Emerald Hero 2022

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A note from the Editor

Thank you, Y staff, for your remarkable work in our community!

As we navigate the second year of an unprecedented world of uncertainty, conflict and chaos, it can feel tough these days to find a motivating reason to get out of bed in the morning. In light of this, those of us at Emerald Media Group wanted to create a space to highlight those reasons and be grateful for the little lights in our lives.

Staff list

We asked, and the people of Eugene answered: Who inspires you? What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning?

This issue of Emerald Heroes offers inspiring stories of creative, compassionate and hard-working folks who help make the world a better place in ways both big and small. To both the nominators and nominees who helped make this edition happen: Thank you for all that you do and keep up the good work!

Let’s keep our hearts together and heads high as we navigate these trying times. If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that we can get through this – and anything else the world throws at us – if we remember to do it with a little bit of kindness.

Stay safe out there folks, and enjoy!

Skyla Patton 2 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | January 2022

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Bill Kunerth VP OF OPERATIONS Kathy Carbone DIRECTOR OF SALES & DIGITAL MARKETING Shelly Rondestvedt STUDENT SALES MANAGER Patrick McCumber ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Amy Menendez Melanie Lopez Keaton Roberts Kevin Sullivan Riley Valle

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sam Rudkin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Skyla Patton DESIGNERS Zoe Hardister Emily Fox Ben Jensen Maegan McCoy Layna Beale Audra J. Hill

Visit dailyemerald.com/ duckshousing for all of our up-to-date publications.

Table of contents Donald R. Dexter Jr.

College of Arts and Sciences

Congratulations

Professor Stephen Wooten

Page 4

Nathan Lillegard

Page 4

Rachel Allen

Recognized by his students for going above and beyond their expectations during these challenging pandemic times. He makes an effort to listen to his students’ needs and worries and addresses them to the best of his ability.

Page 5

Victor Tilghman Page 5

The Global Studies Department is proud to support the nomination of Professor Wooten for this Emerald Heroes Award and recognizes his nomination as exemplary of the many ways Global Studies faculty and staff are committed to supporting students in innovative ways. To find out more about the major and department offerings, visit the Department of Global Studies https://intldept.uoregon.edu/

Jordyn Brown Page 6

Taryne Roberts

Page 6

Pastor Eric Dull Page 9

Dave Hyland Page 7

Sharon Geldaker

Page 7

Stephen Wooten Page 8

David ‘Frog’ Miller Page 8

Mia Lopez/ Alden Schatz Page 9

Kim Miller Page 10

Curtis ‘Curt’ Whiting Page 11

January 2022 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | 3

Donald R. Dexter Jr. Dentist DMD, LLC

What’s inspiring

of the Northern California people forced onto a

about Donald?

reservation. By the late 1870s, the Modoc Tribe

Besides being a great dentist for years, Dr. Dexter is a gem in our community.

Personally, he has cared for our family on multiple occasions during

was nearly exterminated forever.

Is there a story you’d like to tell about the nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?

His compassionate healing of my wife and her two

business hours and weekends, too. He has always

front teeth. In 2005, she had a workplace fall and

provided excellent medical support but has also

knocked out her two front teeth. He received her

been involved in many great causes, including a

that awful day and has since helped her to heal

community art project raising funds to support

over all these years with many procedures. He

Lane Arts Council.

spared nothing in his help of getting Sandy whole.

On top of that, he is developing a documentary

Through COVID, he has continued to serve his

on the Modoc Tribe, of which he is a member.

patients in all ways, realizing the mental and

This fascinating project will tell the real story

physical aspects of mouth health.

Nathan Lillegard

Interim Director for UO’s Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship What’s inspiring about

Is there a story you’d like to tell about

Nathan?

the nominee that highlights why you’re

I’m nominating Nathan because he has guided me [the nominator] through my experience of starting a business.

He is very dedicated to his position and is

nominating them?

This past summer, my business partner and I constantly reached out to Nathan for guidance. I remember one night we sent Nathan a text asking what he thought about an email we were sending

always there for his students. Nathan is a positive

out to one of our investors. Within 30 minutes,

person in my life who always brightens my day!

Nathan responded with edits and comments. This

Nathan is determined to make every UO student

shows just how dedicated Nathan is to helping

feel important and heard.

young entrepreneurs.

4 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | January 2022

Rachel Allen

Advisor, UO School of Journalism and Communication What’s inspiring about Rachel?

Is there a story you’d like

She has been an inspiration to myself and many

to tell about the nominee

other SOJC students. She goes the extra mile for

that highlights why you’re

her students and always cares. She is a great

nominating them?

listener and always writes exceptional letters of

I remember when I met with

recommendation. Her enthusiasm and charisma

her the first time. I was really

is unlike any that I [the nominator] have seen

nervous about picking classes that

from an advisor before. She has such a positive

were right for me and I was unsure about my

attitude about everything. Even if you are

major. She went out of her way to talk to me and

struggling in a class or unsure about your major,

make me feel more comfortable about my major

she helps you relax and figure out the best way

and the classes I wanted to take. I knew nothing

to handle the situation.

about how college classes worked before I talked to her. After that discussion, I felt more confident about starting my college career.

Victor Tilghman

Associate Aquatics Director, Eugene Family YMCA What’s inspiring about Victor?

aid, AED). Victor also

Victor not only helps run the Aquatics Center at

leads the Y’s Babysitting

the YMCA, he is instrumental in maintaining safety

Certification Training. He

within the entire facility for members and staff.

does so with care, attention

The YMCA is an old facility, built in 1955, which

to detail and humor. The young

poses additional challenges. Couple that with

people who attend the class

COVID, and Victor has to come up with innovative

learn a lot but also make friends and

solutions to safety. His work has meant that the Y,

laugh at Victor’s jokes. He is warm, engaging and

despite being in a 67-year-old building, maintains

compassionate.

rigorous safety standards during a global

Is there a lesson we can all learn and take back

pandemic. In addition, Victor ensures that staff

to our own lives from the nominee?

have received all of the comprehensive training

His thoroughness, care and focus on the situation

necessary to respond appropriately to medical

at hand. He is someone we want on scene if there

emergencies (CPR, bloodborne pathogens, first

is an emergency.

January 2022 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | 5

Jordyn Brown

Education reporter, Register-Guard

What’s inspiring

Is there a lesson we can all learn and take back

about Jordyn?

to our own lives from the nominee?

Jordyn Brown works too

I have worked with Brown since she arrived at

hard for her own good, and

The Register-Guard in 2019. I am surprised to

the readers of The RegisterGuard are the winners. This is in part because as a reporter for the

realize this was only three years ago. So much has happened during that time – the merger of GateHouse and Gannett and a worldwide

newspaper, she has an impossibly large beat to

pandemic to mention only the major headlines.

cover. She is the public school reporter covering

Through it all, Brown has navigated with

all of the local school districts AND the higher

professionalism, a tireless work ethic, and most

education reporter, covering the University of

importantly, a sense of humor. She can be called

Oregon and Lane Community College.

upon to crack a joke or break into song, in person

The other important thing to know is that she is

or over Zoom, at a moment’s notice. (She was

REALLY good at what she does, has tireless energy

a member of the a cappella group Divisi while

and has trouble saying “no” to just about everyone.

attending school at the University of Oregon and

This is particularly true when she recognizes

has a beautiful voice.)

a story that needs to be told. The world needs

Her presence in the newsroom lightens the mood

dedicated and resourceful journalists more than

during even the most difficult challenges.

ever. I [the nominator] am proud to work alongside this woman and grateful for the opportunity to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.

Taryne Roberts

Safe Center Director, Jasper Mountain

What’s inspiring about Taryne?

Taryne works hard to ensure employees at Safe Center feel cherished and supported. She creates a positive environment for children and staff. Her positivity puts smiles on people’s faces and she is always willing to go above and beyond to make sure her staff feels cared about. Taryne’s ability to stay positive during tough times is inspiring. She is always doing her best to make sure staff and residents are supported. Thank you for all that you do for Jasper Mountain, Taryne!

6 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | January 2022

Sharon Geldaker Certified Obstetrics Nurse at Riverbend Hospital

What’s inspiring about Sharon?

Is there a lesson we can

Sharon is a strong, committed, caring person who

all learn and take back

goes above and beyond, pandemic or not. Her 38

to our own lives from the

years as a nurse, and many as a single mother,

nominee?

has not lessened her unending enthusiasm and

Having lost her first husband

dedication to her profession. She has been a

when she was 40 with young

hero to so many mothers, both before birth and

daughters, and realizing she was

labor, to after care that is so important. What

now a single mother, Sharon picked herself and

inspires us about Sharon is her bottomless well

family up and proceeded to live life to the fullest.

of compassion, kindness and experience, all the

With more than three decades in the medical

while juggling double patient loads during this

field, Sharon says, “as nurses we don’t work for

trying time.

accolades, but simply take care of our patients to the best of our ability. I must admit, as a group, we are exhausted.” Through the pandemic, Sharon and others have remained at their post and have been the pillars and bedrock we all rely on.

Dave Hyland Self-employed

What’s inspiring about Dave?

Dave also built a go kart

Dave is always thinking ahead, inspiring men to

track in his backyard for

be bold in the community during these difficult

his grandkids and for many

times. He coordinated three large gatherings

other families to come use

last year under his vision “Be Bold for Christ,”

during times of recreational

creating spaces for men in the area. He hosts

closures. Also, Dave has

sometimes up to 400 men, giving a positive and

individually helped many families

inspiring message to help empower them to be

in need either monetarily, with his time or

the best they can be for their families and for the

through encouraging words. He is a man of faith

community.

and a great example of the love of Jesus!

January 2022 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | 7

Stephen Wooten

Professor in UO Department of Global Studies

What’s inspiring

with them. Being around him, you appreciate

about Stephen?

his enthusiasm for studying humanity and

He did an exceptional job

appreciating the things that make us different.

teaching my first class back in person after COVID-19. He’s smart, witty and always willing to go the extra mile for his students. I’ve

Is there a story you’d like to tell about the nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?

Here is a perfect example of how Prof. Wooten

never felt like a professor truly cared about me in

cares about his students: In class, Wooten

that way. He’s an excellent instructor who teaches

recognized that wearing a mask for 90 minutes

with passion and experience. As soon as you step

in a hot classroom is no fun, and can make you

foot in his classroom, you can feel his excitement

feel lightheaded. He decided to make it a policy

to connect with you. Wooten teaches classes on

that we would have 10-15 minutes each class

global studies where we explore different cultures

where we would take a break outside and have

and learn how to understand without judgment.

the chance to take off our masks. Even though

I’ve never met a more genuine professor with a

the gesture was small, it made me feel so

curiosity to understand his students and connect

appreciated. He really was thinking about us.

David ‘Frog’ Miller

Owner and author of Frog’s Joke Books in Eugene

What’s inspiring

and I entertained timelessly, as well as nonstop

about Frog?

offering of new books for the entire student body.

Everyone on UO campus has seen or spoken to frog, he is a staple to our campus

Is there a lesson we can all learn and take back to our own lives from the nominee?

vibe and is an under-recognized

His drive. He’s out there every day with no qualms.

member of the community. He’s sold

He definitely has a story to tell anyone who walks

me joke books that genuinely kept my peers

8 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | January 2022

We all love Frog.

by.

Pastor Eric Dull

United Lutheran Church of Eugene

What’s inspiring about Eric?

patient as the process has

This special individual moved to Eugene from

evolved and continued to

Spokane at the height of the pandemic to become

challenge and change us.

Pastor at United Lutheran in Eugene. The church

Through it all, United has

had been through a two year search for a new

found opportunities with

pastor after Pastor Tom Dodd retired. Pastor Eric

Pastor Eric’s leadership that

took control at a difficult time when congregations helps us focus our energies on areas could not meet, and services could only be

of interest and need, locally and beyond.

held online. Pastor Eric organized the process,

Is there a lesson we can all learn and take back

even helping assist the church in upgrading our

to our own lives from the nominee?

streaming capabilities and was able to connect

He has come to his new community and church

with his congregation in new and innovative ways.

with positive intentions. Pastor Eric focuses his

Pastor Eric has spent the year finding ways to help attention and ours on positive outcomes that his congregation worship safely, while continuing

enrich us and move us forward, as opposed to

to bring comfort and support to our many seniors

blaming one another and pointing fingers. His

and members at United Lutheran Church in

outlook is to lift up and find common ground, not

Eugene. He has had to be creative, inventive and

criticize and condemn.

Mia Lopez/Alden Schatz

Founders of Waddle Meal Plan

What’s inspiring about Mia and Alden?

Mia and her co-founder Alden are ordinary students at UO doing an extraordinary thing. They are making an off-campus meal plan for UO students, and they’re only 20 and 21 years old. To be that young and have your own company really inspires you to work harder.

January 2022 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | 9

Kim Miller

Health and Wellness Director, Eugene Family YMCA

What’s inspiring

also improve mental health, particularly during

about Kim?

a pandemic! Kim is a wealth of knowledge and

Kim has spent 2021

can help anyone find a workout routine, a rehab

adjusting the Health and

program or a challenge to suit them, but she is

Wellness physical spaces

also down-to-earth and famous for not taking

as well as programming to respond to COVID-19. Her first priority is always safety and she worked incredibly

herself too seriously.

Is there a story you’d like to tell about the nominee that highlights why you’re

long hours to redesign the cardio and strength

nominating them?

equipment at the Y to ensure there was adequate

Kim built a Reset Challenge in 2021 that focused

space, sanitization and good airflow. As Lane

on Healthy Habits: hydration, sleep, mindfulness

County went through the different stages of re-

around eating, stress relief and movement. It was

opening, Kim always responded with changes

intended to guide people back to health if the

within the facility as well as to our virtual

pandemic had pushed them off course. Not only

offerings. She even created two new spaces for

was the six-week program incredibly informative

classes at the Y: in the parking lot and under a

with specialized workouts and expert articles

tent between the Tennis Center and the main Y

but Kim brought a sense of humor to the entire

(we now call it the Outdoor Studio). Her flexibility,

challenge so that people did not get too worked

innovation and safety-first attitude meant that

up about completing their goals. She offered grace

the Y could continue to offer critical fitness class

and flexibility during a time when our community

that not only improve cardiovascular health but

needed it most!

10 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | January 2022

Curtis ‘Curt’ Whiting

Membership Lead, Eugene Family YMCA

What’s inspiring about Curt?

meets people where they

COVID-19 has caused a breakdown of so many

are at and helps elevate

precious relationships and connections. It has

them with a moment of his

also reminded each of us of how important it is to

own special magic.

be seen, heard, and valued. Every day Curt shows

Is there a story you’d like to

up as a welcoming friend to greet morning visitors

tell about the Nominee that

to the YMCA with a smile, a note of appreciation

highlights why you’re

and a moment to connect and care. He knows

nominating them?

your name; cares about your mental, emotional

I love to stand back and observe YMCA members

and physical health; and offers unconditional

of all types of backgrounds as they arrive each

kindness and a spark of joy. Curt’s daily joy has

morning and interact with Curt. However, some

always been special, but lately it has transitioned

of my favorites are the little preschoolers as they

into a deeper level of importance in the lives of

come into the Y bleary-eyed and occasionally

people whose hearts are heavy. His authentic

feeling a tad uncertain about the day. However,

ability to care and connect is inspiring. I noted to

they almost always pause for a moment to shout

him once that I never really see him sit down. He

a joyous ‘Good Morning Curt!” as they pass the

is always up, alert, and smiling as YMCA members

front desk. Curt returns the happy greeting by

arrive. He remarked, “Of course! I want people to

calling them by name and offering words of

feel respected, cared about, and appreciated.” He

encouragement as they face the day.

January 2022 | Emerald Everyday Heroes | 11

We never stop.

The caregivers of PeaceHealth are an inspiration to everyone in Oregon—serving more than 592,000 people from college towns to coastal communities, with compassion, in the most extraordinary circumstances. For more than 100 years, they’ve given their whole hearts to whole-person health. Healthy people make healthy families, neighborhoods, and communities—and that’s what keeps Oregon strong.