5/12/16 Emerald Media - 2016 | 25 Ducks Edition

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EMERALD MEDIA GROUP

WHAT IS 25 DUCKS? With over 24,000 students at the University of Oregon, multiple students have been selected by their peers, professors and University of Oregon staff for the opportunity to win the prize of being a 25 Duck. The award is bestowed upon individuals who show impressive leadership, innovation and passion, and after a month-long nomination period, a panel of students and professionals from the Alumni Center and the Emerald Media Group selected 25 students to represent this year’s winners.

workplaces, and serve as an inspiration to all those around them.

The 25 diverse students come from all around the world, from Myanmar to Minnesota. With varying major focuses and extracurricular involvement, these outstanding Ducks are effecting amazing change throughout the campus. They are some of the most driven and enthusiastic individuals within their programs and

The University is truly benefiting every day from the actions of these talented Ducks, and the passion of the following students is sure to benefit their future communities as well. Inside are the stories of 25 thoughtful, altruistic and ambitious students whom we are thrilled to welcome to the 25 Ducks family.

The University of Oregon fosters a community of passionate, hardworking students – and the Emerald is honored to have the opportunity to recognize these individuals. This year’s honorees feature students with backgrounds ranging from encouraging mental health awareness on campus to sexual assault prevention to advocacy for indigenous peoples.

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The Emerald’s 25 Ducks is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent non profit news company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald, the news organization was founded in 1900.

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Investigates experimental and popular electronic music – its technologies, aesthetics, techniques, composers, copyright law, and sampling.

Whether you’re passionate about music or simply curious, History of Electroacoustic Music will change the way you listen to the world around you.

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PLANNING, PUBLIC POLICY & MANAGEMENT Study the ways of government, nonprofit organizations and other institutions that address public problems.

Writers Gabriel Dufurrena, Gretchen Henderson

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Photographers Sierra Pedro, Cecilia Tremaine Nelson

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

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Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)

Major in Planning, Public Policy and Management (BS or BA)

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Policy and Management

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Minor in Nonprofit

Management (MNM)

Administration

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Contact us: pppm@uoregon.edu Visit us: 119A Hendricks Hall

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MEET THE 25 DUCKS

Leah Barrera

Alexis Biddle

Leah Barrera’s passion for her cultural identity has driven her to pursue a degree in Education and Spanish with the intention of supporting the Chicanx culture. Her work with MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan) as well as CMAE (Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence) and GANAS (an after school program for Chicanx middle schoolers) speak to her dedication to her community. She aspires to be a teacher activist at a bilingual school upon graduating, following in the footsteps of her equally-inspirational mentor, Jill Torrez.

Initially spurred by the injustice of mountaintop removal, Alexis Biddle has a sufficiently packed schedule as a graduate student studying Law and Community and Regional Planning at UO. As an Eno fellow and coorganizer of the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, Alexis also serves on Eugene’s Sustainability Commission and as a fellow for the UO Sustainable Cities Initiative and Oregon Department of Transportation.

In order to do his part in helping to mitigate climate change, Alexis has shaped his future career goals based on reducing carbon emissions from transportation, hoping to emphasize sustainability and equity in the process. Aiming to work with either planning departments, transit agencies, city attorneys or the state government, Alexis is the perfect example of combining disciplines in order to create the solutions we need for the future.

What are your aspirations after college?

After college, I aspire to be a teacher activist at a bilingual school. This may sound simple, but there are often misconceptions about how much a teacher does. I have a mentor who is a teacher at a local bilingual elementary school and she is extremely busy with not only lesson planning, but also in getting to know her students and better accommodating them as well as being constantly involved with the community. I would like to be that type of teacher.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I enjoy the connections I have made through the College of Education, CMAE and MEChA. These connections have allowed me to have wonderful experiences with multiple people.

If you could change one law, what would it be?

I would change the law that the Oregon Legislature passed requiring proof of legal status to obtain a driver’s license. In 2014, there was a measure called the Safe Roads Act that did not pass through the ballots because an anti-immigration group funded money for statewide efforts against the Safe Roads Act. Because of this victory, this anti-immigration group feels empowered and is trying to put more measures on the ballot this year. I am a big proponent of keeping Oregon a hate-free state; therefore I believe that changing this law would keep roads safe for all Oregonians regardless of documentation status.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

Go to Sweet Life. I love it, and having it so near campus can be dangerous because I might go every week.

How would you most like to be remembered after you die?

“Here lies Alexis Biddle. He wasn’t necessarily the sharpest tool in the shed, but he used a heart of gold and determination to try to do what was right. Also, he stopped climate change… so he had that going for him.”

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

The University of Oregon is in Oregon and specifically in Eugene. I love this place.

I also love the strong collaborative and interdisciplinary approach of the PPPM department and the law school.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

Hike the PCT, or if it was earlier in the winter, go to Japan to snowboard.

If you could have a meal with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Benjamin Franklin, Genghis Khan, Aristotle and Buddha.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Matching my ambition with a career path that fits my skills and is fulfilling.

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Eggs preceded chickens. Think about it: dinosaurs used eggs and dinosaurs evolved into chickens. Clearly, eggs were first.

John Brawner

Abel Cerros

Tad Falk

As Vice President of the Entrepreneurship Club, John Brawner increased the diversity of majors in the club threefold. He started the University of Oregon’s first hackathon, Hacktown USA, and following the success of that event, pioneered QuackHack, which hosted students from several universities and majors and was a booming success. He personally raised over $5k for the event. Born into a family of entrepreneurs, John is destined to be a successful business developer.

Abel Cerros gives thanks to his community in El Paso, TX, the Boys and Girls Club, college prep courses and his high school advisors. All of these aspects made it possible for Abel to come to the University of Oregon and become one of the most involved students on campus.

He is an ASUO senator, served as co-director for the Coalition Against Environmental Racism, is involved with M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudantil Chicanx de Azatlan) and is a student mentor at IMPACT (International Mentoring Program Advancing Community Ties).

Tad did not feel as if he had much guidance when first coming to college as a first generation college student. The more he became involved with the Psychology department at the University, the more he truly became aware of his passion in counseling students, children and their families. He has been an instrumental part in fixing issues within the University system that have given students better tools in helping them navigate the anxieties of college life. He serves as a GTF in the Office of Academic Advising, he teaches classes at Ridgeline Montessori and counsels clients at the HEDCO education complex.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

One of the things I have enjoyed most while at the UO is Deschutes 100, which is the computer lab where many computer science students hang out and do homework. It is a great environment where you get to really become friends with your classmates and learn a lot from each other due to everyone’s different side projects and interests.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

If I was President of the University of Oregon, I would create more innovation initiatives to bring students from different majors together.

When students from different disciplines come together, they can build amazing things by implementing the skills they are actively learning.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

I would fly home to New Jersey and surprise my parents. I only get to see them a few times a year so I would love to see them and have a homecooked meal.

If you could change one law, what would it be?

That at some point before college, students must be introduced to programming.

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

“Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The egg – laid by a bird that was not a chicken.”

– Neil deGrasse Tyson If you could have a meal with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Warren Buffett.

What are your aspirations after college?

I would like to go back home to Fort Worth, Texas in order to work with my family and community. There are so many amazing programs like the Boys and Girls Club that helped me get where I am today and I plan on giving back. More specifically, I would like to be a pre-college advisor to help high school students figure out the college process and get them to their dream schools.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

Most people that know me would probably describe me as a pretty reserved person. I am hardly ever the most talkative or loud one in the room because I feel more comfortable speaking in other ways. It is easier for me to express myself through my actions rather than my words. At the end of the day, people might not always hear me speak, but they can hear my actions.

If I could have a meal with 4 people, dead or alive, who would they be?

I would like to have a meal with four of my ancestors. I have no idea where my family comes from past my great grandparents, so it would be interesting to ask four of them about their lives and where our family comes from.

What song describes your work ethic?

“Hasta La Cima Del Cielo” by Grupo Solido. This song talks about somebody willing to go to the top of the sky for somebody’s love. I think it speaks to how far I’m willing to go in order to achieve my dreams.

What are your aspirations after college?

After college, I would like to gain employment at a community organization that offers behavioral and emotional treatment services to youth and their families. Eventually, I would like to open a private therapy practice, working with youth and adolescents who have experienced trauma in their lives.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

The scenic campus and opportunity to raise awareness of sociocultural and political issues.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Finding time to engage in various opportunities and activities that I would like to.

What song describes your work ethic?

“Work Hard, Play Harder” by Montgomery Gentry.

If you could choose three people to make up your dream team, who would they be?

My grandparents because each have taught me many life lessons and I value their perspectives and input. They would make working as a team pretty fun and interesting too. Harry Stack Sullivan who is a leader in psychiatry and brought forth the notion that people do not experience the world independently but exist in relation to others and their environment. I imagine he would be a pretty good asset to have when working in a team. And last but not least, MLK Jr. because it would be incredible to work with a man with such values and fearlessness.

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Katie Gruys

Hannah Hoban

James Holloway

There are big things on the horizon for Katie Gruys as she plans on attending graduate school at Clemson University for Women’s Basketball Coaching. Originally from Minnesota, Katie has really enjoyed being a part of the campus and Eugene community, which inspires her to do her absolute best.

Katie has been actively involved in community service and has logged over 200 hours this year alone for various organizations including Love Your Melon (a college-run business that gives a hat to a child with cancer for every hat that is purchased).

Hannah is a graduating senior who is planning on going into the medical field. She hopes to expand the health care system to incorporate those who can not afford medical services.

Although she has been voraciously studying for the MCATs, she has still found time to TA for the Human Physiology department throughout this year. Hannah has also been a notetaker for the last four years, going to classes and taking comprehensive notes for students with disabilities and students who are unable to attend classes.

James is a very passionate, driven and hardworking senior majoring in Economics and is a double minor in Journalism and Business.

He is the treasurer for Camp Kesem, a group that fundraises all year to give kids whose parents have cancer a fun summer camp experience for free. He is incredibly passionate about the camp and can relate with the kids that attend because of the loss of his father to cancer when he was three. James is also an active member in Greek life and is a student building manager at the EMU where he works late nights and weekends.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I enjoyed being surrounded by all the great people I’ve created relationships with while I’ve been in Eugene, especially in the Athletic Department, Jaqua Academic Center, Student Rec Center, Lillis Business School, Kidsports and Love Your Melon student group, but number one is the women’s basketball team!

How would you most like to be remembered after you die?

I want to be remembered for helping others live a happier life. I want people to remember how I impacted them in a positive way and made them feel like anything was possible.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Being 2,000 miles away from home and missing my family (AKA my 95-year-old grandma Gruys).

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Building, owning and coaching an athletic recreation academy in my hometown and giving those kids a better chance of receiving an athletic scholarship from a university.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

I would lower college tuition, if not make it free altogether. Education should be free. We should want everyone in our country to continue their education.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Everybody says I look like Syd from Ice Age…

What are your aspirations after college?

I am currently applying to medical school, so hopefully I will attend one starting in 2017.

During my gap year, I hope to intern and travel.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I really enjoy the sense of community this school offers. Everyone is so friendly and always willing to help each other. The class sizes are perfect in the sense that you can have a few friends going into them and still meet new faces along the way.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

Well, first I would read all the national secrets: Area 51, the moon landing, B613. After that, I’d step outside my office and watch everyone stand up for me. Then, I’d close the door and they’d all sit back down. I’d repeat this until my Chief of Staff told me to get to work running the country.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

Sitting on a beach, margarita in hand, reading for pleasure.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

If I can survive O-Chem, I can survive anything.

I’m not too worried about impending doom.

If you could have a meal with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Mindy Kaling, Clara Barton, Ellen DeGeneres and my grandmother.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

What I love most about the University of Oregon is the school spirit on campus. Everyone is always walking around with some type of Duck gear and everyone is so proud to say they attend the University of Oregon. Also the enthusiasm and excitement on game day is unlike anything else.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been moving away from home to attend a school where I knew no one. I really had to come into my own and get out of my comfort zone to become the person I am today. Although it was one of the hardest things I’ve done to move away from home and away from all my friends, I couldn’t be happier with how everything has turned out.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

I would survive the zombie apocalypse by finding the nearest Costco and locking myself inside. They have everything you could ever want inside as well as strong doors to keep the zombies from getting in.

If you could do anything right this second what would it be?

If I could do anything right now, I would travel the world. I love history and seeing different cultures so getting the opportunity to see the centerpieces and landmarks of the greatest cultures would be amazing. I also love meeting new people so getting to interact with people from different countries would be a really cool experience.

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THE WHY OF WHERE

Department of Education Studies

Congratulations Leah Barrera!

GEOG Geography

Leah is a student in the Educational Foundations Program. Leah was selected by the Alumni Association as one of 25 Ducks for going above and beyond to make impact in our community.

We are #whyofwhere geography.uoregon.edu/whyofwhere

proud of you!

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Alysia Kezerian

Rachael Kirkelie

Alysia Kezerian is an inspiration to everyone she comes in contact with and the thousands of followers who read her blog, akezerian. com. After a hiking accident that left her legs paralyzed, she was determined to come back to the campus that she so dearly loves.

She was the President of her sorority, is an ambassador for the University of Oregon and is an active member in the community.

Rachael Kirkelie’s involvement in the Eugene community ranges from being the Public Relations director of Eugene’s local Rotaract chapter to working at the Relief Nursery for over five years. Her ability to manage a double major in Spanish and Family Human Services while constantly volunteering her time is handled with infectious positive energy.

What are your aspirations after college?

I would love to move back to Denver to continue intense physical therapy at Craig, the rehabilitation hospital I spent 10 weeks at during my recovery after my accident.

They have the most high-tech, state of the art equipment to help people relearn to walk, so I just want to give my body its best possible chance to maybe relearn to walk. Then after that, it has always been my dream to do brand marketing for Red Bull, and maybe now, be an account brand manager for a paraplegic Red Bull athlete.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

When it’s all said and done, I will have NOT said more than I have done. I am still trying my hardest to absorb as many experiences as possible, partly to prove that something like the inability to walk can’t stop me from doing the things I have always dreamed for myself. Since my accident, I have checked off more bucketlist items than I thought I would do in a year (even as an able-bodied person), such as return to school, meet Klay Thompson, see Crater Lake and the tulip fields, go to Vegas with friends and spring break in Palm Springs and Disneyland.

I have also learned how to play sports for paraplegics from Paralympians: mono-skiing, wheelchair tennis and sledge hockey. And I am planning to study abroad in Vienna this summer... so if that’s how ten months after a traumatic accident have gone, then the rest of my life should be pretty full of all the things I have still yet to do.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

I would totally survive the zombie apocalypse by rolling over them really fast with my wheelchair.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

The school spirit here is amazing. Football season is always a highlight and there’s nothing better than going to baseball games during Spring Term. More importantly, I enjoy being part of the Family and Human Services program. Being part of a group of people who are so giving and compassionate inspires me everyday. We all have different passions, but we all share a desire to serve people and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

A lot of people tell me I remind them of Kimmy Schmidt… I take it as a compliment because she’s positive and optimistic. Much like myself, Kimmy doesn’t take herself too seriously, and thinks she’s super funny.

If you could have a meal with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?

I would love to have lunch with Amy Poehler, Ellen DeGeneres, my mom and Dr. Brene Brown. All of these women are strong, confident, intelligent and passionate about their work. They inspire me because they have all accomplished a tremendous amount in their lives, and still continue to learn and push the boundaries in their careers. Amy and Ellen would add some humor, Brene would motivate us to reevaluate how we connect with people and I would want my mom to share that experience with me. We would go to Sabai, and after the meal, Ellen would lead us in one of her dance parties. It would be the best meal of our lives.

What song describes your work ethic?

“Run the World” by Beyonce. When I have a lot to get done and need to focus, I like to channel Beyonce. She could conquer the world.

Michaela Kurinsky-Malos Michaela Kurinksy-Malos’ political work at the state and national level is even more impressive than her accomplishments on campus. At the age of 18, she was elected as the youngest ever Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon’s Rural Caucus. Since then, she has taken the Vice President position of the DPO. Michaela is only now stepping down from the director position of the UO mock trial for Oregon high school students to work for the Attorney General’s campaign. She is truly dedicated to serving her fellow students and leading and mentoring.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Honestly? Swimming. It took me for-friggin’ever to learn how to swim. Which is nuts, right?

I mean, we’re born out of liquid so it should be easy. But, alas, no. It is not. It took me like three summers to learn to swim. How? I just kept on trying, actually. It was that simple. Just walk a little bit further into the deep end every day and eventually you realize that your feet aren’t touching anymore. That’s still how I live my life.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

Yes, sort of. We all do – those of us who make the biggest impact, at any rate. Our words are like ripples when a stone is thrown into a pond. If someone says that they have “said” more than they have “done,” that’s a measure of the impact they’ve had on the people around them. In that sense, their words may move across generations – epochs even.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

Trees. Trees, man.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

Right now? Fly to Colorado and spend the weekend climbing at the Garden of the Gods.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

I wouldn’t. I would be the first human sacrifice for the betterment of whatever group I was with – willingly. I have very little desire to live through a zombie apocalypse.

Mitchell Lee

Zach Lusby

Finishing up his last term, Business student Mitchell Lee is a driven individual with a bright future. Mitchell is the Duck Store Board of Director’s President and has served on the board for the last two years. Heading straight into the workforce, he will work with Frito Lay out of Boise, Idaho in their district sales department.

Through his extensive work with his fraternity Delta Tau Delta and the ASUO, Zach Lusby works endlessly as an advocate for minority and disadvantaged groups on campus. His passion for effecting change and educating others has led him to serve on the sexual violence prevention task force and work as the content editor for The Siren magazine, and his enthusiasm in all areas he chooses to focus his efforts in is inspiring to all.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

It’s nearly impossible to pick just one thing I love the most at the University of Oregon. The diversity of the students and opportunities available to us are so unique, but I can’t imagine leaving out how much I’ve enjoyed Autzen Stadium and all the tailgating areas outside the game. I’ve never missed a single season game in my four years here! It might have a little something to do with the fact that “It Never Rains In Autzen Stadium”!

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

If happiness were a currency, then I plan on making my fortune at my local humane society.

In the past couple years, my girlfriend Sierra and I have rescued two bunnies (named Chaos and Calamity) and a cat (named Cat-tastrophe) from Greenhill Humane Society. The affection and silliness these three furballs show makes me realize what as passion I have for animals and my desire to work with a great organization like Greenhill in the future.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

If I were elected President, the first thing my First Lady and I would do is invite all my Sigma Nu brothers to have the first fraternity reunion ever held in the oval office. Unfortunately, I don’t think my presidency would last very long…

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

If I could do anything in the world right this very second, I’d hop on over to Japan to try the world’s best sushi featured on Jiro Dreams of Sushi before Jiro retires!

What are your aspirations after college?

My aspiration for after college are to – wherever I am – make the world a more inclusive and empathetic place. I’m not entirely sure as to how I want to do that yet.

I’m considering pursuing a PhD in English, teaching high school lit or maybe working in law somehow, but whatever position I take, I want to make sure I uplift and inspire marginalized people. It’s hard to be successful when you’re systematically told you’re somehow lesser than those around you, and in every capacity I can I want to make sure no one ever feels that way. Everyone, but especially women, people of color and LGBTQIA+ folks, deserve to have their identity valued and appreciated. I want to make sure my career reflects that.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

If I was President, the first thing I’d do is start instituting policy to help make our country safer for trans and non-binary individuals.

If you could have a meal with four people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Tennessee Williams, Harvey Milk, Marsha P. Johnson and Kim Kardashian. We’d sit down for Thai iced tea and some drunken noodles at Tasty Thai and talk about literature, queerness and celebrity culture.

What song describes your work ethic?

Either “Energy” by Drake or “Sissy that Walk”

by RuPaul. Your pick.

Sandra Martinez-Modesto Sandra Martinez-Modesto is determined to break barriers and loves challenging the ideas of what people expect from her. She is an active member on the FSL Greek Life Task Force and volunteers much of her time to preventing sexual assault on campus. She loves working as a youth mentor coordinator for El Centro Latino Americano, which is a non profit that provides high-risk youth services that gives them a variety of opportunities within the community.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I enjoy the endless opportunities there are to explore. It’s a place that allows you find different things to be interested in. I have enjoyed meeting my sorority sisters in Sigma Mu, discovering my love for golf and finding some incredible professors that have made an impact in my life, Erin Beck and Ernesto Martinez. The University of Oregon has opened a path to endless opportunities and memories.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

If happiness was the national currency, I would work where I work now. I work for Centro Latino Americano as a youth mentor co-coordinator.

I help youth find a positive mentor in the community. The youth in my position have an impact on me that wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t so close to them. We have laughed, cried and grown together. I am happy to go into work everyday. It also helps that I work for a great organization. The people I work with and the bosses I have have really made me happy.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I do have one I strive to be more like: Daria Morgendorffer from the self-named TV show.

She’s this self empowering female lead that stands up for her beliefs while also growing as a teenager. It was just really cool to see another angsty teenager like myself on TV. It really motivated me to stand for what I believe in.

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Natasha Mckibben

Win Min

Kara Nell

Extraordinary is an understatement for this senior majoring in Human Physiology with minors in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish.

She is a peer advisor in the human physiology department and a TA for the cadaver dissection lab. As a peer advisor, she loves getting to help her peers achieve their goals during their undergraduate careers and as a TA she gets to share her passion for human anatomy with other peers who feel the same.

Win Min is an impressive individual who has stared down adversity and come out victorious. Win looks toward the future of his home country Burma/Myanmar and sees incredible potential. He clearly states that his priority in life is to have the most positive impact on the largest amount of people and plans to move back to his home country as soon as he gains the experiences that he needs to become the best leader he can be.

What are your aspirations after college?

After graduation, I will be participating in a medical internship abroad with my sister. There I hope to learn more about global health while I practice the Spanish I have learned here at the University of Oregon in a clinical setting.

We will get to travel some before we return and I apply to medical school next June. I hope to pursue a surgical specialty, while continuing to conduct research and give back to the community here at home and abroad.

What are your aspirations after college?

I am hoping to serve the people of Myanmar/ Burma. Now our country is a newly democratic nation. Therefore there are so many things to do. I want to make sure that I have built my personal capacity to become a great leader before I go back and work for my country. I want work for something that would have a great impact on many lives of people, either public policy, international development or community development work. Therefore, I think that I will be working for a year to build my experience and go to graduate school afterwards.

As if being the president of UO Women in Graduate Science doesn’t keep her busy enough, Kara Nell additionally works tirelessly in science education outreach programs in order to bring innovative science to the masses and create an inclusive environment for all students. A Chemistry graduate student, Kara’s research as a materials chemist has her working with water purification media, which removes toxins like metals and lead in disaster cases and specialized clean-up situations.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

I would like to think that I will have done more than I have said. Although I think there is a place for saying things as a way to discuss problems and facilitate change, I enjoy doing things where I can physically work to make a difference. That is why I think I currently enjoy volunteering at the Volunteers in Medicine clinic and Food for Lane County as well as conducting research. In these activities, I get to work to see progress. It also explains why I want to pursue a surgical specialty where I can physically make changes with my own hands, which I think will be a very cool gift. Saying it is the easy part, but putting it into actions is what actually makes a lasting difference.

What song describes your work ethic?

I think that the song “The Only Way I Know”

by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Eric Church does the best job at putting my work ethic into lyrics. I am from a small rural town and this song describes what that is like and how that influences my work ethic. It explains my character, which includes not quitting until the job gets done, not backing down from challenges, and digging a little deeper when I think that those challenges are becoming too great.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Coming from a small, poor farming family, financial difficulties have always been apart of my journey. When I was working for community development, disaster relief and youth capacity building programs in Myanmar as a youth leader, I was reluctant to come and study in the States. I worried that it would take a while to study here and I worried about disconnectivity with my field and community…

I wish I came here for a few years and got back to what I used to do, serve to the needy people…

I have been studying here with the help of my friends and different institutions from US and other countries. I am grateful to anyone who has given a great support in my life and journey and to the America for this great opportunity.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second what would it be?

I would end poverty in the world and just make General Aung San alive again to lead our country.

What came first the chicken or the egg?

This is the Circle of Life. There won’t be a chicken without an egg and there won’t be an egg without a chicken.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

Put together a team to overhaul K-12 education in this country. We need to reinvest in our schools and our children. There are some amazing programs based on project-based learning across all subjects happening in certain schools. I want to level the playing field as much as possible and focus all our schools on projectbased learning, problem solving and creativity, [and] weave together subjects – show students the connections and allow them to innovate.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Exactly what I’m doing. I would want to keep working in science, and would focus heavily on solving problems, and improving the science culture. I strongly believe that in order for science to be more accepted by the general population we must change the culture of science to focus on inclusion, and understanding. Too often the faces of science all look the same, and it is taught in an intimidating way.

If you could assemble a “dream team” of any five people, living or dead, to help you achieve your goals, who would be on this team?

George Whitesides, Kate Karfilis, Michelle Obama, Steve Jobs and Martin Luther King Jr. Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Hermione Granger, or at least I aspire to be like her: a fierce heroine who uses her intelligence and compassion to save the day. Also, offscreen, I really admire Emma Watson for her work on women’s rights.

University Communications congratulates all

25 outstanding Ducks.

You make us proud!

G N I R I H W O N DITOR E R know?”

A e D h t N E in “ L elf CA rts,

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Bree Nicolello

Ed Ortega

Juan Rivera

Bree Nicolello was appointed by the Eugene City Council to be a member of the Eugene Planning Commission. She is likely the first University of Oregon student, and youngest member, the Commission has ever had. She developed a marketing plan to raise campuswide awareness of the Planning, Public Policy and Management Department (PPPM) and worked to form the department’s first undergraduate advising committee. It goes without saying that Bree is a driven and passionate member of the Eugene community, and she intends to stick around to prepare for the 2021 IAAF World Championships (or the track equivalent of the Olympics).

Ed Ortega comes all the way from El Paso, Texas. He is a senior majoring in General Social Science with a focus in crime, law, and society.

After college, Ed plans to take a year off before applying to law school at the University of Texas. Ed is the president of the Veterans and Family Student Association and before attending the University of Oregon, Ed served with the Marine Corps from 1992-2012 and is a retired staff sergeant.

Juan’s advocacy for students’ mental health needs has been bar-none since the beginning of his college career. Juan has actively helped grow the Student Mental Health Advocates from a group of 3 students to over 30. He was also one of the main proponents in getting emergency contact phone numbers on the back of student ID cards. He is described as one of the most unselfish people by his peers and is always available to help anyone in need.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I enjoy the culture and environment here at the UO. The UO has challenged my ideology and made me realize that my way is not the only way. I think that is important when dealing with people that are from different cultures.

What are your aspirations after college?

I would like to take some time off, pay of some (if not all) of my student loans as I prepare for either law school or graduate school. It would be great to move to another part of the country.

I am from San Diego, California but I am an explorer. I have visited several parts of the USA, but there is nothing like spending couple of years in an area to truly appreciate its splendor.

Eugene has been my home for the past couple of years and I will miss this town, the people and its easy access to outdoor activities, festivals, markets and fairs. I am ready to move on with the next chapter of my life but I will never forget where my passion for mental health advocacy started.

What are your aspirations after college?

I have accepted a job offer at Schirmer Satre Group, a landscape architecture and planning firm based here in Eugene. I will also continue my work on the City of Eugene Planning Commission and the Better Eugene-Springfield Transit Board of Directors. I hope to see Eugene continue to flourish and to be a part of the incredible civic efforts happening right now, such as around downtown, transit and bike share, and the 2021 IAAF World Championships.

It’s a pretty phenomenal time to live in Eugene!

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

Being a part of the PPPM Department. I’ve never met a more dedicated and passionate group of students and faculty who simply want to make a difference in the world, whether that’s at a local or global level. Whether we are goofing off in the Hendricks basement or working on complex issues with professionals throughout the state of Oregon, every moment I have spent with the people in this department has been incredible.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

I’m a do-er. My approach to things is to go for it, even if you may fail. Besides, at times you learn and gain a lot more from failure and making mistakes than you do with success. I’ve started a non-profit and a small business, sat on a Board of Directors, learned that I can eat four crunch wraps from Taco Bell in a row, got appointed to a Planning Commission and am now working on another business plan. Some of those things failed, others didn’t. A do-er isn’t someone who always succeeds – a do-er is just someone who tries.

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

If I could do anything I wanted right this second, I would be with my daughter and accompany her on her first 5K run. It’s her first one, and unfortunately, due to physical separation due to military service and now the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, I have missed a large part of her growing up. So, right now and most of the time, I want to share quality time with my daughter.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

A bit of a nerdy answer, but being that zombies are dead and their muscle tissue is deteriorating, I think I would survive a zombie apocalypse by staying hydrated, well fed and in a high altitude with either extreme hot or cold temperatures.

What song describes your work ethic?

The song that best describes my work ethic is “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor because that has been my life motto. In the journey of life, there will be many things that go against us. How we respond is the difference. Knowing that you are about to have a bad experience and still showing up and giving it your best will build character and the desire to move forward. I see that as part of my character and work ethic and to me, “Eye of the Tiger” represents that.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

The people, the student power and the conversations with others who share a distinct view from my own. If there is anything to love about the UO, it’s the sense of community, its strong student leaders and their advocacy and passion for countless issues. It has made the UO a great place to call home for the past couple of years. There is always something going on for those who chose to be involved.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?

I would hope that they are both about the same, that what I had done reflected what I said and what I have said manages to carry on and affect what others do. I have learned that a person must first have the bravery to speak before we can act. I hope that I have instilled the courage for many other students to speak and follow through and act as well.

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Meghan Sigvanna Topkok

Thomas Washington

Sam Westmoreland

As co-director of Oregon’s Native American Law Students Association and the President of the Association at the national level – as well as a project fellow for the Native Environmental Sovereignty Project and assistant steward at the Many Nations Longhouse – Meghan Sigvanna Topkok aims to work in bridging native traditions with Western law, primarily focusing on issues of climate change and the environment, and cites a huge need for native lawyers as a major motivation for her studies here at the UO. Originally from a village in northwest Alaska, she is currently studying law in order to create impactful legal change for her people and home state.

As a fifth year undergraduate in the Environmental Studies program, Thomas Washington works tirelessly both on and off campus at the Ford Alumni Center and in the Army National Guard. While he started at the UO as a Business major, his love of the outdoors pulled him toward Environmental Studies, and he now studies Policy and Design in the hopes to create a paradigm shift in transportation to show people that biking and walking are easy alternatives to driving a car.

Sam Westmoreland is a sophomore who has just been accepted into the Family Human Services major and is incredibly excited to start her core classes in the fall. She has volunteered her time at a Family for Every Child, which is an organization that places foster care kids in permanent homes. She has been a member of the University of Oregon’s female acapella group, Divisi, and received the Outstanding Soloist Award during the competition season.

What are your aspirations after college?

I would like to work in the Public Works Active Transportation sector here in the City of Eugene for a few years because I see it as a large Active Transportation hub. After that, I would like to move and work in a larger city, such as Portland, and work on bigger scale projects within the same field, eventually working around the country, helping to spread knowledge and understanding about different active transit options.

What are your aspirations after college?

After college, I would love to build a career that provides aid to at-risk youth. I am passionate about giving support to teens during challenging times, and could see myself working with youth in the foster care system or in the juvenile justice system.

What are your aspirations after college?

My aspirations after law school are to ultimately go back and work for tribes in northwest Alaska where my family is from. Right after law school, my plans are more up in the air – I’d love to work for an agency in DC for a few years to gain insight on federal processes and decisionmaking, or clerk for a judge in the Alaska Supreme Court, but ultimately my heart lives with my people back home and with our land.

If you could assemble a “dream team” of any five people, living or dead, to help you achieve your goals, who would be on this team?

A lot of people who have passed away have knowledge of traditional law, so I’d save at least two seats for elders who have that really strong traditional knowledge. Then… Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Gandhi, who would guide us in effecting change without violence, and my grandpa.

If you were President, what would be the first thing you would do?

Immediately make myself not President!

Actually, Presidents have rather limited authority and executive orders don’t have much legal bite to them. So I might try to leverage my political power to make things better for those of us in Indian Country and push policy initiatives to help indigenous people cope with climate change and empower tribes to have a seat at decision making tables, but I’m not sure I’d make it very far in the current system.

If you could assemble a “dream team” of any five people, living or dead, to help you achieve your goals, who would be on this team?

My dad, Mark Wahlberg (because he seems like a pretty good guy), and Serena Williams, Steph Curry and Bryce Harper, which are all athletes I’d like to meet.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

It’s pretty hard to beat spring and summer here in Eugene, once you get past the allergies. Those seasons at the UO have been my favorite part of living here.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

I would have to be working with hands-on projects. I enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, or just building something new. Also, I would love to be a high-end car test driver.

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

I’d start with gathering supplies, friends and family. Then go find a yacht. I haven’t seen any swimming zombies yet.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

My favorite part of the UO is the diversity.

There are so many cultures represented on this campus that I can learn about a new one every single day. That is something I truly cherish and I believe that it has opened up my eyes to many remarkable ethnicities, languages, histories, and cultures that I might not be able to experience at other colleges.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has probably been supporting myself through college. I rely completely on myself financially, so I work hard to provide for myself. I had two jobs at one point this school year and that has been a difficult thing to balance with my extracurriculars and a full time student schedule.

What song describes your work ethic?

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey! I am a strong believer in perseverance and defying odds when they’re against you. This song is an anthem that I identify with, as the lyrics are encouraging and powerful. Not to mention, I love dancing to it (even though I dance very badly)!

Nicole Zavoshy

Juwaan Williams is a junior in the Journalism School with an emphasis on Sports Broadcasting. As a co-director of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, Juwaan has been one of the most active members on the University of Oregon football team. His immense involvement within the campus community lead him to be one of only two Pac-12 student athletes who were selected to the NCAA Leadership Forum. He has also sat on multiple Athlete Ally panels in support of the LGBTQ community. He has volunteered his time at local public schools around Eugene and Springfield as a guest speaker and reader to kids. He is always ready to give back to the community and his positive attitude and hard-working spirit motivate those around him and have made him a positive role model for his teammates. Also, if you haven’t heard his rendition of Usher’s early 2000’s hit “My Boo”, you are definitely missing out.

Transferring to a new college is no easy task, but within two years of moving from Corvallis to Eugene, Zavoshy found herself championing a double major in Biology and Environmental Science as well as landing an elected position as the Vice President of Finance for Net Impact UO, an international non-profit organization for students and professionals interested in sustainable business. Despite being in her junior year, she already intends to pursue a master’s degree in Bioinformatics here at the UO. In the meantime, she will be running again for the VP of Finance position next year.

What are your aspirations after college?

To become a Sports Broadcaster.

If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?

To make college free.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

The teachers they employee in the SOJC (School of Journalism and Communication).

If you could do anything you wanted right this second, what would it be?

I would pay off my mom’s house and start a college fund for my two siblings.

If you could have a meal with 4 people, dead or alive, who would they be?

Kobe Bryant, Solomon Jackson, Kendrick Duckworth and my mother Danielle Brown.

What song describes your work ethic?

“Grind & Pray” by August Alsina.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has probably been transferring. I spent my first two terms at Oregon State University, and I think that really set me back in terms of trying to get integrated on campus. I spent a lot of my sophomore year trying to figure out where I was going (literally, I had a hard time finding buildings) and wasn’t able to get as involved as I would have liked.

Having said that, I think that transferring is also one of my biggest assets. Knowing what it was like somewhere else helped me realize how grateful I am for the University of Oregon.

Without that perspective, I think it would be easy to lose sight of how many incredible opportunities there are here.

If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Selfless service to others. Serving the community is something that I always find really rewarding and I always learn something new. There are so many lessons and perspectives that you really only get when you’re placed outside of your comfort zone, and serving others is a really great way to do that.

What do you enjoy most about the University of Oregon?

I love that there is a space for everyone to be himself or herself here. There are so many different types of people that all come together to make a really inviting and diverse campus environment. Without all of these different groups, campus life wouldn’t be as rich as it is.

CONGRATULATIONS

Juwaan Williams

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Congratulations to all of our 25 Ducks award winners for 2016!

The 25 Ducks award honors 25 outstanding students at the University of Oregon who have demonstrated a passion for their studies, commitment to their community, and shown their peers that they have the potential to contribute to the betterment of the world. This year, our 25 winners have met and surpassed these criteria, clearly demonstrating the outstanding qualities we look for in our student recipients who receive this award.

The Emerald Media Group began this award as an opportunity for outstanding young leaders across the UO campus to be recognized by their peers for their commitment, work ethic and leadership. The Student Alumni Association (a student organization affiliated with the UO Alumni Association), which focuses on developing the best Ducks possible, became involved in sponsoring the award because the UO Alumni Association recognizes that it is our current students who will become the ideal alumni. The Emerald and the Student Alumni Association are proud to annually recognize these outstanding Ducks who have displayed the potential to make the world a better place.

Students are, and will continue to be, a large part of the University of Oregon’s greatest assets.

Students’ abilities and contributions to the university and surrounding community are critically important to the success of the entire university. Their accomplishments have distinguished them as exemplary Ducks who are demonstrating through their work the university’s motto, “Mens Agitat Molem.” Our 25 winners will continue to make a difference long after they graduate growing into ambassadors and advocates for the University of Oregon.

Our 25 award recipients are part of what makes the UO the high quality university it is today. Their commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world contributes to the philanthropic spirit that brings our Duck alumni together from all over the world to give back, showing their commitment to their communities, their alma mater, and encouraging the success of future generations of Ducks.

This award represents our appreciation and will serve as an ongoing reminder of the achievements of our students. On behalf of the Alumni Association and our Duck alumni around the world, I extend my sincere appreciation to all of our award recipients for what they have each done for our university and local community. We look forward to seeing the great things that each of them will accomplish in the future!

Sincerely,

Kelly Menachemson Executive Director UO Alumni Association PHONE: (541) 346-5656 or (800) 245-ALUM PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 1720 E. 13th, Eugene, OR 97403 MAILING ADDRESS: 1204 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1204 EMAIL: alumni@uoregon.edu

WEB: www.uoalumni.com