This is a golfing event I was a part of for companies in my hometown. I am the 3rd one from the left, my father (right of me), and brother and sister (left of me). Funny story about it is that my sister won a long drive contest even though us guys are the golfers.
2021-22 PGE Foundation Scholarship Student Stories
Spencer Barker
Hometown and State: Coos Bay, Oregon
School or University Name: Multnomah University
Major: Business Management
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you! This scholarship means a lot both for my family and me, allowing relief of part of our financial burden. College is not cheap, but it is imperative for me to learn and grow through the experience. This scholarship is a prayer answered after understanding my financial situation. Thank you for the opportunity, thank you for allowing me to see a path worth taking, and thank you for understanding where student come from.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Multnomah because of the experience it gave to my siblings. The stories I've heard from them gave me an interest in the college in the first place, the community it creates, and the leaders that leave after their four years. After looking at other colleges and opportunities, Multnomah offered a business management major that has interested me since the beginning of my high school education.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to work as a ranch hand (a laborer to the main owner of the ranch). Doing so gives me the experience to later start my own ranching business. Beef is a very good product to produce and with my business degree, I can use it to create a large output of cattle. I would also like to start a family and what better way for my kids to grow up than on a ranch working hard and playing hard.
Daniel Barrera
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
School or University Name: Corban University
Major: Biomedical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am very thankful for this scholarship. It has alleviated the stress of paying for school. This scholarship has allowed me to not have to take out any loans, which sets me up for a debt-free graduation. This scholarship has been a true blessing, and I am forever grateful to the Alliance and PGE.
After graduation, I plan to…
Prepare for the DAT and apply for Dental School.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Corban because of the small, tight-knit community. I chose Biomedical Science so I could one day go to graduate school and become a doctor. I would love to give back to developing nations and travel for several months at a time, volunteering and providing free dental care in places like Guatemala, Haiti, and Colombia.
Enrique Casas Cofradia
Hometown and State: Hillsboro, OR
School or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Physics
Minor: Math/Computer Science
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The courses I am currently enrolled in have been the most challenging classes I've encountered thus far. During the previous school years, I've been able to work part-time and attend school. However, at the beginning of the semester, I noticed that I was struggling in my classes. Since I was working part-time, I was not able to dedicate enough time towards my courses outside of school. This scholarship allowed me to take a break from work and focus more on my classes. After dedicating most of my focus towards my studies, I have significantly improved my grades. I want to give a special thank you to the donors of the PGE Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is meaningful to me because I can focus my attention on creating a better future for myself and my family.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to attend Pacific University because of the abundant amount of research opportunities. The smaller class sizes also attracted me because I wanted to be in an environment where I could get to know my peers and professors better. I chose to major in physics because I enjoy studying science, and physics is a great foundation to have for engineering roles.
After graduation, I plan to…
I plan on attending graduate school and pursuing an advanced degree in a specialized area of physics.
Jonathan Croston
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
School or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Accounting
Minor: Sustainability
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
As the son of a single mother, we have always struggled to come up with the money for my tuition. Whether it is taking out loans or applying for scholarships, my mother and I have worked hard for me to be able to continue my education. I truly appreciate this scholarship because it allows me to continue pursuing my career. Thank you from me and my mom for your immense generosity.
After graduation, I plan to…
Work at the public accounting firm KPMG as an Advisory Associate.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose the University of Portland because I wanted to be close to my family and I liked the relatively small size of the university compared to state schools. I chose accounting because, from a young age, I have always wanted to work in business but did not know in what capacity. One of our family friends is an accountant and talked to me about how accounting is essentially the building block for all types of business work. I liked the opportunity that accounting would give me to be able to venture into other lines of work. Specifically, I want to work in consulting and accounting allows me to work in this field while also gaining other valuable skills.
This picture was taken at Fisher Investments when I had the opportunity to visit their office and learn about the company.
Here is a picture of me sitting amongst some ferns in Oxbow Regional Park near Gresham, Oregon. I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful ancient forest with my Invertebrate Zoology class.
Josie Graydon
Hometown and State: Bend, Oregon
School or University Name: Lewis & Clark College
Major: Biology
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship was meaningful to me because I would not be able to attend college without it. I have always loved school, but once I graduated high school, I realized that higher education may not be accessible to me. Thank you for making college possible for me.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Lewis & Clark College because it is near home, and it has a beautiful campus. I love the small class sizes, as I can build better relationships with my professors and peers. I chose biology because I am interested in learning about the world around me and how it works.
After graduation, I plan to…
I will use my biology degree to work in the field of conservation biology. After going on field trips with my biology classes, I have found a passion for working outside in the field. That is what I would like to do more of after graduation.
Miriam Gutierrez
Hometown and State: Eugene, Oregon
School or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Bible and Theology
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am very grateful and honored to have been chosen to receive a scholarship from the PGE Foundation. I want to thank this foundation for supporting my higher education. I am a first-generation college student and I am very determined to complete my undergraduate degree. Before entering college, money has always been stressful because my parents couldn't help pay for my tuition. Through generous organizations like the PGE Foundation, I get the opportunity to continue my pursuit of getting a business degree.
Why did you choose your college and major?
When I was deciding on which college to go to, it was either between the University of Oregon or Bushnell University. After taking a tour of each campus, I had made my decision. I chose Bushnell University because of its small tight-knit community. I wanted to be in a place where I was known by students and faculty. It was the place for me. I have grown a lot academically, spiritually, and relationally. There are professors that I have gotten the opportunity to talk to one-on-one and I have learned so much from them. I have really enjoyed being able to build long-lasting friendships with the people I have met in college.
My major is business administration with a concentration in international business and management. I chose this major because I am interested in starting my own business. Both of my parents own their own businesses, and I was always interested in the different elements that it takes to sustain a business. When I entered Bushnell University, I was very glad that they had a strong business department because it has enhanced my academic experience.
After graduation, I plan to…
After I graduate, I plan to work in a non-profit organization. I would like to work in an organization that is mission orientated. I want to feel like I am making a difference in the community and in people's individual lives. Additionally, I would like to start my own business, focusing on either clothes or food. I want to gain the skills and experience of owning a small business. I believe that my degree will help me accomplish these future goals.
Elyssa Morales
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
School or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Biology
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
School has always been important to me and continuing my education, learning more than I ever thought I would, has been truly enlightening. I have had to work hard to get where I am today, but that is not without support. I would like to thank you for allowing me to continue learning and growing. I hope to one day bestow the same support on students that you have bestowed on me. Thank you so much for the PGE Foundation Scholarship.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to attend Willamette University because of the intimate community woven through the school; everyone here supports one another. I majored in biology because I have a passion for science and wanted to grow my knowledge on the natural world before entering a health profession.
After graduation, I plan to…
attend a 3- or 4-year dental program and receive my DDS or DMD.
Lexis Ross
Hometown and State: Beaverton, OR
School or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you so much for the amazing gift you have granted me by supporting my education. Since I was in middle school, I knew I wanted to attend George Fox University. Each year, this is possible because of scholarships like this one. I feel beyond grateful and blessed to be chosen for this award and it goes without saying that this has a very large impact on my academic career. By commuting to school and working part time, I do my best to save money and work to help pay for my tuition. A scholarship like is not only a financial relief, but a mental relief as I continue to work diligently in pursuit of my bachelor’s degree.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I am a pre-medical student and I decided to major in Biology and minor in chemistry so I could get all of my pre-requisites for medical school completed! It has been an extremely exciting journey. Attending science lectures and labs every day of the week is something I truly enjoy. It is a unique experience at George Fox.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to shadow and do research to make myself a competitive applicant for medical school. I am currently working as a medical scribe, so I will continue that and hope that my journey into medicine comes with much learning and development of my character.
This is a picture of me standing on George Fox Campus after an interview with the biology faculty!