student-powered agricultural organization.

The Farm, located near the SOU campus on North Walker Street, has blossomed since its inception in 2013. It provides learning opportunities, embracing the principles of farming and sustainability, and serves as an educational hub open to students of all ages – from elementary to college.

As The Farm embraces the new growing season, its organizers extend gratitude to the individuals and businesses whose support sustains its mission.

American Samoa visit by SOU delegation

President Bailey leads SOU contingent to American Samoa

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(Ashland, Ore.) — SOU President Rick Bailey and three other university employees flew out of Medford’s Rogue Valley International Airport on May 23, en route to a remote island of fewer than 50,000 people – American Samoa. Three plane rides, two layovers, four time-zones, more than 3,000 miles and nearly 23 hours later, they were greeted and adorned with flowers and candy leis.

Welcome to American Samoa: a dot on a map that is nearly 14 degrees south of the equator. The team accompanying President Bailey were Director of Admissions Zac Olson; Capt. Stephanie Rokes, director of the ROTC program; and American Samoa admissions counselor Ria Galo, who was born in American Samoa.

More than 100 students from American Samoa have enrolled at SOU over the past four years. Some are transfers from other colleges and universities, including American Samoa Community College, but most are first-year students who graduated from one of the 10 high schools in American Samoa.

The recent SOU trip is a part of the university’s annual efforts to show up for students and their families, and provide an in-person orientation for new students as they gear up and get ready for their first term at the Ashland campus.

Prior to arriving in American Samoa, Olson and Galo spent months collaborating with folks on the island, coordinating event spaces and an agenda for the trip. They hit the ground running on the first day there, with an interview on the local radio station, a four-hour registration event and a private dinner with several community leaders. There were other registration events throughout the weekend, including a Parent Session hosted at a local church, and a ROTC Fitness Assessment by Captain Rokes.

Given that it was Memorial Day, President Bailey and the team were invited by the governor of American Samoa, the Honorable Lemanu Mauga and wife, Ella Mauga, to attend an event as special guests. One of the governor’s nephews currently attends SOU.

SOU is a well-known place to the local people in American Samoa. The team often ran into people who were wearing Raider gear or saw an SOU sticker or flag hung up while walking into a local restaurant. People sometimes greeted the team and talked about students they know who are currently attending SOU – several alumni of SOU even met to hang out. Several family members of current students also showed up at the SOU events, just to say hi.

After four full days of laughter, conversation, relationship-building, connecting and community, it was time for the SOU contingent to bid farewell.

SOU has made intentional efforts over the years to make sure its doors stay open for the students in American Samoa, and the people there appreciate and embrace the support. President Bailey’s presence was graciously received and welcomed in American Samoa.

It was a four day trip filled with love and learning about a culture and place that many of SOU’s students call “home.”

Those who made the trip have a special thank you to the families of current and past students of SOU in American Samoa, Reverend Iasepi and Leone Ulu, Ms. Lusia Pereira and Ms. Nash Yandall-Gaopoa, and an alumni and past speaker of commencement 2022 – Second Lieutenant (2LT) Tofoipupu Unutoa, who is now a member of the Hawaii National Guard. The SOU team also acknowledges those who hosted them and opened the doors of their facilities for SOU – Fagatogo Representative Melesio Gurr, Director of Tafuna Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Salote Aoelua-Fanene, American Samoa Community College President Rosevonne Pato, State Director of Pacific Center in Human Security Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, Director of Office of Veterans and Military Affairs Paleafei Pulou, Sadie’s by the Sea and Tradewinds Hotel. Faafetai tele lava!

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Marcus Allen, one of the Accelerated MBA program's first three graduates

First cohort to graduate in SOU’s accelerated MBA program

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(Ashland, Ore.) – The Southern Oregon University School of Business will celebrate the first three graduates from its 3|4 + 1 Pathway to MBA Program – also known as the Accelerated Pathway to MBA – at SOU’s June 15 commencement ceremony.

“This is an opportunity for high-achieving students to fast-track their academic experiences and get a head start on their careers,” said SOU business professor Rene Ordonez, Ph.D., coordinator of the university’s graduate programs in business. “Participants will graduate and enter the workforce as holders of full MBAs.”

The three inaugural graduates in the accelerated MBA program are Cassie Preskenis, Marcus Allen and Tess Homier. Both Preskenis and Allen will also receive their bachelor’s degrees this month in SOU’s Innovation and Leadership program, and Homier will earn her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.

Each of the three have excelled in their undergraduate studies and also taken on the challenge of graduate-level coursework.

“When my new job required a degree, the 3+1 program was the perfect fit,” Allen said. “The class schedule fit my work requirements, and the ability to complete my master’s simultaneously was a huge benefit. I met an amazing group of students from all walks of life, and the education has set me up for success in the next phase of my career.”

The initiative allows undergraduate students pursuing degrees in four specific academic areas – Business, Innovation and Leadership, Music and Theater – to earn their bachelor’s and MBA degrees concurrently in as little as four years, saving both time and money. It is an example of SOU’s commitment to providing innovative and accessible education.

“We are all incredibly proud of this ground-breaking new concept, and take our hats off to our first cohort of graduates,” SOU President Rick Bailey said. “Our gratitude goes out to our superstar faculty in the School of Business for creating this exciting pathway, and to the graduates who are starting an exciting tradition here at SOU.”

The Accelerated Pathway to MBA Program, launched in fall 2022, was developed by Ordonez and professor Joan McBee of the SOU School of Business. Their vision was to address growing concerns over rising tuition costs and the barriers faced by students seeking advanced degrees.

The program allows senior undergraduate students from the four select academic programs to take graduate-level courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, effectively reducing both the time and cost needed to obtain two degrees.

Under the “3+1” option, students participating in SOU’s existing three-year undergraduate programs – the Accelerated Baccalaureate (AccBacc) or the Jackson/Josephine Pledge (JackJo) – can complete the MBA by extending to a fourth year. The “4+1” provides an option for students in the traditional four-year undergraduate programs, who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA by the start of their senior year, to complete the MBA degree in a fifth year.

“Upon entering the Innovation and Leadership (INL) program at SOU, I harbored doubts about my academic prowess, having been away from college for two decades,” Preskenis said. “Yet, I found a comfortable niche within the non-traditional INL program, surrounded by peers who – like me –brought diverse professional experiences to the table.

“When the chance to pursue my master’s degree alongside my bachelor’s emerged, I couldn’t resist. The journey has proven immensely fulfilling and remarkably enjoyable, culminating in the completion of both degrees at SOU.”

The accelerated MBA program has gained traction since its inception two years ago among students eager to fast-track their education and reduce expenses.

Preskenis, Allen and Homier will join 79 regular MBA graduates at SOU’s annual pre-commencement “MBA Hooding Ceremony” at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Music Recital Hall. Media and community members are welcome to attend the hooding ceremony – a special recognition for graduate students who have completed their degree requirements.

Those seeking more information on SOU’s Accelerated MBA program may contact Ordonez at ordonez@sou.edu or (541) 552-6720, or MBA coordinator Douglas Daley, Jr., at daleyd@sou.edu or (541) 552-8113.

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SOU's inaugural Business Venture Tournament this week

Inaugural SOU Business Venture Tournament: innovative ideas across disciplines

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(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University (SOU) will host its inaugural Business Venture Tournament this week. The groundbreaking competition – designed to nurture entrepreneurial ideas from students across all academic disciplines – is intended to transform innovative ideas into successful business ventures, with generous support from SOU alumni Jim Teece and Dena Matthews.

The tournament’s final competition and gala event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, in Room 217 of Britt Hall on the SOU campus. Seventeen students from various academic disciplines have submitted their venture ideas, and seven finalists will present their projects in Thursday’s final round.

The tournament’s primary goal is to help students understand that regardless of their major, any idea with an organizational structure inherently involves crucial business elements. That knowledge is essential for students pursuing any passion – from an Environmental Science major aiming to rescue endangered species to a Theatre major planning to open a children’s space for learning drama and dance.

By participating in the tournament, students gain hands-on experience in idea proof-of-concept, market research, venture promotion and presentation skills, preparing them for the real world.

The competition offers significant prizes: $3,000 for first place, $700 for second place, $250 for third place and $500 for the best sustainability features. Students who vote for a pitch and attend the gala will also be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift certificate at Southern Oregon Wilderness Adventures.

Teece and Matthews provided the initial funding for the Business Venture Tournament, envisioning a competition that would be inclusive of students from all academic backgrounds. That vision was brought to life by Vincent Smith, Ph.D., director of the School of Science and Business, and Douglas Daley, coordinator for SOU’s MBA program. Daley developed and executed the competition’s structure with support from Smith and graduate intern Jenny Chynoweth.

Thursday’s final round event will feature sponsors and table hosts, including the Ashland Food Co-Op, Southern Oregon Wilderness Adventures, Talent MakerCity, the SOU Small Business Development Center, SCORE Jackson County, Seed Collective, Rogue To-Go, Crater Works & Direct Involvement Recreation Teaching (DIRT), the SOU Institute of Applied Sustainability and Rogue Valley Women in Business.

For more information, visit venture.sou.edu.

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first-generation student goes beyond expectations

La futura graduada va más allá de las expectativas de estudiantes de primera generación

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Describir a Nansi Cortés simplemente como una estudiante universitaria de primera generación y futura graduada de la Universidad del Sur de Oregon (Southern Oregon University), ignoraría tanto su historia personal como el apoyo inquebrantable de su familia.

Los padres de Nansi, los cuales por causas de la vida solo terminaron la primaria en México, sabían el impacto y la importancia que la educación superior podía tener para sus hijos. Por esta razón, cuando Nansi cursaba en octavo grado en la Secundaria de McLoughlin en Medford, se unieron al programa de Bulldogs-to-Raiders de SOU & McLoughlin. Este programa, el cual cesó en junio del 2023, estaba diseñado para estudiantes Latinos de primera generación, el cual ofrecía ayuda adicional con clases y enseñaba sobre las posibilidades de la educación superior.

Nansi, quien está en su último año del Honors College (Programa de Honores) de SOU, recibirá su título de licenciatura en psicología en la ceremonia de graduación este junio. También se ha desempeñado como mentora estudiantil, asistente docente y asistente estudiantil principal en la Oficina de Equidad, Diversidad e Inclusión de la universidad. Además, fue aceptada en el programa de maestría en Consejería Clínica en Salud Mental de SOU el cual comenzará en septiembre de este año.

“La salud mental es un tema controversial para las comunidades de habla hispana,” dijo Nansi. “Ayudaré a educar sobre la importancia de la salud mental, me convertiré en consejera bilingüe para jóvenes y adultos en el Rogue Valley y abogaré por los beneficios de la terapia dentro de la comunidad de habla hispana.”

“Así como he sido un recurso para los estudiantes en la Universidad del Sur de Oregon, seguiré siendo un recurso para las comunidades de habla hispana.”

Su camino hacia el éxito no ha sido nada sencillo ni fácil. Su promedio de calificaciones antes de transferirse a la Escuela Secundaria McLoughlin era de 1.9, el cual lo pudo elevar a un promedio destacado de 3.8.

“Después de dos meses en una nueva escuela, pasé todas mis clases con A, obtuve puntajes más altos en los exámenes y eventualmente me pidieron que me inscribiera en cursos de honor,” dijo Nansi. “Con el sistema de apoyo que recibí en la nueva escuela, comencé a creer en mi potencial para triunfar y a desear planificar mi futuro educativo.”

Ahí es donde entró Bulldogs-to-Raiders. Como parte del programa, Nansi participó en el programa de verano residencial Academia Latina Leadership de SOU, la Conferencia de Liderazgo César E. Chávez, el Día Familiar Latino y otros programas juveniles orientados hacia los latinos. Los participantes del programa visitaron varias universidades, donde recibieron consejos de estudiantes sobre el proceso universitario.

“Como estudiante de primera generación, pude conocer el campus de SOU uniéndome a talleres y eventos, mientras que el programa enseñaba a mis padres cómo apoyarme,” dijo Nansi. “Antes de unirme a este programa, no pensaba que estaba calificada para ir a la universidad, aprobar cursos o encontrar fondos para asistir. Bulldogs-to-Raiders me dio la oportunidad de obtener una educación.”

La pandemia de COVID-19 estaba en pleno apogeo cuando Nansi se graduó de la escuela preparatoria e ingresó a SOU en 2020. Ella estaba acostumbrada a aprender a través de interacciones de clase en persona y estaba preocupada por el cambio a cursos en línea, pero también sentía que sus becas se verían afectadas si tomaba una año sabático, así que se reunió con su consejera.

“[Ella] me animó a asistir a las horas de oficina del profesor cuando estaba confundida, unirme a un grupo de estudio para cada curso para obtener apoyo y buscar el centro de tutoría en la Biblioteca Hannon,” dijo Nansi. “Terminé mi primer año con una ayuda inmensa y la motivación para continuar.”

Nansi se enteró del Honors College de SOU mientras asistía a la Conferencia César E. Chávez con su grupo de Bulldogs-to-Raiders, trabajó duro para ser aceptada en el programa y se convirtió en estudiante de Honors College desde su primer año. Ha asumido el papel de líder académico entre sus compañeros y cuenta eso como uno de sus mayores logros.

“He tutelado a estudiantes fuera de clase para explicarles el material paso a paso, los he ayudado a encontrar fuentes para sus trabajos y he ayudado a los profesores con la calificación de trabajos,” dijo Nansi. “Esto ha sido un logro porque no tenía a alguien en casa que me ayudara con las tareas. Quería ser un recurso adicional para los estudiantes.”

“Estos logros me han preparado para mi futuro al llevarme a mi objetivo de convertirme en consejera bilingüe.”

También sirve como modelo para sus hermanos, ayudándolos con sus decisiones educativas, y ha encontrado su camino hacia un futuro gratificante y significativo en la consejería.

“Mis padres expresarán eternamente su gratitud hacia los programas que ayudan a los estudiantes a alcanzar logros académicos,” dijo Nansi. “Están orgullosos de ver hasta dónde ha llegado su hija en la vida. Los sacrificios que hicieron para que yo pudiera recibir una educación adecuada nunca pasarán desapercibidos.”

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