Skip to main content

Nixon Albertelli

College or University Name: Reed College
Major: Media Studies
Class Standing: Sophomore

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

I have to spend a lot of my time working to afford school, and this scholarship helps me spend more of my time studying and enjoying college. Thank you for that.

After graduation, I plan to…

go to grad school to pursue a PhD and become a professor.

Reed College’s beautiful campus.

back to top

Samantha Dara

Hometown and State: Grants Pass, OR
School or University Name: Corban University
Major: Biology
Class standing: Senior

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

This scholarship has allowed me to further my education at a great college, where I have been able to build lasting relationships, grow spiritually, and advance academically. So much has changed since attending this school, more than just my education. I have direction, community, and the maturity and courage to go out into the world and make a difference. Thank you so much, for allowing me to grow in so many areas, for changing my life, and for giving me the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose Corban University because I wanted to grow in my walk with Christ. I didn't know what I wanted to for a career, so I started by studying business. As I reflected on the areas where I excel most and the things that I enjoy doing, I realized that I loved biology and learning about God's creation.

After graduation, I plan to…

I plan to do wildlife research or work in a lab as a medical lab scientist.

Last day of chemistry lab with my lab group and professor (taking the photo). I’m the one on the farthest left.

back to top

Kai Larson

Hometown and State: Phoenix, OR
College or University Name: Lewis & Clark College
Major: Biology
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Being a continual recipient of The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship has offered me great economic security in my daily life. I am thankful because this has emboldened me to participate in opportunities like study abroad and summer research internships. These experiences are life changing, often only available to someone in college. If not for The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship I am doubtful I would be looking forward to studying biology in Australia, as I am now.

After graduation, I plan to…

Gain further experience with conservation related science, possibly by working for a land management agency at the federal or state level, or a private organization working in concert with an agency.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose Lewis & Clark because it was conveniently neither too close nor too far from my home in Southern Oregon and due to the low student-to-faculty ratio. I anticipated -and have found- success from that ratio, in being able to form close relationships with professors that have led to jobs and research experience, and improved understanding of my studies through informal opportunities for learning like having conversations with my professors.

Kai working for Burns Interagency Fire Zone, 2022

back to top

Lillian Mickson

Hometown and State: Central Point, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Creative Writing
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/they

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose Pacific University because I've always found the idea of a small school more appealing than a large one. I wanted a place where people would know me, as opposed to being a face in the crowd. As for my major, I chose to study criminal justice because I feel there is a lot wrong with our current justice system, and I want to be able to do my part in making it better.

After graduation, I plan to…

I either want to continue my education in law school or move on to paralegal studies. I absolutely want to move up to Northern Oregon, as I've found a home for myself here. I'll likely entertain my hobbies for a time, maybe find a job that preferably isn't in food service and start building a life as my own person.

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

To be honest, I had no idea I was getting this scholarship. It came as a complete surprise to me. I was just going about my day, heading to my first class and checking my email obsessively (as one does when they hold at least three exec roles in clubs/organizations), and there sat an email titled "Alliance/The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship". In the moment, I was extremely confused. I didn't remember applying for this scholarship, and yet here it was. I was conflicted, wondering if it was a mistake until I researched what the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities is, as well as the Carpenter Foundation. Afterwards, I just felt so happy. While my student loans and scholarships pay for me to take classes and exist on campus, most of my time is spent giving to the community. I am an active participant in at least three clubs, and am part of the exec for at least one, and on top of that I am part of my Greek Chapter and Senate exec board. Through all of this, it also isn't uncommon to see me volunteering outside of my main communities. Sometimes it's for other on-campus organizations, others it's at the annual Corn Roast or a Halloween party hosted by the church across from campus. I don't do any of this for recognition or in hopes of getting something in return, but after having read the Carpenter Foundation's mission statement...it feels nice to know that someone is watching. So thank you, so much, for assisting me in continuing to pursue my goals both on campus and off.

Me (left, in black) with my Greek Chapter and our advisor. This photo was taken during our annual Greek Banquet, held at the end of every school year, where I had been awarded Greek Member of the Year.

back to top

Fishing on Shasta Lake.

Back to Top

Keith Reed

Hometown and State: Central Point, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Business Management
Class standing: Freshman

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

This scholarship will help with the financial anxiety that comes with college. Thank you.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose business because of its broad range of use.

My first media day!

Back to Top

Caleb Richter

Hometown and State: Grants Pass, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Elementary Education
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: he/him

Why did you choose your college and major?

This scholarship was meaningful to me because it reduced the financial burden paying for college has placed on my family. I can't thank you enough!

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

I chose Bushnell University because it was the best opportunity for me to earn my education while playing collegiate baseball. I am studying elementary education because I want to have a positive impact on the future students in my community.

After graduation, I plan to…

After graduation I plan on getting a job at an elementary school somewhere in Oregon and starting my career in education.

My first day at Bushnell University!

Back to Top

Jasmine Roberts

College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Music
Pronouns: she/her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Going to school was and is very frightening. There are always the looming questions about the upcoming year and what it may hold. For me, one of the biggest and most daunting questions was about finances. How was I to pay to attend this private college? I have been so blessed with help in that area, and this is one of those blessings. Scholarships are so meaningful in general, and when you receive one, it is so exciting and liberating. I know times are tough for everyone, and even so, The Carpenter Foundation and The Alliance generously chose to support me. I promise to be a responsible steward of your donation and trust. Your generosity means so much to me, and it lightens the financial burden, much more than one may know, and encourages me to work hard in my studies. I would sincerely like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the donor of this amazing scholarship.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I had applied to and been accepted by a couple of schools, and Bushnell wasn't on the original list. However, as I visited the other schools, a heavy feeling of uncertainty accompanied me. I found myself praying and asking God what I was to do. After much reflection, I made the decision to pass on them. By several consecutive coincidences, which I don't think are coincidental at all, I was led to my current school, Bushnell University. I could not be happier. In the short time I have been here, Bushnell has already benefited me in a way that is unlike anything else I have experienced so far. As for my major, I would have to say that I didn't quite choose it, it chose me. I am a music major, leaning towards worship arts, at the moment. Music has always been a big part of my life, but I didn't truly appreciate it until it was taken away from me when I became deaf. During that time, I struggled a lot and learned even more than I could have imagined. I decided to change from the educational path of becoming a veterinarian, to a musician. Which is quite a big jump, but I don't regret it. I gained some hearing back after a year or so, and I stuck with the educational path, and I believe that my major is the right one for me. I want to share just how powerful music is; that it can break down all sorts of societal or cultural barriers - even the auditory barrier.

After graduation, I plan to…

While I have an idea of what I plan to do after college, I know that I am not the one who is truly in control of my path. As of now, I am feeling a strong pull to go on mission trips and use my music major, to spread the gospel and the love of God from an ethnomusicology point of view. We can teach everybody our worship songs, but how much more meaningful would it be for someone to create a worship song using their

Jack Shostrom

Hometown and State: Ashland, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: he/him

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

Thank you so much for this scholarship. The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship is meaningful to me because my family's finances have decreased since my dad has retired. I was worried that I would not be able to return to Willamette University, but the scholarships I received this year, including this one, have made it possible. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to return to the academic community that I have come to love.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I have not yet chosen a major, but I am leaning toward psychology or sociology. I am looking into these majors for a couple of reasons. The main reason is that it's interesting to learn more about people and how they function. Another reason is that many people from my dad’s side of the family were in psychology. I grew up looking through that lens, and I want to learn more about it.

After graduation, I plan to…

Although I don't know exactly the specifics of what I will be doing post-graduation, I know that it will be in pursuit of service to other people. This might take the form of law school or the pursuit of a graduate degree in the field of psychology or sociology.

This photo is one of my senior photos. It’s my personal favorite because it includes my guitar. Music has always been a very important thing in my life, and this photo represents that.

back to top

This is me taking time for self-care and hanging out with baby goats!

Back to Top

Natalie Thickett

Hometown and State: Medford, OR
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Nursing
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship helps me to relieve financial stress and focus on my education. It means a lot to know people are invested in my future. Thank you.

After graduation, I plan to…

Start my nursing career and eventually go back to school to earn my master’s degree.

Why did you choose your college and major?

I chose to study nursing because I want to help people. This country faces a lot of health care deficits and I want to be able to make a change in individual patients’ lives.

Anie Vaninetti

College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Philosophy
Minor: Possibly English Literature
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: she/her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship allows me to continue my education. It’s wonderful knowing there are generous people out supporting their community. Thank you for this opportunity!

After graduation, I plan to…

I'm excited to take on new opportunities and challenges outside of college however they may present themselves.

Why did you choose your college and major?

Pacific University encapsulates that small town feel and I was offered generous financial support. I'm grateful to say that my school has such a strong sense of community and great resources. I am majoring in philosophy because I fell in love with the subject upon taking my first class and I've enjoyed taking classes ever since.

This is a photo of me (in the front) at the Oregon Zoo with my close friends.

back to top

This is a picture of my family and me at my sister’s graduation!

Back to Top

Kathia Zaragoza

Hometown and State: Medford, OR
College or University Name: Linfield University
Major: Nursing
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her

Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?

This scholarship is meaningful to me because it allows me to continue a higher education and eventually build a career for myself. It also alleviates the financial stress that is bound to come with doing so. I am grateful to be a recipient of The Carpenter Foundation Scholarship. Thank you for investing in me!

After graduation, I plan to…

After I graduate, I plan to get experience as a nurse here in Oregon, and after a few years, become a traveling nurse.

Why did you choose your college and major?

As a little girl, I always knew I wanted to have a job within the hospital setting, and ultimately decided I wanted a career as a nurse. I chose Linfield University because they have an amazing nursing school and program.