This was one of my senior photos taken here in Portland!

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Gabriel Foster

Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Business: Marketing
Minor: Graphic Design
Class Standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Thank you so much for awarding me the MDU Resources Foundation/Knife River Corporation scholarship. This scholarship is meaningful to me because it's so inspiring to know that there are people who care about and want to support me and my future. It motivates me to keep pushing myself and working hard!

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I plan to start my career in the marketing industry. I'm not sure where that may be, but I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Why did you choose your college and major?

The primary reason I chose George Fox is because it "checked" all my boxes. It's close to home, has a great sense of community, and gives me the opportunity to play football all while receiving a quality education. It is definitely the right fit for me. I chose to major in marketing because my skillset as a person aligns well with the business world. Marketing has always been what's interested me most.

Michelle Galicia-Campos

Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Accounting
Class Standing: Junior
Pronouns: She/Her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

As a low-income, first-generation student, I have to find ways to fund my education. Scholarships like this help relieve some of that financial burden. Thank you to the MDU Resources Foundation/Knife River Corporation.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose my major after experimenting with a couple business courses. Accounting felt like the right path for me, and I ended up at Pacific University.

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation I plan to take the CPA exam and work at a firm.

Studying and hanging out with my friends at a coffee shop.

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Location: Riverfront Park

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Miriam Gutierrez

Hometown and State: Eugene, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: International Business & Management
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: She/Her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

This scholarship is very meaningful to me because it has given me the opportunity to further my education in business. As a first-generation college student, I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to attend a great college where I could deepen my knowledge and acquire new skills. Thank you so much for contributing to my dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.

After graduation, I plan to…

After I graduate, I want to explore non-profit work. I would like to work in the marketing and development department of nonprofits. I want to work for an organization that is mission-oriented and that is making a difference in the world.

Why did you choose your college and major?

Before I entered college, I knew I wanted to stay with my parents to save money. I never wanted my parents to feel the financial burden of having their child go to university. Therefore, it limited my options to the University of Oregon or Bushnell University. When I toured Bushnell University, I had a great experience, and I knew that I would be able to grow as a person by being a student there. I loved that it was a smaller campus so I could easily find all the needed resources to help me succeed academically. I wanted to study business because I am interested in non-profit work and eventually, I would like to start my own business. Now that I am in my last year of college, I can say that I don’t regret my decision to come to this school because of the excellent business program and because of the relationships I built.

Jose Ochoa-Delgado

Hometown and State: Woodburn, OR
College or University Name: Warner Pacific University
Major: Accounting
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Being awarded this scholarship has been very meaningful to me due to the financial challenges I face towards completing my college degree. Last year, I took on the mental and physical toll of commuting from my parent’s home to avoid housing bills. The biggest challenge with my commute was the daily two-hour drive from campus and then the drive back home. Although I was able to find an apartment for this school year, I now take on a huge responsibility of living as an independent adult with more routinely obligations. I find myself feeling less stress daily as well as being more productive as an advantage from my closer commute. Thank you for making my college student lifestyle more achievable and for your support in helping me complete my college degree.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I choose to attend Warner Pacific University because of the student to professor ratio, the men's soccer program, and the business program. The size of my University allows me to build strong relationships with professors and with students all across campus. The men's soccer program was perhaps the strongest influence on my college choice because of our amazing coaching staff and magnificent team culture. The business program was also a focal point for me because of the networking opportunities available and constant events that take place at or near campus. When I first enrolled at Warner Pacific University, I decided to pursue a business administration major. However, through the course of my first term, I then decided to convert to an accounting major. This more specific occupation aligns with my skill set and favorite subject of math.

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I will continue to be involved in the Willamette Valley soccer community. I will also strive for a full-time job as an accountant in a medium-size firm, preferably in Oregon. I will also be pursuing my dream of opening my own soccer academy to help young, developing players play at the collegiate level.

This is a photo of myself in a soccer training session with the Warner Pacific University men’s soccer program. This photo was taken at Providence Park Stadium, home of the Portland Timbers.

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This is an image of me when I visited The Grand Canyon this summer!

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Devam Patel

Hometown and State: The Dalles, OR
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Computer Science
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. This was meaningful to me as it provides some relief from my college expenses. With the help of the scholarship, I can continue to focus on my academic interests without worrying as much about my financial status. Once again, thank you!

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I plan to continue my studies and pursue a master's degree in computer science with a focus on software engineering. I have learned so much from my undergraduate degree, but I wish to deepen my knowledge and learn more about developing effective and accurate software. Once I complete my master’s program, I will enter the tech industry and work as a software engineer.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I have always been interested in computers ever since I started playing video games. It wasn't until high school when I gained a deeper interest in how video games were created, specifically on the software side. My high school did not offer many STEM courses to help me explore my passion for software, so I chose my college major to introduce me into the world of computers and software.

Zane Rowley

Hometown and State: Lincoln City, OR
College or University Name: Corban University
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Biblical Study
Class Standing: Freshman
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Garnering the finances to pay for college is a strenuous process, especially coming from a low-income family. Scholarships like this help me relieve that burden and make my college experience less stressful. It helps so much to receive this, so thank you!

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I plan to travel. I love to surf, and I've only been able to traverse the West Coast and Hawaii for surf over the past couple years. Once I'm out of college, I will travel to places such as Bali and South Africa in search of amazing surf, as I've researched many places across the world for this purpose.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I've known about Corban University for a while, but only decided to commit just last summer. Having God present, as well as good people surrounding me during my daily life, is something I had strived for, but didn't know where to source from for the longest time. Many of my friends had told me of the community here and I felt called there. I chose computer science because I've always had an interest in computers. My dad let me build my first PC when I was in 6th grade, and from there I wanted to pursue a career oriented around computers. With the computer science program, I get to indulge in my passion, as well as be closer to God.

One of my favorite surf spots.

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Playing for the team!

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Saw Soe

Hometown and State: Gresham, OR
College or University Name: Multnomah University
Major: Business
Minor: Physiology
Class Standing: Freshman
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

I’m grateful that this scholarship helps me attend my school without worrying about the financial pressures of tuition. I can focus on my education peacefully. Thank you!

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose Multnomah University because it is a Christian school with a great business program.

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation, I plan to work full time in my career.

Mang Suum

Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Economics
Minor: Business
Class Standing: Junior
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

This scholarship was meaningful to me because it made me realize that there are virtuous and considerate people out there. Before getting this scholarship, I needed a laptop for one of my analytics classes. I feel like my prayer came true after receiving this. I will put this scholarship to use furthering my education and giving back to the community. Thank you so much.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose economics as my major because I was very intrigued by the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham. Learning about human behavior is fascinating to me. When learning about economics, I always feel like I found my "calling".

After graduation, I plan to…

become an actuary, analyst, or economist for an organization that fits my values.

My sister graduated from college with her bachelor’s degree in business marketing. As a first-generation, this moment was a very big deal for me. I can be seen on the very left wearing all black.

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