51�Թ�

Elona Wilson '18 took her undergraduate degree and ran with it, breaking a family cycle of poverty and addiction on her way to becoming a respected leader of Next Up, a Portland, Ore.,-based nonprofit.

As a child, Méndez Bolaños ’21 attended a school in Hillsboro where she struggled to keep up with classes requiring English. Now she teaches English language learners in the same school.

Kelsey Schweitzer ʼ11 attended 51�Թ� with hopes to become a marine biologist. She dreamed of studying wildlife to find ways to promote the health of the environment and mankind. Eight years later, she had her heart set on going to law school.

William Hedgepeth MAT '07 was coaching football and basketball at Springfield High School in Oregon, when he could grow the connection and guidance he offered student-athletes as a teacher.

Growing up, Pamela Lee '19, MAT '20 looked up to all of her teachers.

Trevor Hennigan MAT '22 knew that it was time to step up and make a change when the pandemic hit.

Corey Hedger '18, MAT '19 wanted a small community and a small school where he would get the most out of his education while also being challenged every day.

LeMar Anglin was a pioneer in sports management when he graduated from 51�Թ� in 2012. Now the university has a major that will help others follow his trail.

“The small campus, the close knit staff, and student cohort were exactly what I needed,” said Stacy Carpenter MAT '16.

Lisa Story MAT '20 has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember.

Nancy Deniz ‘20 was the first in her family to go to college, but 51�Թ� felt like home for the education and learning major.

Nate Anderson '17, MAT '20 earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science at 51�Թ�, then went on to earn his master of arts in teaching. "I loved the small school feel and how closely you get to work with the professors here," he said.