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Recently, I watched a group of students at an event—students I remember moving in last September, nervous and excited as first-years. It’s hard to believe they’re already finishing their first year of college. Some of you may feel like you just dropped your student off, and now, in what feels like a blink, you’ll be back for their graduation. Time truly flies. In Housing, we’re honored to have been part of your student’s journey this past year—or over the past few years. It’s a joy to watch them grow, learn, adapt, build community, and achieve so much during their time here.

This term, we finalized our Fall 2025 staff positions for the Resident Assistants, Programming Assistants, and Student Success Mentors. We are wrapping up interviews and job offers for Service Desk workers and Maintenance Techs. If your student applied for and/or was offered a position for Fall 2025, please join us in congratulating them. Housing is grateful for the many students willing to serve in our department—they bring such vibrancy through their leadership.  We had one of the largest pools of applicants in Housing history. If your student didn’t get an offer, please encourage them to try again next year and SIB, Admissions and many other departments offer great student leadership opportunities as well.

Spring brings with it many activities to celebrate the end of year and get students outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. As I write this article, our annual Spring Fling event is in progress. This is a week of events taking place from May 19-23. There has been tote bag painting, two BBQs, Bingo, Nerd Olympics and MORE. It is a wonderful celebration of spring! We hope your students have been participating in and enjoying some of these events and the many others offered in Housing and across campus.

The Fall 2025 Housing Room Lottery has already taken place for returning students. Those who applied by the May 1 deadline were eligible to participate in the lottery, held from May 5–16. While the Fall 2025 housing application remains open, the guarantee deadline has passed, and all applications submitted after May 1 are now on a waitlist due to high demand. The deadline to cancel a 2025–2026 housing contract and receive the $100 refundable deposit is August 15. If students have secured other housing, we encourage them to cancel their application promptly to help waitlisted students.

The new Residential Facility is scheduled to open January 2026. It has been very exciting to see the building go up throughout this year! We are currently in the process of finalizing furniture vendors and art installations for the building. Furniture vendors were on campus in April with samples of furniture allowing students to give us feedback. Students will have the option next year to move into the new facility once it opens.

Finally, Housing and Residence Life will close for the academic year on Sunday, June 14, 2025, at 10am—please note this deadline if you or others are coming to Klamath Falls to help your student move out. If your student has a summer housing contract, they will be instructed to stay in their current spot and not check out, but anyone who is not staying in on-campus housing for Summer Term will need to connect with their RA and check out of their space by this deadline. Information with details about check-out is given to students via their OIT email. Their RA is the first person they reach out to with questions. At the end of this update are some highlights of the information given to students.

It has been a wonderful year, and we are looking forward to many students rejoining us in Housing next year while welcoming our next group of Hustlin’ Owls!

Spring term is winding down, but the Integrated Student Health Center is still hopping! The safe spring break event was a smashing success, helping students think about and make wise choices as they ventured out for break trips. Now we are busy offering thoughts on making wise choices as students plan for the long weekend this weekend (as I type this on May 21!). During Memorial weekend, we encourage students to be thoughtful about all the plants that are coming out of hibernation, and offer these tips around poison oak:

If you know you are going hiking in the woods or will be near a wooded area:

Consider purchasing Tecnu poison oak preventative lotion and treatment (can be found at Amazon and most stores)

If you notice an itchy rash, you can apply Tecnu, Calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to help with itching

Wash all clothing and blankets, even your pets, to get the oil off, so you do not keep spreading the rash to new places

• Seek Medical treatment when:
• You have a temperature over 100 degrees
• There is pus, yellow scabs, or tenderness to the scabs
• Itching keeps you awake at night
• The rash covers ¼ of your body or more
• If the rash worsens or spreads, treatment may not help.

The Integrated Student Health Clinic will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day, but we will return messages on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in case you need to see a provider.

The team has been busy this term, hosting various passive and more active events for students to join in on. The team has been busy this term, from mental health screenings and awareness days to cancer awareness activities to hosting a line dancing program as part of Spring Fling! These activities and more are offered, and prompt and practical support for physical, mental, and holistic health needs is consistently provided. The ISHC is proud to be a resource and support for students to be healthy and in good spirits as they work to reach their academic goals.

The Integrated Student Health Clinic will be closed for services over the summer. If your student has questions for the Center, you can reach the Clinic at 541-85-1800. There are staff members in the office over the summer who can assist with local resources. 

The Basic Needs hub serves students on the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses. The goals include assisting students who may need something to snack on, a textbook to borrow, a clothing closet with season-appropriate clothing as well as clothing to support students who may need business attire, and so much more! Spring term’s focus has been on food insecurity and encouraging students to check out the resources, even if one just need something to tide them over until lunch, or support if they left their lunch on the kitchen counter. Work continues to help students know these resources are available to all as a way to support their academic goals. This work includes offering a hot meal on both campuses as a gesture to share. We want all our students to have something healthy and filling as a way to support their hard work in the classroom. This is also a way for the Basic Needs Hub to share tips on shopping for nutritious foods on a budget, and some basic cooking tips to make meals that taste good, too!

Based on feedback from students across both campuses, the options and variety of food items available in the Bird Feeders (food pantries) have expanded. There are more soup and protein options, including turkey meat, chicken, and tofu. A QR code is also available for students to make suggestions on what they may look for in the Bird Feeder!

If your student is going to be on the Portland Metro or Klamath Falls campus this summer, the Basic Needs Hubs are available on both campuses. Summer term sees classes on both campuses, as well as the need for a snack, meal, textbook, or clothing to feel good in, as one may be seeking employment opportunities. The Hub can also support students with a variety of other needs locally in the community. Please encourage your student to stop by and check out the Basic Needs Hub any time!

Spring Term 2025

Spring Term 2025

Summer Term 2025

University-Wide Award Winners

Outstanding Scholars

Portland-Metro

Engineering, Technology and Management

• Adama Toure – Renewable Energy Engineering
• Dominick Stone – Embedded Systems Engineering Technology
• Feven Abebe – Information Technology
• Jacob Powell – Cybersecurity
• Matthew Shosh – Mechanical Engineering
• Raymond Pryor – Technology and Management
• Tyler Modin – Electrical Engineering

Health, Arts and Sciences

• Kylie Mons– Medical Laboratory Science
• Renee Russell – Applied Psychology

Klamath Falls

Engineering, Technology and Management

• Alexis Elquist – Electrical Engineering
• Dirk Smelser – Business with Management Option
• Douglas Houser – Renewable Energy Engineering
• Ebin Hillard – Geomatics with Surveying Option
• Emily Wilson – Accounting
• Finn Anders – Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Jamie Brown – Operations Management
• Kate Hicks – Civil Engineering
• Marla Goodspeed – Mechanical Engineering
• Michael Logan – Cybersecurity
• Molly Grace – Business with Marketing Option
• Tychon Preston – Manufacturing Engineering Technology
• William Dumas – Information Technology

Health, Arts and Sciences

• Ashley Chenoweth – Echocardiography
• Avery Joyner – Applied Psychology
• Bella Tenold – Environmental Sciences
• Brooklyn Bresko – Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Erica Palumbo – Nuclear Medicine
• Eva Brady – Radiologic Science
• Gage Delzotti – Biology-Health Sciences
• Grace Jarigese – Communication
• Jayce Seavert – Population Health Management
• Kodi Myers – Dental Hygiene
• Morgan Jones – Vascular Technology
• Nichole Bodfield – Respiratory Care
• Tyler Shields - Mathematics

Online Learning Outstanding Scholars

• Clarissa Heads – Information Technology
• Hannah Mika – Applied Psychology
• Katherine Ruffino – Health Care Management, Administration Management
• Mia Blan – Health Informatics
• Mickenzie Chase – Business with Management Option
• Scott Chisholm – Technology and Management

Chemeketa Campus Outstanding Scholar

• Kathryn Metzger – Dental Hygiene

Women in STEM & Allied Health Conference

On Friday, May 16 Student Involvement and Belonging hosted the 2025 Women in STEM & Allied Health Conference at the Portland-Metro Campus.  Conference presenters developed sessions to educate students on how to build their network, master skills that allow them to learn from the experience of mentors, and gain confidence in their abilities to be successful within their various STEM and Allied Health fields. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Neslihan Alp, Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management. Session topics led by industry experts included “Campus to Career – The First 90 Days: Transitioning into Your New Role”, “Wage Negotiation and Finding Your Advocates”, “Re-ignite Your Spark: Healthy Striving Reduces Perfectionism and Prevents Burnout’, and the popular Speed Networking event. The goal of the conference was to provide attendees with a unique opportunity to share experiences, provoke thought, and learn how to overcome challenges in dialogue with peers, alumni, and industry mentors.

Professional Development

When employees are genuinely engaged, they bring a passion and commitment that can propel an organization, or university, toward unparalleled success. Their passion drives them to go the extra mile, bringing creativity to problem-solving as they consistently strive for excellence.  In a highly competitive part-time job market, it is important to demonstrate what benefits students receive from working for us.

Debbie Kerr, APS of Student Services, launched a professional development program for these students: “Beginning with the End in Mind.” This is a goal setting program designed to foster student ownership of department projects, creatively addressing campus needs with new initiatives of innovations to current services. As a supervisor supports students by helping them identify transferable skills and attributes for career readiness, students are encouraged to pursue stretch goals (what would happen if our “dream big” goals are realized) with daily benchmark goals (tasks they can achieve every day).

During our monthly check-in, it allows our goal sessions to focus on identifying evidence of their success and provides an opportunity for them to share barriers.  We encourage students to identify barriers that are preventing their progress and help them determine how they can become 100% responsible for the success of their goal(s).  By checking in with our students monthly, we stay tuned in to barriers that are within our control as staff to eliminate, thus keeping students motivated and increasing morale.  This increases productivity and reduces staff turnover.  Passionate employees are the heartbeat of any thriving organization. They infuse their energy and commitment into their work, thus inspiring those around them to push boundaries and aim higher.

The tangible result of the program is providing students with letters of recommendation based on the competencies identified in research conducted by the  (NACE) that employers are seeking.  The supervisor uses identifiable evidence that shows the impact on their campus community from the progress of goals the students create by tracking and documenting successes over the school year.

“My favorite part was learning more about myself in the workplace.  I often overlook what I do well, so this process helped me recognize and celebrate those strengths.  The goal-setting experience was helpful in identifying my strengths and weaknesses and areas where I need to make progress.  It also gave me a clearer understanding of how to articulate my skills during job interviews.  I felt more prepared to highlight what I bring to the table and discuss relevant skills based on what interviewers are looking for.  I also appreciated how I could apply these insights to my renewable energy engineering job search, which made it even more valuable.” (Student involved in the pilot)

Keeping students engaged by allowing them to take ownership in our campus success is a win for both the students and our university.  Apathy kills productivity and morale.  This structured program helps us stay vigilant and responsive to campus issues, thus keeping our students engaged and our campus thriving. When our students feel supported and empowered, we can create a ripple effect that fuels the future success of our university.

Career Services is committed to leading a university-wide culture of career development and professionalism to empower students and alumni to achieve their career goals. This spring Career Services welcomed 53 employers with open internship and job opportunities to the Klamath Falls and Portland Metro campuses for career fairs to connect with our students. Roughly 300 students attended representing a myriad of majors in Engineering, Technology, & Management and Health Arts & Sciences. Overall employers were very satisfied with the quality of ��ɫ��Ƶ students and would love to have our student attend these events with resumes in hand and ready to engage. Summer is a great time for your students to spend some time getting “Career Ready”. Please share the following tips with them. Career Services is available for 1:1 career advising appointments this summer, and we look forward to working with your students in the fall when they return to campus.

We’ve got some exciting updates to share as we wrap up another great academic year and start preparing for the next. We’re always working to make the library a welcoming, supportive space for everyone—here’s what we’ve been up to recently:

Books Just for Fun? Yes, Please!
We’ve been seriously building up our popular reading collection, and it’s starting to look magical—literally. From epic fantasy series and cozy mysteries to contemporary fiction and sci-fi favorites, we’re making it easier than ever for students to relax with a good book during their much-deserved downtime. Our new Popular Reading section is designed to be inviting, browsable, and fun. If your student needs a brain break between labs or finals prep, point them toward the shelves near the front entrance and next to the Help Desk!

Meeting the New Owls
We had a blast welcoming future Hustlin’ Owls during the first New Wings 2025 orientation event of the year! It was great to meet so many friendly students and families, and we can’t wait to support these incoming Owls as they start their college journeys. We're already looking forward to the next round of New Wings at the end of June!

Dead Weekend = Extended Hours
Your student might already know this, but we’re bringing back our expanded Dead Weekend hours! After receiving positive feedback (as well as a strong turnout) during Winter Term Dead Weekend, we’ll once again be open extra late the weekend before finals to give students more time (and space) to study, June 6^th through June 8^th. Tell your student to keep an eye out for signs around the library and on our socials with the updated hours—we’re here to support those last-minute cram sessions and group study marathons!

IdeaFest is Coming!
We’re proud to continue sponsoring the printing costs for student posters at IdeaFest 2025 and can’t wait to see what our Owls have been working on this year. This annual event showcases the creativity, research, and innovation of ��ɫ��Ƶ students, and we couldn’t be more honored to be a part of it. Encourage your student to check out their peers’ incredible projects on Friday, June 6^th!

We hope that you and your Hustlin Owl(s) have a wonderful summer filled with fun and relaxation. See you in September!

This year’s Give A Hoot Day was a major success thanks to each of you who took part! The ��ɫ��Ƶ community rallied together to raise over $280,000 from over 525 unique donors. With your generous support, we were able to break records and bring amazing new opportunities to students. Whether you made a donation, encouraged your student to take part, or helped spread the word, you helped fund scholarships, athletic teams, academic programs, student clubs, and more!  

As your students continue their journey at ��ɫ��Ƶ, we want to take a moment to thank you for the support, encouragement, and care you provide behind the scenes. The ��ɫ��Ƶ Foundation and Alumni Association are proud to stand alongside you in helping our students thrive—both in and out of the classroom.

This year, we’re thrilled to share that over $1 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 320 deserving students. These awards represent more than financial support—they are a vote of confidence, a boost in morale, and a reminder that our community believes in their potential. Make sure students take advantage of the final opportunity to apply for scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year in the summer application process, opening July 1. Details can be found at .

We’re also proud to highlight the incredible momentum in student philanthropy engagement. More than 1,000 students participated in giving events and fundraisers this year, including Giving Tuesday and club-led initiatives. Their enthusiasm and generosity are a powerful reminder that philanthropy is alive and well in the next generation of alumni.

Most importantly, thank you for letting us be part of your student’s journey. It is a privilege to teach, mentor, and support them as they grow into the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. 

EVENTS – Athletics helped with two town hall meetings with senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden…hosting the events at Danny Miles Court, which showcased our facilities…in addition, Moehl Stadium hosted the Cascade Conference Track and Field Multi-Event Championships, while Stilwell Stadium hosted both the Cascade Conference and NAIA Opening Round Softball Tournaments…on May 16, the new Athletics Fieldhouse had its ground breaking ceremony

CAMPS – This summer, OIT athletics will host summer youth camps in basketball, volleyball and soccer 

Under interim head coach Ricky Walker, the Owls finished their best record in program history (39-16)…including the longest win streak in program history (14) – despite having to play the first 24 games on the road due to the weather and inability to play on the grass field at Steen Sports Park.  Tyler Horner was named CCC Player of the Year, Tim Williams was named CCC Pitcher of the Year. The Owls qualified for their first-ever NAIA National Tournament, finishing 1-2 in the Lewiston Bracket of the Opening Round. 

Lady Owls shared their 4th-straight CCC regular-season title, clinching an NAIA national tournament berth (and host site for the Opening Round)…Tech finished the season with a  45-11 record, finishing as the runner-up in the Klamath Falls Opening Round Bracket. Nita Cook was named CCC Player of the Year and Greg Stewart was named Coach of the Year for the 11th time.

Lady Owls finished second in the CCC Championships and No. 16 in the final NAIA poll – earning their first at-large bid to the NAIA Championships in five seasons, but failed to make the cut …Quincy Beyrouty was named CCC Player of the Year, recording the lowest CCC stroke average in league history…the Owls men’s team placed 5^th at the CCC Championships.

��ɫ��Ƶ sent 19 women and 19 men to the CCC Championships in Ashland, with the women’s team placing fourth and the men’s team placing eighth – with Aurora Parsons winning the CCC discus title – three athletes (Eli Stevens – decathlon, Tyas Selby – pole vault, Aurora Parsons - javelin) qualifying for the NAIA Championships in their respective events.

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