This space is dedicated to show stories from our Success at Southern TRIO SSS Alumni. If you are interested in sharing your story, write to us at success@sou.edu with the subject: SUCCESS AT SOUTHERN TRIO SSS ALUMNI.
Success at Southern TRIO SSS Alumni, Stay Connected!
Stay in touch with your Success at Southern TRIO SSS Family! Don’t forget to keep us updated by filling out our Success at Southern TRIO SSS alumni update form: HERE!
Kathleen Bray ’20
Psychology Major, EMDA minor Cum Laude
My time at SOU was beautiful! The open campus was beautiful and inspires many artistic projects, the people are welcoming and embody the spirit of community. Assisting each other and working together, even in a time of finals week crisis and global changes.
TRIO especially gave many people the chance to thrive where they might fall behind their peers. My classmates were equally go-getting and pace-keepers for struggling teammates. All the professors made sure that we all completed assignments on time, and ensuring we all understood the material, adapting as needed with the rest of us as the pandemic changed our campus life. While my time in college was limited by travel and work, every moment I spent there felt like home.
TRIO gave me ample opportunities to expand my cultural experiences. Breaking me free from the rural lifestyle into a world of possibilities. Keeping me up to date on campus activities by clubs, public projects, and staff. Aiding me in scholarship essays and applications so I could maintain my loan free tuition. Best of all, I got to pay TRIO back: by being an ambassador to the program. Coordinating with fellow TRIO students, Belisario, and Sam to bring more awareness to the great work TRIO does to otherwise struggling students.
Now, I am putting my psychology degree to work as a Direct Support Professional. Working for the state as an at-home assistant to people with all kinds of disabilities and immune system issues. A full-time commitment, focusing on helping people live their lives to the fullest! Regardless of how the world may perceive their medical health. I’ve even learned more about myself while working!
On the side: I am volunteering as a caregiver for veterans, doodling whatever I want, dabbling with animation for fun, and playing games with friends.
Daryl Burks ’24
Creative Writing
As a transfer student from the University of Colorado, I still had quite a bit of college work ahead of me. After living in Ashland for a few years I applied to Southern Oregon University and was accepted. I was really glad to be back in school and paying in-state tuition. Go Raiders! Not the NFL football team, I grew up in Denver, Colorado after all!
I was thrilled to take so many fun classes such as creating writing from Prof. Craig Wright and environmental science from Prof. Hicks. Even though early on in my studies students in our workshops looked confused trying to read my stories, with the help of my Professors I was able to improve my writing dramatically.
Fortunately, I was also able to get plugged into TRIO and immediately found myself connecting with more students around my age of 32. Don’t let the photo fool you! I appreciate all the support TRIO provided me in the form of tutoring, advising, and cultural events. Math-Math-Math! I don’t mean that rhetorically. Literally, I had to take math three times before passing. Thank God for TRIO tutors!
I had a great time in TRIO attending local plays at the Shakespeare Festival and skiing Mt. Ashland. I will also always remember the road trip to Salem, Oregon to participate in the statewide TRIO leadership conference. Nothing brings the TRIO family together more than long-packed van rides across the state. By the time we got back to Ashland, I knew everyone so well that they were going to have lead roles in my first best-selling novel. Now I’m basking in the glow of graduation and seeking a path toward earning good money with my Bachelor of Fine Arts. Thank you TRIO!
Karma Mills-Morrow ’22
Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Public health, and a minor in Psychology, Cum Laude
I loved my time at SOU. I felt like the smaller class sizes were a perfect match for my personality. I was able to meet people easily and form great connections with my professors. My TRIO advisor, Samantha, constantly supported my decisions and always provided support when I needed more perspective in navigating school and life. In my working environments with SOU Youth Programs and University Housing, I was given endless support in all aspects of life and formed bonds that I will be forever grateful for. SOU was all around a great environment, from the city of Ashland itself to the beautiful campus, and student life. The friendships I made at SOU are so meaningful to me and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
TRIO helped me feel supported as well as provided me with the resources to gain more financial stability during my time at SOU. My advisor, Samantha, was very honest with every conversation. She helped me map out anything I was struggling with and this was especially helpful in my early years. She was extremely encouraging in applying for scholarships through TRIO and helpful through the application process in terms of reviewing my statements before submission. I am so thankful for the encouragement to apply for those scholarships and the financial assistance that brought to get through school. The entire TRIO team was so kind and I loved being able to speak to everyone at the events that they worked hard to put on for us students.
I have been with OHSU Dermatology since I graduated. I started as a Clinical Support Assistant and have now been able to transition into administrative duties as I split my time between being a Patient Access Specialist, where I schedule patients, and Project Manager for our CLEAR Eczema Center where I work with a team to put on events and create a community for those with eczema and allergies. I look forward to continuing to grow in my positions as well as myself. It’s been fun experiencing more of Oregon and building more connections. I still visit Ashland frequently as Southern Oregon will always hold a special place in my heart!
Ky Anderson ’23
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Cum Laude
I earned my AS in Human Services at RCC before attending SOU for psychology. I loved the psych and social science instructors! Those classes helped me to better understand and explore myself, human behavior, and society at large which was one of the best choices I’ve ever made! Learning can be life changing and growth inducing!
In TRIO I found the printing room, computer use, advising, and encouragement to pursue my goals!!!
I am entering my 2nd year of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SOU, interning at RCC, and working part-time as a research interviewer for PSU.
Jorge Aaron Salazar Garcia ’21
Emerging Media and Digital Arts & Spanish Language and Culture
During my time at SOU, I had the amazing opportunity to meet lifelong friends, amazing mentors, student-oriented organizations, and the iconic library mascot Swampy. The summer before I started my studies at SOU (2016), I was able to attend the week-long program “Summer Bridge” which helped me connect with amazing peers who shared similar identities and I was able to get a taste of what my college life would look like. Thanks to Bridge, I was able to connect with the director of the Gender and Sexuality Justice Center (previously named Queer Resource Center) and showed my interest in working with them in some sort of capacity. Thanks to this connection, I was able to get a job as an intern, then an event coordinator, and lastly as a student director throughout my entire undergrad experience. I will always have sweet memories working with them and organizing amazing events like our annual Winter’s a Drag student show (which I participated in for 2 years), Lavender graduation, and Erotic ball (I believe it has a different name now). During my sophomore year, working as an event coordinator for the center, I was awarded the Social Justice and Equity student award which has been one of the best motivators for the work that I do. It’s always nice to be recognized for the work that you do.
For 2 years of my undergrad, I worked for the Latinx Youth Program as a tutor for their Medford to Raiders program, and an academic counselor (leadership cohort) for Academia Latina summer camp.
I was involved with the Latino Student Union and was an active member volunteering at their events and attending conferences with them. I also supported the creation of the Queer Student Union and ended up becoming the president for a year (then COVID happened and disrupted student life/engagement).
These are just a few experiences that I have fond memories of and honestly, what shaped me into working in higher education and supporting marginalized students in working towards their dreams.
As a first-generation student, TRIO was my resource center for finding out how to navigate academia and be on track to graduate. I will always be thankful to my TRIO academic Advisor (Chris) for the patience and support he always provided me. I honestly met with my major’s advisor just once (my senior year to talk about graduation) because Chris went above and beyond in keeping me informed and on track. I appreciate the financial aid workshops, FAFSA nights, and the pre-calc tutoring sessions I took (thank you Earl :)). Without them, I would have for sure gotten into serious debt and honestly, dropped out.
After graduating from SOU, I ended up doing a year of service with AmeriCorps. I worked with the nonprofit program College Possible in Portland, OR as a College Success Coach. I provided the services of an advisor to my students and thanks to this work I decided to pursue a master’s degree. After my year of service, I applied and was accepted to the master’s program in Higher Education & Student Affairs at the University of Portland (UP). To afford my education, I applied as an Assistant Hall Director at UP and ended up being offered the position. I graduated with my master’s this past May (2024) and now, I’m about to start my third year as an assistant hall director for Schoenfeldt Hall at UP. With my degree in hand, I look forward to finding new professional opportunities within academic advising.
Elizabeth Hatfield ’21
Business Administration with a minor in Communication
I completed my degree online which was perfect for my situation. I transferred to SOU from RCC when I was pregnant with my second daughter and the fact that I could get the degree online was huge for me. Due to COVID, most classes became accessible for online students and it really opened the door for future students as well.
TRIO helped me tremendously when I was diagnosed with OCD in 2019. They were a great support system and helped me exercise my rights in class.
I am the Facilities Manager at Purelight Power. A solar company that started here in the Rogue Valley in 2019 and was just officially named the 6th largest solar installer in the country! I also co-own a book merch business where I do all of the marketing and product design.
Genesis Bea ’19
Bachelor of Science major in Sociology & Anthropology and a minor in Spanish
Genesis Beas was selected to represent The Northwest Association of Educational Opportunity Programs (NAEOP) at their -remotely- Policy Seminar in Washington, DC. on March 22-25, 2020, sponsored by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). At the Policy Seminar, which includes a two-day advocacy session with panels of legislative experts, Genesis had the opportunity to share her story to members of Congress and illustrate the positive impact TRIO programs, such as Student Support Services (SSS), make on our communities. She not only represented the NAEOP, but also Oregon and Southern Oregon University (SOU) and its Success at Southern/TRIO SSS program.
Genesis graduated (Cum Laude) in June, 2019 with a Bachelor of Science major in Sociology & Anthropology and a minor in Spanish. During her years at Southern Oregon University (SOU), she participated actively in many campus programs, beginning with the Success at Southern/TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. She held the position as Multicultural Club Coalition Coordinator, served as PEAK and Lead Student worker at the Hannon Library Circulation Desk, and had the opportunity and honor to serve as President of the Latino Student Union. She also collaborated for two years helping out the First-Year Mentor Program, and held a full-time AmeriCorps position as their College Access Corps Coordinator. Genesis is currently working at Southern Oregon University/AmeriCorps as the Latino Programs Coordinator.
NAEOP includes the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. NAEOP provides a venue in which all TRIO and similar programs may support the success of low income, first generation and underrepresented students to obtain a quality education.
Earl Hills ’19
Bachelor of Science – Major Mathematics -Minor Applied Statistics
Have you ever felt like your world was flipped upside down? Well I have twice! At a young age I was told I was partially deaf and as a result, I was sent to a deaf school, where I received help to adapt and improve my hearing ability. As an adult, I had an unexpected job loss. With the loss of my career, my wife and I reevaluated our lives. We have three beautiful, young girls to support and we had to think of the big picture. After long deliberation, we decided I should go back to school and get a degree. It took two terms for me to figure out what my passion in teaching. While attending Rogue Community College the first two years of my college career, I was able to narrow my field of teaching to math. Math is known to be most people’s kryptonite, but for some reason, I love it! Growing up, I never imagined myself as a teacher, but I realized the joy I got in helping tutoring students at Success at Southern TRIO SSS. In my previous jobs, I have never felt the same joy I get when I teach students how to navigate the massive world of math. I want to take my love for math and show people that they can conquer math.
During my time at SOU I maintained a 3.33 GPA, I was part of TRIO-SSS as a student, and peer math tutor for more than 3 years. After graduated with a Bachelor Degree, I applied for a new position at Success at Southern TRIO SSS now as a part time professional tutor. Since October, 2019 I have been in that position keep tutoring TRIO-SSS students.
I am currently enrolled at Southern Oregon University, continuing towards my Master’s degree in Teaching. Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS helped me a lot throughout my time at Southern Oregon University. Creating strong relationships with staff and peers has helped me navigate the rough waters we call college. Knowing that there were people like Chris, Sam, Belisario, and Luana rooting for me on the sidelines no matter what came my way. Whether it was help picking the right classes, or a little boost of encouragement after I failed my first course, the staff was always there to keep me going.
The biggest thing that Success at Southern TRIO SSS honestly gave me though, was simply confidence! The free courses they offered during the term helped me understand how to fill out applications for scholarships like the OSAC, SOSA, and other scholarship websites. It was their genuine caring for me that inspired me to do the work I am doing today.
Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS is such an invaluable resource and full of the most amazing people.
Thank you, for all you do.
Accomplishments at Southern Oregon University:
- Bachelor in Mathematics and a Minor in Statistics 2019
- The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) 2015-Present
- SOU Provost List/ Dean’s List
- ASL certificate of top student 2017
- Accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program at SOU
- TRIO-SSS graduate 2019-Bachelor of Science – Major Mathematics -Minor Applied Statistics
- Current TRIO-SSS Math Professional Tutor
Nadine Roper ’20
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Minor in Business Administration – Magna cum laude
Going back to college after a short break (30 years!) was rough. Since then, I became a wife and a mom and got involved in life. Fast forward to 2015. I was working two full-time jobs and coaching middle school volleyball while raising three busy kids. Then, my dad became terminally ill. During one of our conversations, he made me promise to finish school. He felt that he missed out on so many things by not finishing college. So, that day, I enrolled at Rogue Community College (RCC) to restart my academic journey.
In my previous college experience, I had no goals. I had not been advised about anything, including careers, classes, or financial aid. I did not know what I wanted to do or be when I grew up, so I just took random courses that sounded interesting.
So, this time, I set myself on a path to finish an associate degree. There was not a set plan to get it; I would take the classes I thought would get me there. One day while sitting in a math class, a TRIO-SSS staff member did a brief presentation about the program. It intrigued me. I researched more about the program. I figured I would make a tentative goal to transfer to Southern Oregon University (SOU) to get a bachelor’s degree. However, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with it.
I did not qualify when I initially heard about TRIO-SSS. So, when I registered to take Math 65, I also applied to join TRIO-SSS. It was the best decision I think I have made during my entire college experience. I was given an academic map and the tools I needed to work towards set goals that I developed with my advisor. I saw the immediate benefits of being advised and having the support of a dedicated team to help me reach my destination. When it was time to graduate and transfer to SOU, I knew I wanted to be an Academic Advisor. I did not want anyone to go through what I did when I was younger.
Before I arrived at SOU, I applied and was accepted to Success at Southern TRIO-SSS. The support and counsel I was given was invaluable. I learned a lot from the example of my advisor. His kindness and willingness to help me attain my diploma was an excellent example of how I wanted to assist others.
After doing my capstone experience as an intern with the TRIO-SSS program at RCC, I am currently working there as a temporary Academic Advisor, with the hope of becoming permanent. I love my students and understand how important knowing each of their names is. I am passionate about helping them find success in their studies. It has been a pleasure to help them in the transition process to a university. I feel that if I have done my job to the best of my ability, they will leave well prepared with the tools they need to be successful, just as I did with the help of my TRIO-SSS advisors.
This past June, my two oldest children (both TRIO-SSS students) graduated from RCC, my youngest daughter graduated from high school, and I received my diploma from SOU.
Contact TRIO-SSS
Stevenson Union, Room 322
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR 97520
Email: success@sou.edu
Phone: (541) 552-6062
Fax: (541) 552-6293
Admission into the Southern Oregon University TRIO Student Support Services Program is open to everyone, regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), disability, political affiliation, religion, body size, age, marital status, family relationship, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression