The 25 Most Influential Undergraduates at OSU (Part 1)
Being the change they wish to see in the world ...
The Daily Barometer
Issue date: 2/23/07 Section: Diversions
There are thousands of people doing thousands of things every day at Oregon State. Life-changing research, community-building education, student and societal advocacy - just to name a few. There is a long history of success and community involvement at OSU, and the Diversions staff sought out staff and faculty recommendations in order to compile a list of students who do as much as they can with every waking moment to make our university not just one that is recognized for our academic achievements, but one that is seen throughout the world as a community of dedicated, compassionate scholars. Please join us for what will be the first of a two-part series on the 25 Most Influential Undergraduates at OSU.
Even in the grips of the flu, Angie Baxter, a 30-year-old senior in women and ethnic studies, has a warmth and kind spirit that shines though her exhaustion. Unlike most students however, Baxter cannot call in sick today. As a single mother of two, Isa 13, and Orianna 9, she is always on the clock.
"I'm on 24-7. I never get a break. Often I feel torn between school, work and my kids. I feel that social justice in never ending, but there comes time when it must for me, so I can go home to my children," she shrugged.
Baxter joined the ranks of OSU students in the fall of 2004.
"I didn't know anyone when I moved here," she said. "So I got involved as a way of getting to know people, finding my niche and working at something I really wanted to do, which is activism."
And get involved, she did. Baxter currently works as the ASOSU Queer Affairs Task Force Director for the second consecutive year, assists the Pride Steering Committee and serves on the People of Color Support Network Advisory Board. Since her arrival in Oregon, she has volunteered for 12 different organizations, held 25 separate positions and received 10 awards of recognition.
It seems this is just the beginning, as Baxter hopes to one day follow her passions for social change and human rights to a career in non-profit organizations for social justice.
---
Stephanie Beamer, a junior in the College of Science, never considered herself a "sorority girl." At least not until she found herself in the position to act as founding mother and new initiate to multi-cultural sorority, Delta Phi Omega.
"Originally we were just a group of women looking for an opportunity for social change when we sort of stumbled upon what is now our chapter," Beamer said.
Delta Phi Omega is a non-exclusive sorority aimed at encouraging members, building community awareness and gaining a greater understanding of oneself and others.
"Although we are predominately South Asian, we are working at combating those stereotypes associated with our backgrounds. Such as, contrary to popular belief, we don't just sit around studying all day," she said.
Along with holding three positions within her chapter, Beamer also works as an Odyssey Peer Leader and as the Senior Resident Adviser in Finley Hall.
She had this to say about residence hall life and her time here at OSU: "Interacting with a variety of students is very important and benefits you in so many areas of your life. There are so many opportunities on campus, so how could you help but find the people and do the things you love?"
---
Cait O'Brien, a 21-year-old senior pursuing a double degree in English and
psychology with a Spanish minor, was "surprised" to find herself on this list. This is surprising to us, since her list of goals reads like a Martin Luther King Jr. speech.
She wishes "to work against the systems of oppression in our country and in our world which consistently leaves certain groups underprivileged," "to work toward equality of opportunity and access to education for all people," and "for future generations to be able to accept and celebrate the differences between them, have equal opportunities and access to education and to have cleaner air to breath and fish in the oceans."
Quite a weighty list for anyone, let alone an undergrad.
She is in her third year with Student Involvement, a member of the Sexual Assault Awareness Week planning committee and will be performing in the Vagina Monologues tonight. She is also a member of the Women's Leadership Initiative.
Active in women's rights, she is a vocal speaker against sexual assault: "I think that increased awareness (of sexual assault) is the essential first step to creating change," she said. "I would like to help make this campus safer and I would like to ensure that survivors of sexual assault can connect with support."
With her drive and idealistic attitudes, O'Brien is sure to make the world a safer place for all people.
---
He's an aspiring dietician, a ballroom dancer, and the man can cook. There isn't much that Phil Menagh, a senior in nutrition and food management, 22, can't do.
Around campus you may have seen him in the Bone Research Lab or reaching out to new students at Beaver Open House. He has been an officer of Tau Kappa Epsilon and has participated in Mortar Board and the Student Dietetics Association.
As a leader, Menagh does his "best to stay composed in stressful situations" and to respect others. His strength stems from his hard working mother. "After my father was killed (in the military), she raised five children by herself," he said. "She worked full time and she couldn't always be around, but she is the strongest person I have ever known."
His mother, Nancy, was quick to name off many positive qualities about her son: "He is hardworking, sets goals and has the discipline to accomplish them."
After a stressful day, Menagh unwinds by weightlifting, boxing and experimenting in the kitchen.
Menagh hopes to make the world a better place through promoting healthy living. "In America, we can do a lot to prevent weight-related diseases in children," he said.
In the future, Menagh hopes to continue his dietetics research and get involved with health-related policy. "I will never get tired of trying, learning and experiencing new things," he said. With his thirst for knowledge in all areas, his goals should not be hard to achieve.
---
Working toward a degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on international studies and a minor in business, University Honors College student Douglas Van Bossuyt seems to have a full plate, but that hasn't stopped him from hungering for more.
He is also the president of the OSU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, has studied and worked abroad in Tunisia and Germany, earned 5th place at the 2004 American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Design Contest, played the cello in various groups around Corvallis, mountain biked with the cycling club, served as the chief editor of the University Honors College Chronicle, worked in the Center for Writing and Learning as a writing assistant, done two MECOP internships, studied Arabic and participated in the Arabic Language Fund.
Always modest, Van Bossuyt is quick to point out that without the help of his friends, associates and coworkers he could never hope to achieve anything.
"I can't attribute anything accomplished at OSU to me alone. Everything I've done has been a team effort," says the sixth-year senior. Why does he choose to participate in such an exhausting amount of extracurricular activities?
"I guess the easy answer is that I like to help people, I enjoy working collaboratively, I prefer to remain busy and I see my extracurricular activities as more important to who I am as a person and who I want to be for the rest of my life."
Honors College adviser Rebekah Lancelin says, "Douglas is a very unique, well-rounded person. He's a one-of-a-kind, amazing student who isn't afraid to carve out his own path."
It sounds like whatever path Douglas chooses to carve out for himself, it will be a busy and fulfilling one.
---
Kyle Jeffers is a senior majoring in business administration, while minoring in exercise and sport science. He's also a forward center for OSU's men's basketball team, a representative of the Student Athlete Committee and he's involved with the Student Alumni Association? Jeffers, a California native, came to OSU on a basketball scholarship - he wanted "to be a little further away from home." He really liked the coaching staff at OSU, but at first "didn't realize how much academic potential this school had." Jeffers is very passionate about sustainability, something that he was "exposed to through the College of Business." He's not necessarily an environmentalist - rather sustainability refers to an attempt to provide the best outcomes for our population without disrupting the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of our society. This past summer, Jeffers interned under Larry Roper, OSU's vice provost for student affairs, assisting in the transition of new student athletes to OSU. "Kyle is extremely mature and goal oriented," Roper said. Jeffers has recently received a sustainability initiative grant, and hopes to use the funds for the NIKE Reuse-A-Shoe Program. "I think that Kyle has just embraced the whole college experience," Jeff Reinert, assistant basketball coach, said. "He cares about other people, and the environment," Reinert said. "He knows what he wants out of life," Roper said. Jeffers will be studying abroad in Germany this spring, and feels like he knows what he'll be doing after graduating from OSU. Jeffers is graduating this year, "no graduate school plans for now." Instead, Jeffers wants to work for Nike's sustainability department.
---
If you've read one of Meagan Williams' humorous weekly Diversions gossip columns, you know that she's a funny girl. What you might not know is that her influence on campus reaches much further than her witty writing.
Besides filling you in on Britney's latest faux pas, she is also the Women's Center Volunteer Coordinator, she's on the President's Commission on the Status of Women, volunteers for Odyssey and START, was a former RA in Sacket Hall, is a member and secretary of Chi Omega and is currently working to re-start a sexual assault program within the Greek community.
With such a full plate, it's hard to imagine how this women studies major gets it all done. "When it's an issue really important to you, it doesn't feel like work. Whether it means staying up late or giving up your weekend, you make it fit."
What is currently most important to Williams is working to empower and support women at OSU. She does this through events such as the Women and Substance Abuse discussion that will be taking place tonight at the Women's Center.
This is a topic that Williams can identify with as she herself dealt with drug and alcohol abuse at a young age - with support from others, she made it past that difficult time and now aims to use her experience to help teenage girls in the same situation.
Her ultimate goal is to obtain her master's degree in social work and become a drug and alcohol counselor for teen girls.
"I want to look back after I graduate and be proud of what I've done. That's the most important thing to me, to feel accomplished."
It seems that won't be a problem for this busy and ambitious woman.
---
Watch out guys, this girl's got a gun and knows how to use it.
Ranked 27th in the nation in competitive Women's Sport Pistol shooting, it is obvious Liz Campagna, a senior an mechanical engineering and education, is not your average woman. In fact, she is a pioneer. And not in the gunslinger way. This spring, Campagna will be one of the first individuals in engineering to graduate with an education double degree.
"My adviser often tells me I am a pioneer for the degree. And of course the first time anyone goes through a new program it's going to be a bit rocky. I had to do a lot of double checking to ensure I was meeting all of the correct requirements," she said.
Campagna is a member of the OSU Pistol Club, holds a position in the mechanical engineer honor society Phi Tao Sigma, is president of the Country Western Dance Club and volunteers at a local youth group. Robert Houghton, a senior in computer engineering, had this to say about his long time friend: "Above all, she is just a really dedicated and kind friend and person."
When asked if she had any advise for students taking the academic road less traveled, Liz commented that students should "keep close contact with their advisors and above all explore a number of the different clubs on campus. That way, anyone is certain to find a place where he or she belongs."
---
It's clear after talking for just a few moments with Nigerian born Uzo Ukeagu that her passions lie in the well being of her fellow students and changing policy to help those in need.
"Everything I'm involved in here at school at the end of the day comes back to the students and making sure their voices are heard," said Ukeagu, a junior in philosophy working toward an international degree with a minor in chemistry.
"I want to make sure the university is doing what is should and holding to its commitment to make sure students are getting the proper education and feel safe while getting it. Especially those students who do not fit the traditional role."
As the external coordinator for the Black Cultural Center, a member of the ASOSU Undergraduate Senate and an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts, Ukeagu is in a position to do just that. She started out with a pre-med option, but realized through her involvement in clubs and student government that there were many other ways she could affect the world other than as a doctor.
She still plans on taking her MCATs, but is keeping her options open and says she would love to eventually run a non-profit organization. With her dedication and enthusiasm for helping others, she is certainly on the right track.
---
MU President, MUPC Director for Mom's Weekend, campaign manager, Undergraduate Senate Chair Secretary, College of Liberal Arts Senator, MUPC Senator, ASOSU Veteran's Affairs Chair - the list goes on.
And if that wasn't enough, try "actively enrolled in the Navy/ROTC for four college years."
Jaimee Colbert has accomplished much more than the average student in her college career. But, it doesn't stop there.
"I pushed myself to get involved my freshman year," Colbert said. "Through that, I learned what I enjoyed and what I had a peak interest in."
As a member of Navy/ROTC, Colbert plans to take an aviation route when she graduates. Though, as she explains, it takes more years of schooling, flying an airplane had always sparked an interest.
"Jaimee understands finding the middle ground in what she does," said Don Johnson, assistant director of programs and marketing for the MU who has worked with Colbert for three years. "She works with integrity, accomplishes things and backs up what she says."
Colbert, a political science major and naval science minor, says once she took an ASOSU internship class, her involvement rose. Still, the list of activities, positions and accomplishments are uncountable.
"Her work ethic is amazing because she comes from two extremes," said Johnson, referring to the structured ROTC and the variety of MUPC programs. "She maintains sanity - that's an amazing trait."
---
"Are there any Mexicans that go to this school?" That's a question that Jose Gutierrez had to answer to a class of kids from a Portland school touring OSU last week. Many of the kids were Latino and will be first generation college students. Gutierrez reassured the boy, and gave himself as an example of the Latino presence at OSU. Gutierrez is a California native. He attended Santa Monica College, but "didn't really take full advantage of the school." His family moved to Oregon after Mario Magaña advised Gutierrez's older brother to "get back into school." Magaña, a faculty member of OSU Extension 4-H Department, encouraged Gutierrez's brother to enroll in University of Oregon's GED program. When his brother decided to attend OSU, Gutierrez's family left California. Gutierrez followed his brother to OSU and "got involved more within the community and school." He got involved with ASOSU through a friend and now he's a senator representing the College of Liberal Arts. Gutierrez wants to "be a voice for people who aren't represented."
"He took advantage of all the academic opportunities this school had to offer right away," Magaña said. "He wants to improve the education system." Gutierrez also heads, (and plays guitar for), a politically charged rock band Critical Mass. The band got together last spring and played their first show in January. The band's message is "community, love and activism." Critical Mass recently auditioned for Oregon State's Battle of the Bands - so far Gutierrez is keeping his fingers crossed.
---
Not many students are offered a job as an executive while they are still in college, but Angelina Lusetti, a 22-year-old senior in business, is no ordinary student.
Besides recently accepting an offer to be an executive at Target, Lusetti is the president of Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She recently assisted the dean of the College of Business with forming a women's leadership group for COB students called the Women's Empowerment Exchange, of which she is also a member.
She hopes to one day be a CEO of a company. "I want to promote an understanding of people, processes and institutions," she said. "I want to instill a strong sense of inclusion and service in others."
"I think it is important to take pride in all that we do at OSU, be action-oriented and take an active role in all that campus has to offer," she said. "I want students and faculty/staff to be committed to the OSU community and go above and beyond typical expectations to drive an environment of accomplishment."
Lusetti's mother and role model, Lori, could not stop singing her praises: "She has an incredible ability to focus, to draw out info and see what needs to be done. If you have her on your team, you're going to win."
OSU is indeed lucky to have a trailblazer like Lusetti on our side.
Angie Baxter
Even in the grips of the flu, Angie Baxter, a 30-year-old senior in women and ethnic studies, has a warmth and kind spirit that shines though her exhaustion. Unlike most students however, Baxter cannot call in sick today. As a single mother of two, Isa 13, and Orianna 9, she is always on the clock.
"I'm on 24-7. I never get a break. Often I feel torn between school, work and my kids. I feel that social justice in never ending, but there comes time when it must for me, so I can go home to my children," she shrugged.
Baxter joined the ranks of OSU students in the fall of 2004.
"I didn't know anyone when I moved here," she said. "So I got involved as a way of getting to know people, finding my niche and working at something I really wanted to do, which is activism."
And get involved, she did. Baxter currently works as the ASOSU Queer Affairs Task Force Director for the second consecutive year, assists the Pride Steering Committee and serves on the People of Color Support Network Advisory Board. Since her arrival in Oregon, she has volunteered for 12 different organizations, held 25 separate positions and received 10 awards of recognition.
It seems this is just the beginning, as Baxter hopes to one day follow her passions for social change and human rights to a career in non-profit organizations for social justice.
Stephanie Beamer
Stephanie Beamer, a junior in the College of Science, never considered herself a "sorority girl." At least not until she found herself in the position to act as founding mother and new initiate to multi-cultural sorority, Delta Phi Omega.
"Originally we were just a group of women looking for an opportunity for social change when we sort of stumbled upon what is now our chapter," Beamer said.
Delta Phi Omega is a non-exclusive sorority aimed at encouraging members, building community awareness and gaining a greater understanding of oneself and others.
"Although we are predominately South Asian, we are working at combating those stereotypes associated with our backgrounds. Such as, contrary to popular belief, we don't just sit around studying all day," she said.
Along with holding three positions within her chapter, Beamer also works as an Odyssey Peer Leader and as the Senior Resident Adviser in Finley Hall.
She had this to say about residence hall life and her time here at OSU: "Interacting with a variety of students is very important and benefits you in so many areas of your life. There are so many opportunities on campus, so how could you help but find the people and do the things you love?"
Cait O'Brien
Cait O'Brien, a 21-year-old senior pursuing a double degree in English and
psychology with a Spanish minor, was "surprised" to find herself on this list. This is surprising to us, since her list of goals reads like a Martin Luther King Jr. speech.
She wishes "to work against the systems of oppression in our country and in our world which consistently leaves certain groups underprivileged," "to work toward equality of opportunity and access to education for all people," and "for future generations to be able to accept and celebrate the differences between them, have equal opportunities and access to education and to have cleaner air to breath and fish in the oceans."
Quite a weighty list for anyone, let alone an undergrad.
She is in her third year with Student Involvement, a member of the Sexual Assault Awareness Week planning committee and will be performing in the Vagina Monologues tonight. She is also a member of the Women's Leadership Initiative.
Active in women's rights, she is a vocal speaker against sexual assault: "I think that increased awareness (of sexual assault) is the essential first step to creating change," she said. "I would like to help make this campus safer and I would like to ensure that survivors of sexual assault can connect with support."
With her drive and idealistic attitudes, O'Brien is sure to make the world a safer place for all people.
Phil Menagh
He's an aspiring dietician, a ballroom dancer, and the man can cook. There isn't much that Phil Menagh, a senior in nutrition and food management, 22, can't do.
Around campus you may have seen him in the Bone Research Lab or reaching out to new students at Beaver Open House. He has been an officer of Tau Kappa Epsilon and has participated in Mortar Board and the Student Dietetics Association.
As a leader, Menagh does his "best to stay composed in stressful situations" and to respect others. His strength stems from his hard working mother. "After my father was killed (in the military), she raised five children by herself," he said. "She worked full time and she couldn't always be around, but she is the strongest person I have ever known."
His mother, Nancy, was quick to name off many positive qualities about her son: "He is hardworking, sets goals and has the discipline to accomplish them."
After a stressful day, Menagh unwinds by weightlifting, boxing and experimenting in the kitchen.
Menagh hopes to make the world a better place through promoting healthy living. "In America, we can do a lot to prevent weight-related diseases in children," he said.
In the future, Menagh hopes to continue his dietetics research and get involved with health-related policy. "I will never get tired of trying, learning and experiencing new things," he said. With his thirst for knowledge in all areas, his goals should not be hard to achieve.
Douglas Van Bossuyt
Working toward a degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on international studies and a minor in business, University Honors College student Douglas Van Bossuyt seems to have a full plate, but that hasn't stopped him from hungering for more.
He is also the president of the OSU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, has studied and worked abroad in Tunisia and Germany, earned 5th place at the 2004 American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Design Contest, played the cello in various groups around Corvallis, mountain biked with the cycling club, served as the chief editor of the University Honors College Chronicle, worked in the Center for Writing and Learning as a writing assistant, done two MECOP internships, studied Arabic and participated in the Arabic Language Fund.
Always modest, Van Bossuyt is quick to point out that without the help of his friends, associates and coworkers he could never hope to achieve anything.
"I can't attribute anything accomplished at OSU to me alone. Everything I've done has been a team effort," says the sixth-year senior. Why does he choose to participate in such an exhausting amount of extracurricular activities?
"I guess the easy answer is that I like to help people, I enjoy working collaboratively, I prefer to remain busy and I see my extracurricular activities as more important to who I am as a person and who I want to be for the rest of my life."
Honors College adviser Rebekah Lancelin says, "Douglas is a very unique, well-rounded person. He's a one-of-a-kind, amazing student who isn't afraid to carve out his own path."
It sounds like whatever path Douglas chooses to carve out for himself, it will be a busy and fulfilling one.
Kyle Jeffers
Kyle Jeffers is a senior majoring in business administration, while minoring in exercise and sport science. He's also a forward center for OSU's men's basketball team, a representative of the Student Athlete Committee and he's involved with the Student Alumni Association? Jeffers, a California native, came to OSU on a basketball scholarship - he wanted "to be a little further away from home." He really liked the coaching staff at OSU, but at first "didn't realize how much academic potential this school had." Jeffers is very passionate about sustainability, something that he was "exposed to through the College of Business." He's not necessarily an environmentalist - rather sustainability refers to an attempt to provide the best outcomes for our population without disrupting the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of our society. This past summer, Jeffers interned under Larry Roper, OSU's vice provost for student affairs, assisting in the transition of new student athletes to OSU. "Kyle is extremely mature and goal oriented," Roper said. Jeffers has recently received a sustainability initiative grant, and hopes to use the funds for the NIKE Reuse-A-Shoe Program. "I think that Kyle has just embraced the whole college experience," Jeff Reinert, assistant basketball coach, said. "He cares about other people, and the environment," Reinert said. "He knows what he wants out of life," Roper said. Jeffers will be studying abroad in Germany this spring, and feels like he knows what he'll be doing after graduating from OSU. Jeffers is graduating this year, "no graduate school plans for now." Instead, Jeffers wants to work for Nike's sustainability department.
Meagan Williams
If you've read one of Meagan Williams' humorous weekly Diversions gossip columns, you know that she's a funny girl. What you might not know is that her influence on campus reaches much further than her witty writing.
Besides filling you in on Britney's latest faux pas, she is also the Women's Center Volunteer Coordinator, she's on the President's Commission on the Status of Women, volunteers for Odyssey and START, was a former RA in Sacket Hall, is a member and secretary of Chi Omega and is currently working to re-start a sexual assault program within the Greek community.
With such a full plate, it's hard to imagine how this women studies major gets it all done. "When it's an issue really important to you, it doesn't feel like work. Whether it means staying up late or giving up your weekend, you make it fit."
What is currently most important to Williams is working to empower and support women at OSU. She does this through events such as the Women and Substance Abuse discussion that will be taking place tonight at the Women's Center.
This is a topic that Williams can identify with as she herself dealt with drug and alcohol abuse at a young age - with support from others, she made it past that difficult time and now aims to use her experience to help teenage girls in the same situation.
Her ultimate goal is to obtain her master's degree in social work and become a drug and alcohol counselor for teen girls.
"I want to look back after I graduate and be proud of what I've done. That's the most important thing to me, to feel accomplished."
It seems that won't be a problem for this busy and ambitious woman.
Liz Campagna
Watch out guys, this girl's got a gun and knows how to use it.
Ranked 27th in the nation in competitive Women's Sport Pistol shooting, it is obvious Liz Campagna, a senior an mechanical engineering and education, is not your average woman. In fact, she is a pioneer. And not in the gunslinger way. This spring, Campagna will be one of the first individuals in engineering to graduate with an education double degree.
"My adviser often tells me I am a pioneer for the degree. And of course the first time anyone goes through a new program it's going to be a bit rocky. I had to do a lot of double checking to ensure I was meeting all of the correct requirements," she said.
Campagna is a member of the OSU Pistol Club, holds a position in the mechanical engineer honor society Phi Tao Sigma, is president of the Country Western Dance Club and volunteers at a local youth group. Robert Houghton, a senior in computer engineering, had this to say about his long time friend: "Above all, she is just a really dedicated and kind friend and person."
When asked if she had any advise for students taking the academic road less traveled, Liz commented that students should "keep close contact with their advisors and above all explore a number of the different clubs on campus. That way, anyone is certain to find a place where he or she belongs."
Uzo Ukeagu
It's clear after talking for just a few moments with Nigerian born Uzo Ukeagu that her passions lie in the well being of her fellow students and changing policy to help those in need.
"Everything I'm involved in here at school at the end of the day comes back to the students and making sure their voices are heard," said Ukeagu, a junior in philosophy working toward an international degree with a minor in chemistry.
"I want to make sure the university is doing what is should and holding to its commitment to make sure students are getting the proper education and feel safe while getting it. Especially those students who do not fit the traditional role."
As the external coordinator for the Black Cultural Center, a member of the ASOSU Undergraduate Senate and an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts, Ukeagu is in a position to do just that. She started out with a pre-med option, but realized through her involvement in clubs and student government that there were many other ways she could affect the world other than as a doctor.
She still plans on taking her MCATs, but is keeping her options open and says she would love to eventually run a non-profit organization. With her dedication and enthusiasm for helping others, she is certainly on the right track.
Jaimee Colbert
MU President, MUPC Director for Mom's Weekend, campaign manager, Undergraduate Senate Chair Secretary, College of Liberal Arts Senator, MUPC Senator, ASOSU Veteran's Affairs Chair - the list goes on.
And if that wasn't enough, try "actively enrolled in the Navy/ROTC for four college years."
Jaimee Colbert has accomplished much more than the average student in her college career. But, it doesn't stop there.
"I pushed myself to get involved my freshman year," Colbert said. "Through that, I learned what I enjoyed and what I had a peak interest in."
As a member of Navy/ROTC, Colbert plans to take an aviation route when she graduates. Though, as she explains, it takes more years of schooling, flying an airplane had always sparked an interest.
"Jaimee understands finding the middle ground in what she does," said Don Johnson, assistant director of programs and marketing for the MU who has worked with Colbert for three years. "She works with integrity, accomplishes things and backs up what she says."
Colbert, a political science major and naval science minor, says once she took an ASOSU internship class, her involvement rose. Still, the list of activities, positions and accomplishments are uncountable.
"Her work ethic is amazing because she comes from two extremes," said Johnson, referring to the structured ROTC and the variety of MUPC programs. "She maintains sanity - that's an amazing trait."
Jose Gutierrez
"Are there any Mexicans that go to this school?" That's a question that Jose Gutierrez had to answer to a class of kids from a Portland school touring OSU last week. Many of the kids were Latino and will be first generation college students. Gutierrez reassured the boy, and gave himself as an example of the Latino presence at OSU. Gutierrez is a California native. He attended Santa Monica College, but "didn't really take full advantage of the school." His family moved to Oregon after Mario Magaña advised Gutierrez's older brother to "get back into school." Magaña, a faculty member of OSU Extension 4-H Department, encouraged Gutierrez's brother to enroll in University of Oregon's GED program. When his brother decided to attend OSU, Gutierrez's family left California. Gutierrez followed his brother to OSU and "got involved more within the community and school." He got involved with ASOSU through a friend and now he's a senator representing the College of Liberal Arts. Gutierrez wants to "be a voice for people who aren't represented."
"He took advantage of all the academic opportunities this school had to offer right away," Magaña said. "He wants to improve the education system." Gutierrez also heads, (and plays guitar for), a politically charged rock band Critical Mass. The band got together last spring and played their first show in January. The band's message is "community, love and activism." Critical Mass recently auditioned for Oregon State's Battle of the Bands - so far Gutierrez is keeping his fingers crossed.
Angelina Lusetti
Not many students are offered a job as an executive while they are still in college, but Angelina Lusetti, a 22-year-old senior in business, is no ordinary student.
Besides recently accepting an offer to be an executive at Target, Lusetti is the president of Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She recently assisted the dean of the College of Business with forming a women's leadership group for COB students called the Women's Empowerment Exchange, of which she is also a member.
She hopes to one day be a CEO of a company. "I want to promote an understanding of people, processes and institutions," she said. "I want to instill a strong sense of inclusion and service in others."
"I think it is important to take pride in all that we do at OSU, be action-oriented and take an active role in all that campus has to offer," she said. "I want students and faculty/staff to be committed to the OSU community and go above and beyond typical expectations to drive an environment of accomplishment."
Lusetti's mother and role model, Lori, could not stop singing her praises: "She has an incredible ability to focus, to draw out info and see what needs to be done. If you have her on your team, you're going to win."
OSU is indeed lucky to have a trailblazer like Lusetti on our side.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Casey
posted 2/25/07 @ 11:17 PM PST
This was one of the best ideas for the paper. Terrific idea well executed thus far.
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