25 Ducks | 2025 by Emerald Media Group

Congratulations to all our 25 Ducks Award winners for 2025!

On behalf of the University of Oregon Alumni Association and in partnership with The Emerald Media Group and The Duck Store, I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to each of you for being selected as the recipients of the 25 Ducks Award. This honor celebrates your exceptional achievements in academics, campus involvement, community impact, leadership, and service. You have been nominated by a faculty member, staff member, or peer who sees you as an outstanding member of our community.

Inside this issue you will find stories of the 25 Ducks award recipients. Each of you has made a lasting impact on the University of Oregon, and we are confident that you will continue to achieve remarkable things as you move forward in your journeys.

The Alumni Association encourages you to maintain strong ties with your alma mater as our alumni network is a valuable resource for personal and professional growth. We invite you to engage with the university, participate in alumni events that foster lifelong connections, and share your experiences and wisdom with current and future Ducks.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We are immensely proud to have you as a member of the Duck family We eagerly anticipate the remarkable accomplishments you will achieve in the future and look forward to celebrating your continued success.

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 a umni@uoregon edu WEB: www uoalumni com

What is 25 Ducks? STAFF

With over 23,000 students at the University of Oregon, multiple students have been selected by their peers, professors and University of Oregon staff for the opportunity towin 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, the Emerald Media Group and The Duck Store selected 25 students to represent this year‘s winners.

The 25 diverse students come from all around the world. With varying major focuses and extracurricular involvement, these outstanding Ducks are affecting amazing change throughout the campus. They are some of the most driven and enthusiastic individuals within their programs and workplaces, and serve as an inspiration to all those around them.

The University of Oregon fosters a community of passionate, hardworking students - we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize these individuals.

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.

This issue of 25 Ducks is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon.

HONORING OUR TEAM MEMBERS

Since Day 1 over 100 years ago, student team members have been an essential part of our team. Their time with us ranges from seasonal to part-time and more, providing them with new skills and perspectives, and preparing them for a future beyond The Duck Store.

We’re proud to be a part of our team members’ University of Oregon experience, championing their potential both now as students and into their futures. Join us in celebrating our graduating team and Board members at tds.tw/25TDSgrads

Daisy Saucedo Senior

Advertising Major, Theatre Arts Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I want to change the world by shifting the narrative for young Latinas, especially those who do not always see themselves represented in powerful or creative spaces. I want to be someone who inspires and supports women, not just by saying it but by actively creating opportunities, opening doors and showing what is possible. I believe in the power of storytelling, especially when it comes from voices that are often overlooked. I want to tell human stories that matter, that reflect real experiences and that connect people on a deeper level. Whether it is through writing, media or creative work, I want to make things that make people feel something. Seen, understood, hopeful or even just a little less alone.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I came to the University of Oregon knowing my time was limited, but I was determined to make it count. What I am most proud of is cofounding the UO Poet Society, where students come together to share their voices and feel seen. I also worked with the Suicide Prevention Lab, creating content that supported mental health awareness. Along the way, I was honored with the FirstGeneration Leader Award from Muxeres and the Woman of Excellence Award from Women in Business, two communities that have shaped me and pushed me to lead with purpose. One of the most unforgettable parts of my time here was traveling to New York City with Women in

Business, where I saw firsthand how far passion, creativity and drive can take you. Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models are my mom, Norma, and my sister, Aidee. Without my mom’s incredible work ethic, sacrifice and perseverance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She worked tirelessly to change the narrative for our family, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. My sister Aidee is one of the most intelligent and driven people I know. She’s the reason I dare to dream big. She’s always seen potential in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself. She’s helped me understand who I am and what I want to do. They both inspire me every single day, and I couldn’t ask for a more loving, perfect family. I love them so much.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Alexander Hamilton from the musical Hamilton. Even though he’s technically based on a real historical figure, he is someone I really connect with. I’m young, scrappy and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot.

What are your goals after college?

There are so many paths I’m excited to explore. I’m determined to move to New York City and build a career in creative storytelling through marketing and advertising. I want to help shape more inclusive narratives and show what’s possible for women of color in leadership. There’s still progress to be made, and I’m hopeful about being part of that change. I want to lift up voices that haven’t always been heard and help create a future where more people like me feel seen and valued.

What is one fun fact about you?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been obsessed with storytelling. Whether it was history or theatre, I was drawn to the infinite range of the human experience. I have a very unique story, and that makes me deeply appreciate the experience of stepping into the shoes of others to get a peek at their story. Additionally, I’ve also always had an obsession with art and creative design. Now, as an adult, I’ve unintentionally fallen into a field where I get to combine all these loves, just by trying everything and following what felt right to me. I feel energized by it, like a kid. Even on the longest days, I feel immensely grateful that I found what I love to do from an early age and that I get to pursue it. It’s like all the stars have aligned.

Daisy Sanchez

Escutia Senior Spanish and Human Physiology Major, Global Health Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I am aware that as an individual, I probably can’t make a huge change in the world. However, this doesn’t mean that I won’t always try to be helpful within my scope, even if it is as small as staying optimistic. And with that, I just hope that it is enough for at least one other person to be inspired to keep trying. To keep going in trying to achieve their goals, not to give up and to add their own small contributions to making the world a better place.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud to have been very involved in various positions that focused on the transition from high school to college. From being a FIG Assistant, to an FYE Peer Mentor, a Summer Bridge leader and an OAA Peer Advisor. As a first-generation student who had no clue what I was doing when I first got to UO, having had the opportunity to share my experiences and advice with others has been very rewarding.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I would say that my biggest role model is my best friend Edith. Not only have I known her since we were five, but I have gotten the opportunity to see her grow into the person she is today. And throughout the years, she has taught me so much. She has taught me to never give up on myself and to always go after my goals. Not once has she doubted me, even

when I doubted myself, and for that I am so grateful. She is someone who has overcome a lot of things in life, and her grit has always inspired me. She is simply one of the strongest people I know.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

It was hard to think of a fictional character who is most like me. However, I think that Simba from The Lion King has traits such as stubbornness and perseverance that I would say align with myself. I consider myself to be quite stubborn, which honestly is what sometimes makes me persevering. Like Simba, my life has had a lot of ups and downs, but in the end, I always try to take the path of what I think is best.

What are your goals after college?

After college, I will be working as a Certified Nurse Assistant to gain patient care experience before applying to PA programs to become a Physician Associate.

What is one fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that when I was younger and began learning how to write, I had a phase where I did it backwards. Despite being taught to write left to right, I wrote from right to left and with all my letters inverted. According to my parents, it was a phase that didn’t last very long, but to this day, I have no idea why I did that. My mom did keep a couple of notes from that time period, so it is always very interesting looking back at them and not being able to decipher what they say.

Samuel Broussard

Sophomore

Political Science Major

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world by inspiring people to organize and fight for change in their daily lives. Our world has big problems- our air and water are polluted, our natural spaces are being destroyed and too many people can’t afford to go to school or live the lives they want to live. None of that changes unless people step up and do more than just look out for themselves. I want to help others realize that they have power and that organizing works. I also want to lead by example by doing my best every day and treating people with respect and kindness.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I’m proud to be part of two important communities at the University of Oregon. As chapter chair of OSPIRG Students, I help students build the skills to organize around the issues they care about. This year, I led our Protect Our Oceans campaign, collecting over 1,500 petitions and organizing the Youth Oceans Summit, an event with more than 100 attendees that brought together students, advocates and policymakers to talk about marine conservation. I’m also a brother of Phi Kappa Psi. At the end of chapter, we say “proud to be a Phi Psi,” which reminds me of the values we share- supporting each other and working every day to grow into better people.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I can’t point to just one role model, but I’m inspired every day by the people in my life. My parents have always worked incredibly hard to support me and taught me the value of

First-Year Law Student

How do you hope to change the world?

In law, I want to work to make things fair for athletes at every level possible. In life, I want to help with age equality, as I have had my own difficulties being on the younger side for my current position in life.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud to be one of the youngest law students at UO, as well as helping to found the Oregon Youth Rights Node here at UO.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my mom because she never let age stop her from achieving her

persistence and care. My friends and coworkers constantly remind me what dedication looks like- they spend their time fighting for a better, more just world, even when the odds are tough. And my mentor, Ron, who somehow balances a 7-day-a-week job as the executive director of my fraternity, still made time to meet with me late at night to help me prepare for an interview. The people around me push me to lead with heart and never stop striving for something better.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I think I’m most like Josh Lyman from The West Wing. He’s passionate, driven, and committed to public service even when things are messy. He makes mistakes and sometimes moves too fast, but he always comes back to the work because he cares. I relate to that energy and intensity, especially when I’m working on something I believe in.

What are your goals after college?

After college, I want to keep working in public service. I care a lot about education, environmental protection and consumer rights, and I want to help fight for policy that actually improves people’s lives. Long term, I’d like to grow within the legislative space, go to grad school and eventually take on a leadership role where I can help build a government that works better for everyone.

What is one fun fact about you?

I love being outside. After working on a campaign to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands, a beautiful place in eastern Oregon, a few friends and I drove eight hours out to see it for ourselves. We didn’t have much gear, but we camped under the stars in the high desert, and it’s still one of my favorite memories.

dreams. She got her RN (registered nurse) when I was in high school, and now she is an amazing Neuro-ICU nurse in California.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Genie from Aladdin because he uses a lot of humor, but he’s also always trying to help others get their dreams.

What are your goals after college?

My goals are to start an amazing career as an inhouse lawyer for some sort of professional sports team, preferably in the MLB.

What is one fun fact about you?

I can name all 50 states alphabetically.

Sienna Fitzpatrick

Second-year Master’s student

Master of Community and Regional Planning

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world at the community level, using my skills as a planner and economic developer to support my present and future communities reach their goals. My vision for the future is one where communities everywhere are economically diverse and vibrant, have clean air and water, green spaces, amazing public transit and support the well-being of all types of people. Doing this takes collective action, compassion, patience and driven leaders, which I aspire to be in my personal and professional life.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I’m so proud to have worked with so many amazing peers in the School of PPPM. They are truly inspirational, motivating and supportive- I wouldn’t have gotten this far without them, and they will help me go far in the future. I’m also proud to have met and partnered with so many amazing students, faculty and Lane County professionals through Civic Impact Coalition, a UO student club I started with graduate and undergraduate students this past year. Last, I’m proud to be a steward and member of the GTFF graduate student union, which supports and leads incredible labor organizing on campus and across the community.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I am inspired and driven by the many brave people demanding change locally and globally.

In particular, I have followed the story of Bisan Owda for months. I hope to be a fraction as earnest and hopeful in the face of violence and hardship as she is. We will need more unflinching leadership as we continue to navigate a volatile political and physical climate. I will also say that people I meet every day often bring me to (happy) tears. The dedication and care of public servants, teachers and strangers that I have the privilege of meeting are so moving and fill me with hope. For anyone missing their spark, look around you for inspiration and energy! We are never alone.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time- plus a little Goofy.

What are your goals after college?

I will be starting a job with the City of Springfield this summer, which I’m thrilled about. I also plan to volunteer in local organizations in the Eugene-Springfield area to make a positive impact. I would love to hold some kind of elected leadership position one day, too. And, perhaps most of all, I’m excited to catch up on all the reading I’ve fallen behind on since I started graduate school.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have a 12-year-old special needs cat named Hambone, who is the loudest, most hilarious companion I could ask for! I’m very passionate about encouraging folks to adopt older pets because of all the love and joy Hambone has brought to my life.

Issiah Scarbourough

Senior

Cinema Studies and Business Administration Majors, concentrations in Finance and Sports Business

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to bring joy to the world. Every day, I try my best to put a smile on someone’s face or make someone laugh. In my future, I dream of being a movie producer and hopefully making a memorable comedy film!

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

The Student Veterans Center has been an essential part of my UO career. Here, I have learned from many different wise and experienced mentors and peers, who’ve given me the opportunity to expand into different roles throughout UO. I also get to serve such a vibrant and inspiring community of militaryaffiliated students who are the best people to be around (Army Strong). I have learned what it means to be a team player and how to lead through adversity, no matter the odds.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My Dad. My Dad went from being absent from my life due to military service for 22 years to being my high school teacher. Safe to say, we

Lyra Wiggins Junior

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world by creating spaces where underrepresented communities can be seen, heard and valued. As a Black woman at a PWI, I’ve learned that if I only join clubs or organizations where people look like me, others might do the same and that means many spaces will remain unchanged. Even when it’s uncomfortable, someone has to take the first step, to be the familiar face that invites others in. I want to show that even if you start off as the only one, you won’t be alone for long. When we show up, we make room for others to follow and that’s how real change begins.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

One of the most meaningful involvements I’ve had at the University of Oregon was creating an event called “Duck’s Cookout.” This has been my proudest accomplishment because it allowed me to bring together Black alumni and Black students, helping them connect, build relationships and strengthen community ties. Through my work with the Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Association, I was able to bridge resources and create a space where people could share experiences, stories and

had a lot of time to catch up, as I saw him every day in 4th period. My dad instilled one quote into my head: “Honor the past, lead today, unite the future.” That has guided me in my adventures throughout my career. He taught me how to function independently while being of service to others and the world around me. In all, he taught me how to be a leader.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Miles Morales. Ethnically, we’re both black and Hispanic, so it’s cool to see someone like me on the big screen. Besides that, I love his mentality and how it reflects me. This life is my own story, and I’m going to do my own thing. He’s independent and learned through adversity, even when everything was against him.

What are your goals after college?

I want to get into the sports industry as either a corporate sponsorship intern or an events/ marketing associate.

What is one fun fact about you?

My life goal is to surf all possible states, and I have gotten eight so far (not looking forward to Alaska).

support. It was powerful to witness how one event could spark connections and lay the foundation for lasting relationships.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my mom, as generic as it sounds, we have been through a lot together. She also has taught me that even when you’re struggling, there is always someone in your corner, even if you feel alone.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Lisa Simpson: Because she is intellectually curious, socially conscious and constantly trying to improve herself and the world around her. Even if sometimes she feels like she has to carry the responsibility of caring or understanding things others overlook, she never stops trying.

What are your goals after college?

One of the major goals I have after college is to travel the world and have a job that makes me excited to be there.

What is one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that I was able to learn Mandarin and Korean before learning Spanish.

Sydnie King Senior

Sports

Business

and Advertising Major

How do you hope to change the world?

I just want to make the world a little better, one day at a time. I hope to help people feel seen, valued and supported- whether that’s through a conversation, advocating for myself and others, working toward systematic change or simply being the best person I can be and encouraging those around me to do the same.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am so proud to have been involved with Student Orientation Programs at the University of Oregon. Applying to be a Student Orientation Staffer during my first year completely changed the trajectory of my future, and I am so grateful to have found a workplace that I love. Working as an SOSer, Student Coordinator, Student Ambassador and Student Welcome Center Host has given me countless opportunities, allowed me to build professional skills and introduced me to some of my favorite people.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my supervisor, Madison Beine. Madison has taught me a million things in the last three years- how to moderate a panel, how to approach tough topics, how to create a Team’s channel. Most importantly, she’s taught me that empathy and vulnerability

Hannah Shriver Senior

Environmental Science Major, Psychology and Ethics Minors

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world in small but impactful ways. It all starts with the community around me. I would love to foster greater empathy, understanding, and action to make the world more navigable and accepting of all people.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud to have been involved with the Craft Center at the University of Oregon. It is an incredibly inviting and supportive space that is filled with creativity. The people I have met are some of the most lovely individuals, and the programs that I have gotten to help support are unique and well-loved by the campus community. Working at the Craft Center has filled me with joy, and I already miss it.

belong in the workplace- even when we’ve been told they don’t. I am undoubtedly a better person for having known her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I would say the fictional character most like myself is Winnie the Pooh because I love deeply, laugh often and try not to overuse my brain. I’m friendly, curious and always down for a snack or a nap. As I’m preparing to graduate, I particularly identify with Pooh’s quote, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

What are your goals after college?

After I graduate from the University of Oregon, I will be heading to Cambridge, MA, to pursue my master’s in Education Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship, with a concentration in Higher Education, at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I am excited to continue learning how to create meaningful change within institutions and communities that shape students’ lives. I plan to pursue a career in higher education where I can support students during such a transitional period of their lives.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have read at least 100 books every year for the last decade!

Who is your biggest role model and why?

At this point in my life, my biggest role model is my dad. He is caring, charismatic and motivated. He is always striving to learn new things and tries his best to support both his loved ones and people he does not know. I am continuously motivated to be my best because of my dad, and I hope to make him proud.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Nick Nelson

What are your goals after college?

One of my main goals after college is to pour time and energy into parts of myself and my community that I was not able to prioritize while I was a student. I also aim to travel to new places and eventually want to move to a more urban area out of state.

What is one fun fact about you?

My family has 10 goats!

Ava Propstra

Junior

Global Studies Major, Spanish/Science

Communication Minors

How do you hope to change the world?

One thing I have learned in my global studies classes is that there is one main gesture understood across all cultures: a smile. I plan to change the world for the better one day at a time. I hope to make the world a kinder and more peaceful place by thinking small. Smiling at strangers, bringing flowers to friends or volunteering in local communities makes such a large impact. I hope that by making someone’s day, I will inspire them to do the same for others. As I progress in my career, I hope to change the world by improving the United States’ diplomatic relations with foreign countries and increasing foreign humanitarian aid.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

During my time here, I am proud to often be prospective families’ first point of contact with the University of Oregon. As a former student ambassador, I provided campus tours and got to introduce future Ducks to the amazing campus and student culture. Now, I get to do the same through Fraternity and Sorority Life. I’m lucky enough to hold the position of vice president of recruitment on the Panhellenic Council; through this, I facilitate, manage and plan recruitment for eleven chapters on campus. I am incredibly proud to lead such an important process for this community, as we are bringing in our next campus leaders, world changers and community builders.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My family. My brother, sister and mom are the most driven, funny and smart individuals I know. My dad was incredibly witty and taught me that laughing through it is sometimes the only way. My Oma and Opa have shown me the large impact I can have on others and how that comes with great responsibility. They have instilled in me the importance of faith, service and selflessness. My grandfather and Daba are my biggest cheerleaders; without their support, I would not be receiving this award today. I am lucky to be your sister, daughter and granddaughter.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I think I’m most like Peter Parker, specifically the comic book version, where he says, “Just because I had ‘spider’ sense didn’t mean I had common sense.” He’s my favorite superhero because he’s authentic, sarcastic and an unconventional thinker. I appreciate his ability to be curious instead of judgmental and how he can crack a joke during a fight. However, one place we differ is that he can definitely keep a secret better than I can.

What are your goals after college?

After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school in the fall on the East Coast. I plan on studying diplomacy, peace studies and international conflict.

What is one fun fact about you?

I competed nationally in improv for three years!

Green Doyle

Senior

Humanities Major in the Clark Honors College

How do you hope to change the world? I hope to contribute to changing the world through creation and support. I believe it is not individuals who change the world, but communities, and everyone has a role to fill. I strive most to inspire change within my communities by creating art, elevating unheard voices, and helping people find their place.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am most proud to be a Peer Advisor with the Office of Academic Advising (OAA), as it has given me the chance to hear hundreds of students’ unique stories and help them achieve their next steps. OAA and our fellow departments in Oregon Hall provide one of the most supportive environments on campus, and I am so happy I was able to contribute to that environment. I am also deeply proud of my work with the Daily Emerald’s Opinion Desk as a Cartoonist. It was an amazing opportunity to tell my stories and connect with a creative, hardworking community. Finally, I am proud to have assisted with the organizing efforts of UO Student Workers. They are some of the most inspiring students on campus and put in amazing work to advocate for us all.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is Rebecca Sugar. They are an animator and writer best known

Emma Dell’Amico Senior Advertising Major, Business Administration and Sports Business Minors

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world through my knowledge and kindness. I hope to change the world one step at a time.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud that I have been working for the Student Alumni Association for three years. I worked my way up from Intern to now Director of Membership and Engagement. I am proud of how much I have grown in this organization and how much I have been able to help others.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my mom because she taught me that I can do anything I want to do as long as I work for it. You earn your place in

for creating Steven Universe, as well as their storyboards and music on Adventure Time. They paved the way for queer storytelling in children’s animation despite constant hurdles. Rebecca Sugar is excellent at telling emotional, sincere, thought-provoking stories for all ages that emphasize diversity and tackle difficult themes like trauma and mental health. I strive to tell stories as genuine as hers.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Snufkin from the Moomin series by Tove Jansson. He is a joyous and adventurous soul who loves community, yet he’s also quiet and enjoys his solitude. Despite the contradiction, he’s able to find a balance between the two.

What are your goals after college?

My goal is to continue doing the things I love most: Creating and helping people. I’m not sure where that will take me yet- I’m still exploring my options.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have a deep love for bugs/insects. My middle name (Chrysomelia) is based on the family classification for leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae).

the world. She has always supported me, and I would not be where I am today without her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Olivia Pope from Scandal.

What are your goals after college?

My goal is to travel and then find a full-time job.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have dual citizenship in the U.S. and in Sweden.

Zac Woodruff

Sophomore

Music Education Major, concentration in Band, Music Production Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

The world seems to be becoming more divisive by the day. We are fighting so many battles that we don’t even need to in the first place. I believe universal peace and love are always an option, and I hope to leverage my work as an artist, educator and advocate to push toward that goal. Music is a powerful medium, transcending countless barriers, for fostering cultural humility, social integration through community and holistic wellbeing. I’m excited to go forward and bring concord to the community with something I’ve been passionate about that’s changed my life.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I’ve performed with 14 different musical ensembles at UO thus far! These include the Marching Band, Basketball Band, Yellow Garter Band, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Campus Band, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab III, Trombone Studio, Trombone Choir/ Apocalyptic Brass, PAC ARC Ska Band, Dr. Silveira Trombone Quartet and Lamb of God Community Oratorio! I’m eager to join even more in the future, especially the Hip-Hop/Pop Music ensembles and the Oregon Electronic Device Orchestra.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

Mr. Luchterhand, my high school band directornow Dr. Luchterhand since he just earned his

PhD in Music Education- is my biggest role model. He believed in me even when it seemed nobody else would and pushed me to pursue my musical dreams in every way he could. Luchterhand is a role model for living a life of passion and professionalism, genuine care for the community and those around him and virtuosic musicianship.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

My family likes to tell me I resemble Young Sheldon in both appearance and demeanor. I am driven to succeed and love learning, but I will admit that I take myself too seriously sometimes.

What are your goals after college?

After college, I want to be a high school band director and work to develop, enhance and protect arts education in schools. After a few years, I will pursue a Master’s Degree (likely in Music Education or Trombone Performance) and possibly even teach at the collegiate level. Furthermore, I’m excited to keep my passion for music creation alive by producing, writing and performing my own songs while making a difference for budding student-musicians.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have perfect pitch! Also, my favorite ice cream flavor is soy sauce caramel... don’t knock it until you try it!

Ana Burt Senior

Communication Disorders and Sciences Major, Sports Business Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world through kindness and hope. A small smile or wave goes such a long way in making the people around you feel appreciated. That feeling of appreciation can lead to others passing the love on to others. Showing you care is the best way to build a community, and the world would be nothing without connection. I strongly believe the best part of life is the people you share it with, and as long as I can show my loved ones that they matter, the world is a better place.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am most proud to have been involved with the Holden Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. I started working there winter term of my first year as a Clifton Strengths Program Assistant and got to give Clifton Strengths Consultations to over 100 students, staff and faculty members. Being able to uplift and show people how powerful and unique they are was incredibly rewarding for me. This past year, I have been an Emerging Leadership Project Program Assistant and have gotten to work with an incredible cohort of students, leading them in leadership development workshops, service opportunities and other personal and professional development opportunities alongside my amazing co-worker Corrin and our supervisor, Amélie Bernhard.

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world by not sitting on the sidelines and always taking action. If we all have the hopeless feeling, nothing will change. Although it can be exhausting, you must find it within yourself to keep fighting and act on the things you care about.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud to have served on the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Student Advisory Board. They just started the board last year, so it has been rewarding seeing its development. I am excited to see where the board goes in the future and for it to bring student voices to the CAS administration.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I honestly have not had one singular role model my whole life. I have always been selfdetermined and self-motivated, but have looked at different people at different stages of my life. It may also depend on what I am looking up to them for. I have always looked up to my teachers, coaches and professors.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models throughout my life have always been my friends. While that has been so many different people throughout time, each one of them has taught me something about being a better, more well-rounded person. Being able to see my friends achieve their dreams and accomplish amazing things motivates me to do the same. My closest friends from elementary school impacted me and continue to help me grow just as much as the friends I’ve made in college.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Jonah from the show Superstore!!

What are your goals after college?

After college, I hope to continue working with college students. Ideally, I’d love to keep working with leadership development and community engagement to help make a difference in more campus communities.

What is one fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I completed a 5k at a running music festival (Night Nation Run) with my grandma!

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

This was hard to come up with on my own, so I asked my friends who they thought. The answers ranged from Monica Geller from Friends, Colette from Ratatouille, Dr. Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy and Aria from Pretty Little Liars. It seems the common thread between these characters that are relatable to me is being independent, driven, organized, intelligent, caring and nononsense.

What are your goals after college?

I plan to start applying for jobs in the politics and government field. I would like to work for a progressive candidate or organization. It would be a dream to move to Washington D.C. for work, but I also would enjoy staying in the PNW where I have grown up. I also want to travel through Europe more. I went to Spain for two weeks in April and it was amazing, so I definitely want to go back and to other countries too.

What is one fun fact about you?

I have a snow globe collection. Every Christmas since I was six years old, I get a new snow globe. I am not sure why this started exactly, but it is fun!

Business Administration Major with concentration in Operations and Business Analytics

How do you hope to change the world?

Having lived experience being unhoused, my passion is to advocate for people living on the streets. Currently, I am a volunteer and board member of a local nonprofit that feeds hungry and unhoused people four days per week here in Eugene. Participating in a program that once fed me when I was on the streets has only strengthened my passion to achieve my goals. I’m also a member of LEAGUE, a committee that includes city council members, program directors and people with lived experience being unhoused. Our goal is to try and implement solutions to reduce homelessness and transition people into permanent supportive housing.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

Trio Student Support Services (SSS) has been instrumental in my success at the University of Oregon. This academic year, I have been a mentor through the program. It has been such an enriching experience, which has helped me become a better student and a more wellrounded person overall. Facilitating workshops, speaking on a panel and providing support and resources to incoming transfer students has been an incredible experience, which I am very proud of.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

Dr. Mary Beth Shinn. She’s a professor at Vanderbilt and has been researching ways to prevent and end homelessness. For 30 years, she’s been conducting analyses comparing racial and socioeconomic inequalities that contribute to homelessness in the United States. Some day, I hope I can work towards solutions in homelessness prevention and become an author and professor like her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Fran Benedetto from Black and Blue. Fran left an abusive marriage to break the cycle of abuse and do better for herself and her son. In doing so, she took on a new identity and relied on her strength and resilience to provide a better life for her and her son. Our stories are similar in the sense that we became better versions of ourselves to create a safe and loving home for our children.

What are your goals after college?

Ideally, I would like to get my Ph.D. in Operations and Business Analytics. My dream would be to create a sustainable model for reducing or preventing homelessness. After completing my goal, I want to become a professor.

What is one fun fact about you?

I still hold the shot put record at my high school, 26 years later.

Esperanza Soliz

Senior Multidisciplinary Science Major, Anthropology Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world by having a meaningful impact on my community. I believe change can start at the local level. Even if I can’t change the world, knowing I have helped one person is good for me. One act of kindness can lead to a brighter future.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I spent most of my undergraduate working with First-Year Programs, and through the program, I had the opportunity to connect with and mentor incoming students. As someone who moved around a lot due to my father’s career, I know what it feels like to be an outsider in an unfamiliar place. I am overjoyed that I had the opportunity to work with so many first-years and to have had a meaningful impact on their college experience.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My parents are my biggest role models. They are both immigrants and had to adjust to this new country at such a young age. However, they

never let those disadvantages hold them back from achieving their goals. My parents are hardworking people who never give up, and they inspire me to do the same.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I would like to think I am most like Tow Mater from Cars. I value friendship and connections as one of the most important things in my life, and would do anything for my friends. I would not be the person I am today without my friends and family. I think that’s why I really resonate with Mater.

What are your goals after college?

I plan to stay in Oregon. Even though I’m not originally from Oregon, I have really grown to love the state. I think I’m done with schooling for now, and I am focusing on my career.

What is one fun fact about you?

Both of my older sisters also went to the University of Oregon, so we are just one flock of ducks in my family.

Cooper Gast

Senior

Business Administration

Major, concentration in Entrepreneurship

How do you hope to change the world? Emphasizing peace and cohesion amongst different groups and communities.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I’m proud to have been involved in extracurricular student organizations, including the UO Sales Club and Operation Smile. Both experiences have been formative in my student life and will contribute to my future professional career. I sat on the planning board for the Sales Essentials Training by Professional Edge. This session is expected to continue beyond my time as a student and help develop young professionals in the future.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models are my parents. I can confidently say they raised me well and serve as a model for how to grow my own family. They are two smart individuals who have earned their living through hard work and dedication. They’ve always been my biggest sponsors all my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

It might be a testament to my character, but I couldn’t think of anyone I compare to. After asking around, I got an interesting comparison: Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man). Numerous spiders have bitten me, and I still can’t shoot webs... yet. My first instinct in a conversation is humor, sometimes to my own chagrin. I don’t take myself too seriously and can still turn on the professionalism when necessary. Lastly, I’m not an outstanding STEM major, but I’ve achieved great success in my coursework when I apply myself.

What are your goals after college?

My goals after college include finding a job opportunity that offers lifelong professional experience. Another goal is to make my living in the PNW, where I was proudly born and raised. Lastly, I’d like to remain adventurous- half the opportunities I’ve had in college were a result of me taking a chance. I got to be president of a club, work for a tech start-up, sell newspaper ads and raise money for cleft lip surgery because I was willing to say YES.

What is one fun fact about you?

In the 7th grade, at Rock Creek Middle, I took a shop class focused on woodworking. In class, I discovered a love for crafting wood. Later in life, I could see myself working in a shop, crafting some wood into a duck or some very nice coasters. There’s probably a lesson in turning a piece of wood into something beautiful.

Brenda Dorantes Palacios

Junior Communication Disorders & Sciences/Spanish Major, Linguistics Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world through kindness, service and most importantly, education. I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to pursue higher education, and I am thankful for the opportunities that the University of Oregon has offered me. The importance of education has been instilled in me as a young girl and I would like to continue guiding, teaching and uplifting young girls and the youth to pursue their educational dreams.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am very proud to serve as the current president of Gamma Alpha Omega. I am honored to lead and work with strong, ambitious and hardworking young women, all of whom embody the values and pillars of our sorority. Being in this leadership role has allowed me to grow as a leader and has contributed to my own personal growth.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My mother is my biggest role model. She has imparted important values which are a deep part of my identity: the value of hard work and

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world one interaction at a time, leaving every person I interact with better than I found them. Whether that is as small as making them smile, or as big as inspiring them to make the change they want to see in the world.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am first and foremost a proud fraternity man. As a man of Sigma Nu, I have grown to be a leader and have been able to meet and interact with so many different and amazing people. As the chapter president of Sigma Nu, I was able to join the IFC council as the president and become a leader in the greater Greek community on campus. Finally, still through my connections in my chapter, I am a proud employee of the Athletics Department working in the Event Operations department.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my father, Kenny Kim. He is my best friend, my mentor and my biggest

the value of education. Mi mamá, an incredible businesswoman who pours her love, time and energy into running her cleaning service business, not only taught me how to be highly organized and work under pressure, she also taught me to work hard for the things I am passionate about.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I’m part Jane Villanueva, from Jane the Virgin, and part Rowley Jefferson, from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I am someone who is thoughtful, driven, and has a big heart.

What are your goals after college?

I plan on obtaining my master’s degree in speech pathology. However, I am also exploring the audiology route! I’m excited to be able to help improve the quality of life for my future patients, no matter what route I choose to go. Aside from academics, I would love to travel and give back to my family and community.

What is one fun fact about you?

I love being an older sister to two younger brothers.

role model. He has been the rock for my family, showing my sisters and me how to be a great parent and has shown me how to be a great father and man. He has taught me everything I know and has built my character to uphold the values we hold dear.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

The fictional character “Ted Lasso” is most like me due to both valuing kindness, teamwork, wellness and community service.

What are your goals after college?

My goal is to join the professional sports industry, working in Event/Game Operations for a professional football team. I hope to be able to represent the University of Oregon on the staff of an NFL team.

What is one fun fact about you?

My family is divided by the universities we have attended. My father graduated from Washington State University, and my older sister graduated from the University of Washington. We are all rivals based on the old PAC-12 conference.

Chloe Coletti

Senior

Political Science Major, Italian, Arabic and Legal Studies Minors

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to help the world become a more equitable place with a strong sense of community and acceptance. We live in a world with too much pressure, individualism and judgment. I believe that through building community and increasing accessibility for all, society will, in turn, become a much more accepting and kind space. Everyone has the desire to be loved and accepted, and I hope to help create a world that will allow for individuality, joy, acceptance and empathy. I am so excited to see how society and the world will change, and I am so excited to begin my journey to help make that happen.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am so proud and so grateful to have had the opportunity to be involved with Eating Disorder Awareness and Support (EDAS). EDAS is an incredible group of individuals who are dedicated, accepting and so fun to be around, and I have loved seeing the impact we have made on campus over the years. I have gotten the privilege to meet so many people and celebrate students as they embark on their recovery journeys, and I have gotten to see so many people grow and evolve into their best selves. Our Peer-Led Support Groups have fostered such an incredible and supportive community, and I am both so lucky and so proud to have been a part of this community.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

I really struggle to pick just one role model, as there are so many amazing and strong people in my life who have shaped me into the person

I am today. I think regarding work, I have to say my dad. He has been a strong and encouraging force in my life for as long as I can remember, and I am so grateful for him. He embodies the qualities I value most, both professionally and personally, and I am inspired by the impact he has made helping others. He has always put the needs of others above his own, and he has done so with passion, integrity and empathy (and he does so without complaining)! His experiences and wisdom have greatly shaped my values and career goals, and I don’t think I would be where I am without him.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I honestly can’t think of a character that I strongly resonate with, but I’ve been watching a lot of Arrested Development, and sometimes I really feel for Michael Bluth. He’s kind of a silly and average guy trying to do the best thing and support his eccentric family, and while I don’t necessarily relate on every level, sometimes I feel like him when I’m trying to manage different things for school or work.

What are your goals after college?

After graduation, I will be taking a much-needed gap year to save up money and to travel. I am so excited to have some time to just live life and explore! After my gap year, I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania for my Master’s in Social Work, with the ultimate goal of working in mental health care and reforming policies regarding mental health to better improve the system.

What is one fun fact about you?

I just ran the Eugene Half-Marathon with my mom!

Alex Aghdaei

Senior

Political Science Major, Economics Minor

Salazar Senior Educational Foundation/Spanish Majors, Latinx Studies Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I want to help end college hunger and make sure every student has access to the food, housing and support they need to succeed. Through my work with Partners for a HungerFree Oregon, I’ve seen how policy and organizing can directly improve students’ livesand I plan to keep pushing for expanded SNAP access, stronger basic needs programs and a higher education system that actually supports the people in it.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

One of the things I’m most proud of is my work to register hundreds of students to vote in the 2022 and 2024 elections! I’m most proud of our voter registration drive at College Gameday, which included Bill from Schoolhouse Rock.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

César Chávez is my biggest role model because he showed what it means to organize with both strategy and soul. What inspires me most isn’t just that he helped transform farmworker conditions- it’s how he did it: by building deep,

grounded power among people who were told they had none. He knew that hunger and poverty weren’t accidents; they were outcomes of systems designed to exploit. And instead of waiting for those systems to change, he organized people to challenge them directly.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Feathers McGraw, the penguin from Wallace & Gromit. Disguises himself as a chicken to commit grand larceny. Never says a word. Completely unbothered. I respect his dedication to his craft.

What are your goals after college?

I plan to keep working in the anti-hunger space as a lobbyist, pushing for policies that make sure students and low-income communities have access to food, housing and basic dignity. I want to keep organizing, keep fighting and make sure public systems actually serve the public.

What is one fun fact about you?

I’ve been inside the University’s catacombs. It was technically a tour. Technically.

How do you hope to change the world?

Being a teacher who truly cares for every student who walks through my classroom is how I plan to change the world.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

The most proud thing that I was apart of while here at the University of Oregon is the Latinx Academic Residential Community (ARC).

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models are my mother and father; their multiple sacrifices are what made everything I am able to accomplish a reality!

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

“Shy Guy.”

What are your goals after college?

After undergrad, I have decided to go right into my Master’s program and get my Master’s in Curriculum and Teaching through the UOTeach program.

What is one fun fact about you?

Black is my favorite color, and I traveled around Europe for 10 weeks last summer.

Armando Garcia

Analise Levy

Senior/First-Year Law Student

Psychology Major, pursuing a Juris Doctor in law

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to help change the world by doing the little things. I think it’s so important to recognize all the simple joys and be grateful for them. I hope I can make the world a kinder place and bring light to others’ lives, helping them see all the joy there is to be found in life. Whether that’s through complimenting a stranger, handing out flowers or inviting someone to sit and talk with me on a sunny day, I just hope to make more people feel seen and loved. In my career, I hope to help change the world for the better by working to make the law more accessible for underrepresented voices and advocating for justice within the legal system.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

There is so much that I am proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon. UO has been my home for four years, and I have been so grateful to be a part of many different organizations within the UO community. I am especially proud of my involvement as a Clark Honors College (CHC) Peer Mentor. As a Peer Mentor, I had the opportunity to work alongside other students in the Honors College to provide academic and personal support to incoming first-year CHC students. We hosted many events throughout the year to help guide students through the often tough transition into college life. It was incredibly meaningful to grow alongside these students, serving as a support system and a resource for each wonderful individual.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models are my mom and dad. My mom is extremely hard-working and kind, always embracing life with a positive mindset.

My dad is very outgoing and deeply caring, always putting others before himself. I admire them so much, and I am inspired every day to work to embody their best qualities. They are my biggest fans and have loved me unconditionally. Without their love and encouragement, I would not be where I am today.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

The fictional character that I find most like myself is Jess from New Girl. Jess is very goofy and has a bubbly personality, yet she is also intelligent and deeply dedicated to helping others. She may be awkward at times, but she owns her quirkiness, which often brings light to others’ days. She proudly wears her heart on her sleeve, and it’s clear how much love she has for her family, her friends, her life and all the people she meets along the way.

What are your goals after college?

After graduating from law school, I hope to take some time to achieve my goal of traveling to all of the national parks in the U.S. After that, I plan to pursue a career in the legal field. Although I’m not yet sure which area of law I want to practice, I hope to find a role that allows me to work closely with people and help them access the legal support they need. Eventually, I would love to return to academia as a law professor, incorporating my passions in both psychology and law into my teaching.

What is one fun fact about you?

I went paragliding in Colorado the day before starting law school!

Lilly Granados

Senior

Biochemistry Major, Spanish Minor

How do you hope to change the world?

I hope to change the world by being an active participant in it. One person alone cannot bring about huge change; however, by staying true to myself, I believe that I can make small changes that will better the lives of my surrounding community. Mostly, I wish to leave every space better than I found it, and I hope that my existence in these spaces only brings about a positive impact on the people around me.

What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?

I am proud of my involvement in undergraduate research at the University of Oregon. For three years, I have worked in Dr. Amanda Cook’s lab focusing on heterogeneous organometallic chemistry. This experience has shaped who I am as a student and professional. The support that I received was instrumental in my journey towards graduate school, and the work I did resulted in a published scientific article, which has set me up for success in my future program. While I love the work and environment of research, I am proud of the community that I have formed and the person I have become due to this experience.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my childhood best friend, Isabel. We have been through so much together and had the pleasure of watching each other grow up. Who she is and who she

has become is amazing; she is kind, generous, intelligent and absolutely hilarious. She is also graduating from UCLA this spring and making plans to continue her education at PA school. Her drive to achieve her dream inspires me, and I hope she continues to be proud of me the way that I am proud of her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I feel like I am most like Noemí Taboada, the main female character in the book, Mexican Gothic. With Noemí, I most resonate with her determination and her loyalty to family and herself. Despite all she faces and the attempts to change her, Noemí always finds herself again and never abandons her family. She stands so strongly in who she is that I not only relate to her but envy her; I wish to always be so persistent in the face of doubt. Additionally, she pushes back on societal expectations for women and pursues graduate-level education in a time when marriage defines a woman’s worth.

What are your goals after college?

I plan to attend the doctoral program at UC Riverside in the pursuit of a Ph.D in Chemistry

What is one fun fact about you?

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to read 40 books before Christmas 2025. My favorite genres are magical realism, dystopian fantasy and romance. One day, I would like to own a library of books (1000 books) and have a beautiful built-in bookshelf to display them all.

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