Spring 2026 5 FROM THE PUBLISHER When I’m searching for a reason to feel optimistic about the future, I don’t have to look far — I find it every day at Oregon State University. Two years ago, when Carissa O’Donnell, ’24, was nearing final exams, she shared with me the bittersweet feeling of graduation: “I just can’t imagine leaving Oregon State. I feel like I grew up here. But I also know I have to go and make some sort of difference.” In what feels like the blink of an eye, she has already earned a graduate degree from Columbia University’s Climate School, interned with the U.S. House of Representatives and worked directly with Michael Bloomberg’s foundation evaluating low-carbon economics. She’s also finding time to mentor current OSU students. I first met Javier Garcia-Ramirez, ’24, when he was a sophomore studying engineering. As a first-generation student, he spoke proudly about his siblings, who were also OSU students, and a family life that emphasized hard work and well-being.As kind as he is ambitious, he graduated summa cum laude and secured a software engineering position in New York, all while volunteering for OSU’s alumni network. Carly Thorkildson, ’24, lights up any room she enters. She was one of those undergrads who belonged to dozens of student organizations. One quarter, after seeing her at multiple events, I finally asked when she had time to sleep. “Ha, sleep is for amateurs,” she quipped. She graduated with honors, immediately excelled in her chosen field of water safety, and continues to volunteer on our Recent Alumni Advisory Council. Each of these 2024 graduates was an Alumni Association scholarship recipient. Each excelled academically, served as a student leader, launched a career and is already giving back to Oregon State with their time, energy and networks. It’s a privilege to work with some of Oregon State’s most promising undergraduate students and get to witness their energy, vision and commitment. I know they’ll leave a lasting impact on our campus, on Oregon and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of OSU alumni and friends, the Alumni Association’s undergraduate scholarship program — the university’s longest standing — continues to open doors. Recipients often overcome significant personal and financial challenges to pursue their dreams. With all due respect to those wonderful Class of 2024 recipients, I suspect this year’s group may be our most outstanding yet. (I say that every year and I always mean it!) There’s Bella Larsen, who spent last summer supporting public health in Uganda; Alana Kelley, who champions healthy attitudes and wellness for girls and young women; and Lily Oliphant, who mentors schoolchildren in robotics — and many others. In a world that often feels uncertain, these undergraduate scholars remind me what’s possible. They are evidence that student success is worth an investment. They’re not only exceptional students; they also represent our most impressive community-builders and citizens. They care. They give back. And they make me profoundly optimistic about our future. Join in supporting the next generation at give.fororegonstate.org. John Valva Publisher, Oregon Stater WHY I'M HOPEFUL OFF I CERS Chair, Dan Jarman, ’88 Vice Chair, Jonathan Riley, ’09 Treasurer, Jay Boatwright, ’78 MEMBERS Derek Abbey, ’99 Casey Anderson, ’14 Dom Biggi, ’88 Bob Bluhm, ’82 Sara Boraston, ’15 Sharada Bose, ’84, M.S. ’88 Gabrielle Homer, ’88 Colin Huber, ’10 Conrad Hurdle, ’96, MAT ’97 Jon Isaacs, ’97 Kelley Kaiser, ’93, MPH ’99 Julie Lambert, ’85 Bella Larsen, student representative, ex officio Keith Leavitt, ’88 Charlene McGee Kollie, ’04 Lee Miller, ’80 Jayathi Murthy, OSU president, ex officio Candace Pierson-Charlton, ’73, Ed.M. ’02 Mary Power, ’90 Denver Pugh, ’97 Shawn Scoville, OSU Foundation president and CEO, ex officio Dorian Smith, ’09, MAIS ’17, Ed.D. ’25 Marcia Torres, ’01 Michael Whitten, ’12 Ellen Yin, ’16 ADDRESS 204 CH2M HILL Alumni Center Corvallis, OR 97331 541-737-2351 osualum@osualum.com ForOregonState.org SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: facebook.com/ oregonstatealum X: @oregonstatealum Instagram: @oregonstatealumni YouTube: @Oregon_Stater Sign up for the Beaver Lodge newsletter at ForOregonState.org/BeaverLodge ART BY JOÃO FAZENDA
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