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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.