The 25 Most Influential Undergraduates at OSU (Part 2)
Challenging students to be something more than average
The Daily Barometer
Issue date: 3/2/07 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 second in a two-part series on the 25 Most Influential Undergraduates at OSU.
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Kendall Dutcher
To most, Kendall Dutcher is known as a "strong, driven individual," according to her academic mentor, Wanda Crannell.
"She's gone through a lot - for her to succeed is nothing short of a remarkable miracle," Crannell said of Dutcher, a first-generation college student.
As president of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) and the only undergraduate member of C2D (Committed to Diversity), Dutcher is committed to projects and awareness of diversity.
"To say that I'm passionate about diversity is an understatement," Dutcher begins to explain. "I commit roughly 1/4 of my spare time to these issues and am a member of the Oregon Student Equal Rights Alliance (OSERA) and Oregon Students of Color Coalition (OSCC)."
As a senior double-majoring in advanced biochemistry and bioresource research, Dutcher plans to pursue a doctorate in Immunology at the University of Washington's School of Medicine. Her focus, type 1 diabetes, is also a relatable cause.
"Diabetes runs in my family," Dutcher said. "My grandmother is a type 2 diabetic and I, myself, have been diagnosed as hyperglycemic for the past 10 years."
Crannell explained that Dutcher chose a significantly difficult double-major combination, but has high confidence her level of academics and intelligence will only continue to rise.
"For her to balance her academics with leadership activities is quite amazing," Crannell said. "OSU is fortunate to have great leaders. Kendall is going to be greatly missed."
---
Kari Varin
As an ambassador for the College of Engineering, Varin sees the impact and importance of engineering in everyday life, whether she's giving presentations to high school students or working closely with Women and Minorities in Engineering. "I travel to high schools throughout the state and give presentations to classes about opportunities in engineering," Varin said. As 2006's Miss Minerva (Miss Greek), Varin has worked as a lab technician, ambassador, and intern. She was a judiciary representative for Greek Life-Panhellenic and serves as the president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the president of the Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering Student Organization. Starting as a volunteer researcher with the Stormwater Analysis Team for three years in high school, Varin has found her place as a junior at OSU, majoring in chemical engineering.
---
Jessica Page
The definition of success has always been a relative term, changing constantly depending on who you ask. Yet at times we encounter those people whom, no matter who you ask, can be labelled a success.
Jessica Page, a senior from Idaho Falls, Ida. is one of those people. Unlike some, who limit themselves to just one or two activities, she has made it a priority to seek out a plethora of opportunities on around and off of campus. Activities ranging from Delta Delta Delta sorority, Panhellenic Council, TOUR, Odyssey and Start grace Page's resume. She has volunteered at a hospital in Ecuador, received grants to research Poxvirus, and studies bio-chemistry/bio-physics all while being enrolled in the Honors College.
Yet, unlike those who might act braggadocios about their own success, we found Page to be warm-hearted and far from conceited. Indeed, she seems to truly care as much about the success of others close to her as she does about her own. Overall she claims that her "goal was to take advantage of the opportunities at OSU and use them in a way that would benefit the community and promote similar actions to my peers." Those who are close to Page also speak of her qualities with others. "The best part about Jessica is her down to earth attitude and overwhelming friendliness which she generously shares with others," said Claire Bennett, director of campus visitation. With so many credentials to speak of, and qualities to be proud of, it is easy to see why Page is one of the most influential undergraduates at OSU.
---
Mike Olson
In the world of education, especially higher education, no student has a title that demands respect quite like student body president. Yet, it is often times hard for the common student to understand or appreciate exactly what it is their peer in this position does. When speaking with Mike Olson, a senior in biology from Pleasant Hill and our own ASOSU president, it is easy to see just how much he gives to this school. Mike's resume is stacked full of positions on various boards, committees and organizations, both on campus and around the community. Yet, the various commitments that Mike takes on aren't just things that he can brag about to employers, they actually mean something to him. "I just knew that I wanted to be very active during my time here at OSU, and really just tried to get as involved as possible with groups that I believed in" says Olson. From helping with issues like hunger and homelessness, giving back to both his residence hall and fraternity and of course working to better OSU through ASOSU, Olson has put in so much of his own time and effort to help influence the community in which we live. Yet through it all he still manages to be humble about his accomplishments. "Success is never achieved by yourself" says Olsen "much of my success comes from collaboration with other students and the hard work and determination of these students to accomplish their own goals."
---
Stacy Thomsen
Thomsen still has a year to go before graduating with a business administration degree but she more than has her hands full with sharing time between being a secretary for ASOSU, her job as Panhellenic president and the five other committees she helps with. As a secretary for ASOSU, Thomsen stays busy coordinating major events and the resources required to get the job done. Her knowledge of ASOSU is extensive and she always has the ability to help someone out. As the face of Panhellenic, Thomsen oversees nine other executive members to make sure sororities around campus are involved and informed about Oregon State life. Between talking with Bob Kerr, Greek Life adviser, and constantly coordinating events to help represent Greek Life, Thomsen stays up to beat on all that is happening with the Greek community. With everything Stacy is involved in, it is more than a little impressive that she stays a step ahead all the time. She would like to go to law school after taking a much deserved year off after she graduates.
---
Parvathy Binoy
Parvathy Binoy, a 21 year old senior in political science and international studies, could not contain her surprise at being selected as one of the 25 most influential students at OSU: "I know a lot of people who have done so much for this campus, many more than me. I hope this article acts as a thank you to all of those people and all the big and small things they do for social change." Parvathy's humility in regards to her accomplishments and contributions are all the more impressive after a quick glance at her resume. Co-Development Chair for International Students of Oregon State University, International Admissions Intern, a College of Liberal Arts Ambassador and an event coordinator for P.E.A.C.E. Week are just a few of her many current commitments. "What she does is amazing," said Catalina Vlad, a senior in Nutrition and Food Management and Parvathy's partner as the Co-Development Chair for ISOSU. "She has all these jobs, school and practically lives here at the ISOSU office, and still she maintains such a positive mood and spirit."
After graduate school, Parvathy hopes to work in public policy making and sustainable international development. "I am very passionate about the pursuit of peace and community. More specifically, I feel very drawn to causes of grass roots social change, particularly within the field of international development," she said. "But my work here has always centered around how can we better understand and respect one another at OSU. I think the pursuit and discover of this is so very powerful."
---
Annette McFarland
Anyone who has been within a 100-foot radius of Annette McFarland, a 21-year-old senior in English, would remember her spunkiness and radiant positive energy. "I would say she has remarkable charisma and it is recognized by others," said Joe Hendricks, dean of the University Honors College. "I might describe her as irrepressible, and that is partly why she is so effective."
As the director of the ASOSU Non-traditional Student Affairs Task Force, McFarland aids underrepresented student groups and also serves on the Student Parent Advisory Board and the Child Care Advisory Board. "My mission with my current position is to get OSU to the point where all types of students feel welcomed and a valued part of the OSU community," she said.
Among her many aspirations, McFarland lists teaching English abroad, running for public office and training dolphins as her future career goals. "I want to help people, bottom line," she said. "That will be the driving force behind whatever I'm doing, whether that's educating them or creating policies to make their lives better."
With her positive outlook and affection for pirates and mermaids, McFarland is sure to continue to influence those around her. "I believe we choose our attitudes," she said. "Most of the time I choose to be happy because life's just better that way."
---
Desiree Segura
If you have ever met Desiree Segura, you already know the immediate impression you get is that she has a desire to make the world around her a better place in every way.
Segura is the External Coordinator of the Centro Cultural César Chávez. She is looking to take care of her people and constantly giving back to the community. Segura has already worked to increase the number of Latino students at Oregon State and now turns her focus to retention of those students in to greater college careers.
If that wasn't enough, she is also an Undergraduate Senator for ASOSU. She says that being a part of the Senate is the best way to get first hand knowledge of what is going on around campus and that she uses the information to create opportunities for any interested students.
Segura's ultimate goal is to have a seat on the United States Senate so that she can have a national influence. Perhaps her greatest achievement would be her position as Non-Traditional First Generation Caucus Chair for the United States Student Association.
Segura identifies most with her chair for the USSA because that's what she is and she can represent it the best.
Her future is wide open but she knows she will have to go to law school if she wants her seat on the Senate. But her most passionate goal is make the changes needed to help underrepresented groups around the country. Such far-fetched goals seem obtainable whenever you have a chance to talk to Segura.
---
Sarah Shintaku
Sarah Shintaku, a senior in health promotion and education, is a goal-oriented worker who has more than her share of tasks promoting OSU and student life.
Shintaku has worked as a TOUR Coordinator for the Office of Admissions long enough to know every nook and cranny that Oregon State has stored away.
She finds that showing prospective students what life is like here at Oregon State is one of the most influential parts of the decision to come here and presenting countless students with opportunities is as rewarding as a job can get.
Her TOUR coordinating days fall in step with her choice to be a HHS Ambassador to other campuses as well as our own.
Working at the advising office for HHS has helped drastically with recruiting students as well with general assistance from everything about schedules to decisions one what majors are best suiting.
Her impressive resume is only further decorated by her Promise Internship over the summer.
Her internship focused mainly on helping with multicultural opportunities and she spent a lot of her time compiling lists of community services projects around campus so students could easily decide where they wanted to help out.
Shintaku's goals include trying to get an internship at a diabetes clinic in Virginia or finding a way to get involved with health education at some level.
She is also debating going through nursing school and possibly being a public health nurse. Whatever she decides, Shintaku will almost certainly be successful.
---
Elias Eiguren
As the president of OSU's Livestock Judging Club, senior Elias Eiguren has followed his roots - growing up on a cattle ranch in Jordon Valley jump started his career. By traveling to competitions in Denver, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, and the farthest being Louisville, as one of under 10 representatives of OSU's club, Eiguren plans on both graduating and getting married in December.
"Elias is extremely mature and very intelligent," said Clint Saxson, a professor and coach of Eiguren. "He's willing to go the extra mile."
Eiguren, who started as an Oregon Future Farmers of America State Officer in high school, went on to be a part of the winning team in 2005's Express Cattle Contest and on the sixth place OSU team at the national championship in Louisville. Eiguren was the First High Individual in the Sheep Division at the Houston Livestock Judging Contest and ninth in Oral Reasons.
Majoring in animal sciences with an option in communication, leadership, industry and policy, Eiguren plans to head back to the Jordan Valley Ranch where he grew up.
"I also want to be involved in agricultural organizations in order to influence agricultural policy within Oregon," Eiguren said.
"[I want] to help secure a future for agriculture in this state."
---
Myra Long
Myra Long, a psychology and pre-med major, is a friendly voice who answers your calls at the Women's Center. She also has been involved with OSU's Pride Center, getting started before her first day of classes began. "She came up to us during START two summers ago and right away let us know that she wanted to be involved," said Luke Sugie, advisory board co-chair for the Pride Center.
Long started "hanging out" at the Women's Center winter term of 2005. Melanie Love, women studies graduate instructor, persuaded her to apply for a position there. Since then, Long has become the center's publications coordinator. The newsletter "Zine" covers topics from sexual assault to body image issues. Long is also a DJ at OSU's KBVR radio station. Her two shows, Fembot and World Tronica, are "pretty freaking amazing." Long has been involved with the Pride panel, helping set up Q and A sessions with the gay and lesbian community on campus. Long represent the College of Liberal Arts at the ASOSU Undergraduate Senate, and sits on the appropriation and budget committee.
Long's work at the Women's Center "has influenced every aspect" of her life. She believes that "women are extremely underrepresented in medicine" and wants to pursue a career in nature-empathic medicine, an alternative medical discipline which addresses health issues "through more natural methods."
---
Nick Reyna
Often times, when students arrive on campus for the first time as freshman, so many either get involved with as many activities as possible, while truly never committing to anything, or simply suffice with the same old people while trying to skate through school. Yet, at times, students like Nick Reyna emerge on campus ready and willing to not only get involved, but also commit to the activities that truly mean something to them. Reyna, a senior in psychology from Salem, has not only become seriously involved in his cooperative house, Avery Lodge, as both vice president and president. He has also gone far beyond the academic expectations of most undergraduates.
From his time as a freshman, he has been an influential part of the psychology department and the College of Liberal Arts here at OSU.
Knowing early on that experience is necessary to succeed, he tried to involve himself in any kind of research available around campus. Eventually he began working in psychological research, gaining the position of lab supervisor for the most comprehensive project on the validity of emotional intelligent. "I want to help out and serve each level of my community, from my living group, to my major, college and university as a whole" Reyna said. With all of his involvement and dedication already here at OSU, and aspirations of teaching in higher education to boot, Reyna is certainly one of the most influential people on our campus.
---
Matt Lewis
There is a theory that in the mid-80s, a cloning experiment was performed on baby Matthew Lewis and there are dozens of him running around. That is the only way to explain how he acts as a Diversions editor, an Odyssey instructor, vice chair of the Student Media Committee, an admissions representative, a former Delta Chi president and active member and still makes time for a Thursday night trip to Clod's.
Lewis makes the average student, with a full credit load and several part-time jobs, look down right lazy.
"He's very committed to everything he does, especially helping new students and their families," said Kris Winter, director of Student Orientation and Retention.
A self-proclaimed observer of pop culture, Lewis dissects everything from fast food to Paris Hilton in his weekly column in this newspaper. "It reflects what goes on in daily life. They wouldn't call it popular culture if people didn't like it. And I like to make fun of things and pop culture provides an outlet for that," he said.
As of now, Lewis is in the process of applying to graduate school in Ohio and here at Oregon State. He wishes to continue to work with students experiencing college for the first time. "Going from high school to college is a critical period in our lives," Lewis said. "A lot of times students don't know the options open to them. It would be a shame for them to miss out on something because they didn't know about it."
With Lewis's help and his wealth of information on college life, he is sure to guide many mislead undergraduates into a successful future.
Kendall Dutcher
To most, Kendall Dutcher is known as a "strong, driven individual," according to her academic mentor, Wanda Crannell.
"She's gone through a lot - for her to succeed is nothing short of a remarkable miracle," Crannell said of Dutcher, a first-generation college student.
As president of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) and the only undergraduate member of C2D (Committed to Diversity), Dutcher is committed to projects and awareness of diversity.
"To say that I'm passionate about diversity is an understatement," Dutcher begins to explain. "I commit roughly 1/4 of my spare time to these issues and am a member of the Oregon Student Equal Rights Alliance (OSERA) and Oregon Students of Color Coalition (OSCC)."
As a senior double-majoring in advanced biochemistry and bioresource research, Dutcher plans to pursue a doctorate in Immunology at the University of Washington's School of Medicine. Her focus, type 1 diabetes, is also a relatable cause.
"Diabetes runs in my family," Dutcher said. "My grandmother is a type 2 diabetic and I, myself, have been diagnosed as hyperglycemic for the past 10 years."
Crannell explained that Dutcher chose a significantly difficult double-major combination, but has high confidence her level of academics and intelligence will only continue to rise.
"For her to balance her academics with leadership activities is quite amazing," Crannell said. "OSU is fortunate to have great leaders. Kendall is going to be greatly missed."
Kari Varin
As an ambassador for the College of Engineering, Varin sees the impact and importance of engineering in everyday life, whether she's giving presentations to high school students or working closely with Women and Minorities in Engineering. "I travel to high schools throughout the state and give presentations to classes about opportunities in engineering," Varin said. As 2006's Miss Minerva (Miss Greek), Varin has worked as a lab technician, ambassador, and intern. She was a judiciary representative for Greek Life-Panhellenic and serves as the president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the president of the Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering Student Organization. Starting as a volunteer researcher with the Stormwater Analysis Team for three years in high school, Varin has found her place as a junior at OSU, majoring in chemical engineering.
Jessica Page
The definition of success has always been a relative term, changing constantly depending on who you ask. Yet at times we encounter those people whom, no matter who you ask, can be labelled a success.
Jessica Page, a senior from Idaho Falls, Ida. is one of those people. Unlike some, who limit themselves to just one or two activities, she has made it a priority to seek out a plethora of opportunities on around and off of campus. Activities ranging from Delta Delta Delta sorority, Panhellenic Council, TOUR, Odyssey and Start grace Page's resume. She has volunteered at a hospital in Ecuador, received grants to research Poxvirus, and studies bio-chemistry/bio-physics all while being enrolled in the Honors College.
Yet, unlike those who might act braggadocios about their own success, we found Page to be warm-hearted and far from conceited. Indeed, she seems to truly care as much about the success of others close to her as she does about her own. Overall she claims that her "goal was to take advantage of the opportunities at OSU and use them in a way that would benefit the community and promote similar actions to my peers." Those who are close to Page also speak of her qualities with others. "The best part about Jessica is her down to earth attitude and overwhelming friendliness which she generously shares with others," said Claire Bennett, director of campus visitation. With so many credentials to speak of, and qualities to be proud of, it is easy to see why Page is one of the most influential undergraduates at OSU.
Mike Olson
In the world of education, especially higher education, no student has a title that demands respect quite like student body president. Yet, it is often times hard for the common student to understand or appreciate exactly what it is their peer in this position does. When speaking with Mike Olson, a senior in biology from Pleasant Hill and our own ASOSU president, it is easy to see just how much he gives to this school. Mike's resume is stacked full of positions on various boards, committees and organizations, both on campus and around the community. Yet, the various commitments that Mike takes on aren't just things that he can brag about to employers, they actually mean something to him. "I just knew that I wanted to be very active during my time here at OSU, and really just tried to get as involved as possible with groups that I believed in" says Olson. From helping with issues like hunger and homelessness, giving back to both his residence hall and fraternity and of course working to better OSU through ASOSU, Olson has put in so much of his own time and effort to help influence the community in which we live. Yet through it all he still manages to be humble about his accomplishments. "Success is never achieved by yourself" says Olsen "much of my success comes from collaboration with other students and the hard work and determination of these students to accomplish their own goals."
Stacy Thomsen
Thomsen still has a year to go before graduating with a business administration degree but she more than has her hands full with sharing time between being a secretary for ASOSU, her job as Panhellenic president and the five other committees she helps with. As a secretary for ASOSU, Thomsen stays busy coordinating major events and the resources required to get the job done. Her knowledge of ASOSU is extensive and she always has the ability to help someone out. As the face of Panhellenic, Thomsen oversees nine other executive members to make sure sororities around campus are involved and informed about Oregon State life. Between talking with Bob Kerr, Greek Life adviser, and constantly coordinating events to help represent Greek Life, Thomsen stays up to beat on all that is happening with the Greek community. With everything Stacy is involved in, it is more than a little impressive that she stays a step ahead all the time. She would like to go to law school after taking a much deserved year off after she graduates.
Parvathy Binoy
Parvathy Binoy, a 21 year old senior in political science and international studies, could not contain her surprise at being selected as one of the 25 most influential students at OSU: "I know a lot of people who have done so much for this campus, many more than me. I hope this article acts as a thank you to all of those people and all the big and small things they do for social change." Parvathy's humility in regards to her accomplishments and contributions are all the more impressive after a quick glance at her resume. Co-Development Chair for International Students of Oregon State University, International Admissions Intern, a College of Liberal Arts Ambassador and an event coordinator for P.E.A.C.E. Week are just a few of her many current commitments. "What she does is amazing," said Catalina Vlad, a senior in Nutrition and Food Management and Parvathy's partner as the Co-Development Chair for ISOSU. "She has all these jobs, school and practically lives here at the ISOSU office, and still she maintains such a positive mood and spirit."
After graduate school, Parvathy hopes to work in public policy making and sustainable international development. "I am very passionate about the pursuit of peace and community. More specifically, I feel very drawn to causes of grass roots social change, particularly within the field of international development," she said. "But my work here has always centered around how can we better understand and respect one another at OSU. I think the pursuit and discover of this is so very powerful."
Annette McFarland
Anyone who has been within a 100-foot radius of Annette McFarland, a 21-year-old senior in English, would remember her spunkiness and radiant positive energy. "I would say she has remarkable charisma and it is recognized by others," said Joe Hendricks, dean of the University Honors College. "I might describe her as irrepressible, and that is partly why she is so effective."
As the director of the ASOSU Non-traditional Student Affairs Task Force, McFarland aids underrepresented student groups and also serves on the Student Parent Advisory Board and the Child Care Advisory Board. "My mission with my current position is to get OSU to the point where all types of students feel welcomed and a valued part of the OSU community," she said.
Among her many aspirations, McFarland lists teaching English abroad, running for public office and training dolphins as her future career goals. "I want to help people, bottom line," she said. "That will be the driving force behind whatever I'm doing, whether that's educating them or creating policies to make their lives better."
With her positive outlook and affection for pirates and mermaids, McFarland is sure to continue to influence those around her. "I believe we choose our attitudes," she said. "Most of the time I choose to be happy because life's just better that way."
Desiree Segura
If you have ever met Desiree Segura, you already know the immediate impression you get is that she has a desire to make the world around her a better place in every way.
Segura is the External Coordinator of the Centro Cultural César Chávez. She is looking to take care of her people and constantly giving back to the community. Segura has already worked to increase the number of Latino students at Oregon State and now turns her focus to retention of those students in to greater college careers.
If that wasn't enough, she is also an Undergraduate Senator for ASOSU. She says that being a part of the Senate is the best way to get first hand knowledge of what is going on around campus and that she uses the information to create opportunities for any interested students.
Segura's ultimate goal is to have a seat on the United States Senate so that she can have a national influence. Perhaps her greatest achievement would be her position as Non-Traditional First Generation Caucus Chair for the United States Student Association.
Segura identifies most with her chair for the USSA because that's what she is and she can represent it the best.
Her future is wide open but she knows she will have to go to law school if she wants her seat on the Senate. But her most passionate goal is make the changes needed to help underrepresented groups around the country. Such far-fetched goals seem obtainable whenever you have a chance to talk to Segura.
Sarah Shintaku
Sarah Shintaku, a senior in health promotion and education, is a goal-oriented worker who has more than her share of tasks promoting OSU and student life.
Shintaku has worked as a TOUR Coordinator for the Office of Admissions long enough to know every nook and cranny that Oregon State has stored away.
She finds that showing prospective students what life is like here at Oregon State is one of the most influential parts of the decision to come here and presenting countless students with opportunities is as rewarding as a job can get.
Her TOUR coordinating days fall in step with her choice to be a HHS Ambassador to other campuses as well as our own.
Working at the advising office for HHS has helped drastically with recruiting students as well with general assistance from everything about schedules to decisions one what majors are best suiting.
Her impressive resume is only further decorated by her Promise Internship over the summer.
Her internship focused mainly on helping with multicultural opportunities and she spent a lot of her time compiling lists of community services projects around campus so students could easily decide where they wanted to help out.
Shintaku's goals include trying to get an internship at a diabetes clinic in Virginia or finding a way to get involved with health education at some level.
She is also debating going through nursing school and possibly being a public health nurse. Whatever she decides, Shintaku will almost certainly be successful.
Elias Eiguren
As the president of OSU's Livestock Judging Club, senior Elias Eiguren has followed his roots - growing up on a cattle ranch in Jordon Valley jump started his career. By traveling to competitions in Denver, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, and the farthest being Louisville, as one of under 10 representatives of OSU's club, Eiguren plans on both graduating and getting married in December.
"Elias is extremely mature and very intelligent," said Clint Saxson, a professor and coach of Eiguren. "He's willing to go the extra mile."
Eiguren, who started as an Oregon Future Farmers of America State Officer in high school, went on to be a part of the winning team in 2005's Express Cattle Contest and on the sixth place OSU team at the national championship in Louisville. Eiguren was the First High Individual in the Sheep Division at the Houston Livestock Judging Contest and ninth in Oral Reasons.
Majoring in animal sciences with an option in communication, leadership, industry and policy, Eiguren plans to head back to the Jordan Valley Ranch where he grew up.
"I also want to be involved in agricultural organizations in order to influence agricultural policy within Oregon," Eiguren said.
"[I want] to help secure a future for agriculture in this state."
Myra Long
Myra Long, a psychology and pre-med major, is a friendly voice who answers your calls at the Women's Center. She also has been involved with OSU's Pride Center, getting started before her first day of classes began. "She came up to us during START two summers ago and right away let us know that she wanted to be involved," said Luke Sugie, advisory board co-chair for the Pride Center.
Long started "hanging out" at the Women's Center winter term of 2005. Melanie Love, women studies graduate instructor, persuaded her to apply for a position there. Since then, Long has become the center's publications coordinator. The newsletter "Zine" covers topics from sexual assault to body image issues. Long is also a DJ at OSU's KBVR radio station. Her two shows, Fembot and World Tronica, are "pretty freaking amazing." Long has been involved with the Pride panel, helping set up Q and A sessions with the gay and lesbian community on campus. Long represent the College of Liberal Arts at the ASOSU Undergraduate Senate, and sits on the appropriation and budget committee.
Long's work at the Women's Center "has influenced every aspect" of her life. She believes that "women are extremely underrepresented in medicine" and wants to pursue a career in nature-empathic medicine, an alternative medical discipline which addresses health issues "through more natural methods."
Nick Reyna
Often times, when students arrive on campus for the first time as freshman, so many either get involved with as many activities as possible, while truly never committing to anything, or simply suffice with the same old people while trying to skate through school. Yet, at times, students like Nick Reyna emerge on campus ready and willing to not only get involved, but also commit to the activities that truly mean something to them. Reyna, a senior in psychology from Salem, has not only become seriously involved in his cooperative house, Avery Lodge, as both vice president and president. He has also gone far beyond the academic expectations of most undergraduates.
From his time as a freshman, he has been an influential part of the psychology department and the College of Liberal Arts here at OSU.
Knowing early on that experience is necessary to succeed, he tried to involve himself in any kind of research available around campus. Eventually he began working in psychological research, gaining the position of lab supervisor for the most comprehensive project on the validity of emotional intelligent. "I want to help out and serve each level of my community, from my living group, to my major, college and university as a whole" Reyna said. With all of his involvement and dedication already here at OSU, and aspirations of teaching in higher education to boot, Reyna is certainly one of the most influential people on our campus.
Matt Lewis
There is a theory that in the mid-80s, a cloning experiment was performed on baby Matthew Lewis and there are dozens of him running around. That is the only way to explain how he acts as a Diversions editor, an Odyssey instructor, vice chair of the Student Media Committee, an admissions representative, a former Delta Chi president and active member and still makes time for a Thursday night trip to Clod's.
Lewis makes the average student, with a full credit load and several part-time jobs, look down right lazy.
"He's very committed to everything he does, especially helping new students and their families," said Kris Winter, director of Student Orientation and Retention.
A self-proclaimed observer of pop culture, Lewis dissects everything from fast food to Paris Hilton in his weekly column in this newspaper. "It reflects what goes on in daily life. They wouldn't call it popular culture if people didn't like it. And I like to make fun of things and pop culture provides an outlet for that," he said.
As of now, Lewis is in the process of applying to graduate school in Ohio and here at Oregon State. He wishes to continue to work with students experiencing college for the first time. "Going from high school to college is a critical period in our lives," Lewis said. "A lot of times students don't know the options open to them. It would be a shame for them to miss out on something because they didn't know about it."
With Lewis's help and his wealth of information on college life, he is sure to guide many mislead undergraduates into a successful future.
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