Pictured from LTR: Nicole Davison León, Aimee Berg, Maria Guadalupe Salazar, Vanessa Quintero, Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio, Miriam Herrera Hernandez, and Steven Stapp.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University in partnership with Unitus Credit Union, hosted a reception to celebrate seven Unitus Bilingual Teachers scholarship recipients. In 2022, Unitus Community Credit Union made a $75,000, multi-year commitment to Western Oregon University’s Bilingual Teacher Scholars Program to further expand its efforts and fund an additional eight-student cohort. This scholarship aims to foster diversity and inclusivity within the teaching profession.
The following students were recognized as this year’s scholars: Miriam Herrera Hernandez, Maria Guadalupe Salazar, Vanessa Quintero, Alessandra Cervantes Ramirez, Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio, Evelyn Estrada, and Areli Santos Gomez.
“We are excited to celebrate the dedication of our bilingual teachers today. This scholarship not only honors their commitment but also invests in the future of our community,” shares Western’s Dean of the College of Education, Mark Girod, Ph.D. “This partnership with Unitus helps us shape a world where every voice is heard and every student can thrive.”
Unitus Community Credit Union President and CEO, Steven Stapp, addressed the scholars, offering them encouragement as they work toward their goals. “We’ve been talking about believing in yourself a lot today, you have to have your own belief, your own motivation,” said Stapp. “I want you to know that you have many of us that are here supporting you as well. We look forward to following your journeys as you move into the classroom in our local communities.”
Nicole Davison León, executive director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber and vice chair of the Unitus Community Credit Union board, delivered the keynote address. Davison León draws on her experience as a first-generation Latina to bring a unique set of perspectives to her roles. Her diverse background offers valuable insights that connect and highlight prominent issues affecting often underserved communities.
Two scholars shared their stories and inspiration for pursuing a career in education. Vanessa Quintero reflected on being a scholarship recipient: “It means so much to me to be a bilingual scholar. It helps me continue my education to be a teacher without having to worry about the financial burden.”
Scholar Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio shares: “I’m currently teaching as a bilingual teacher and I am just so thankful to Western and Unitius for supporting my education and my passion. I’m so happy that I am finally in the classroom and educating the future generation.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
About Unitus Community Credit Union
At Unitus, we’re dedicated to improving lives in the communities we serve. As a member-owned local credit union, we invest in people by doing the right thing. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, we provide support for community groups through volunteerism and financial donations. Our 105,000 members count on us to serve them and their communities; our 300+ employees share that passion for service. Learn about the local impact Unitus makes by visiting unitusccu.com.
