MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Services and Programs (MSSP) hosted its annual Diversity Scholars recognition celebration for the 2023-2024 academic year, dedicated to celebrating students’ academic excellence and commitment to diversity.
The event was emceed by America Salazar, a junior and the Multicultural Coordinator, along with Louie Arce, the assistant director of MSSP. President Jesse Peters and Provost Jose Coll warmly welcomed the gathering, and the audience was treated to a captivating performance by Destiny Cannaday, a 2022 scholar, and fellow student Rosabelle Surla.
The evening’s inspirational keynote address was delivered by Michael Waller, a 2008 alumnus and former scholar, and an inspiring essay written by 2023 scholar Julia Ros, was shared. The presentation of certificates was carried out by Anna Hernandez-Hunter, the director of MSSP.
Hernandez-Hunter expressed deep pride in the accomplished scholars, remarking, “I am immensely proud of our students for their dedication in attaining these scholarships. A significant number of our Diversity Scholars are first-generation college students, embarking on a distinctive journey in higher education, one that promises to leave a lasting, positive impact on both their own lives and their families.”
The event concluded with remarks from Luanne Carrillo-Avalos, the assistant director of MSSP, and Blanca Miranda Aguilar, the program advisor and coordinator of MSSP.
The Diversity Scholars recipients are listed below:
Ahmani Hopoi
Alejandra Ceja Montes
Alondra Martinez
Andrea Ambrocio Reyes
Andy Ruiz Perez
Arianna Velasco
Atlas Jimenez-Sprague
Belen Santiago Hernandez
Blanca Avila
Bobby Barnaby Bryce
Brenda Garcia Garibay
Cathlene Hermann
Cheydon Herkshan
Daisia Fulton
Danni Wilson
Daphne Cruzana
Diana Heintz-Rios
Elizabeth Alvarez-Mendoza
Elizabeth Morales-Marquez
Ellyana Suek*
Emma Higashi
Erick Gonzalez-Bejar
Erika Caldera Chairez
Esvin Sanchez Mendez
Ho’ala K. Meyer
JaKari Weeks
Jason Magana Velasquez
Jesus Guerrero Vazquez
Julia Ros
Karen Yanelis Garcia
Kimberely Machorro
Koffi Kouame
Maria Guadalupe Mendoza-Ceja
Mateo Maga
Maz Robinson
Monica Cuatra Flores
Nancy Mota Gonzalez
Nathan Hurtado
Nicolas Landazuri
Nimsi Arellano
Noah Scott
Noel Alvarez
Olivia Anderson
Osvaldo Ascencio-Mendoza
Perla San Miguel Morales
Quincy Alexandra Bravo Lope
Raul Yahir Perez
Remedan Seman
Sandra Madrigal Nava
Tamerra-Maritza Cervantes Carlos
Tiffany Nash
Tobias Regan-Vienop
###
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.
