MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, in partnership with Unitus Community Credit Union, hosted a reception to celebrate new Unitus Bilingual Teacher 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 a larger student cohort. This scholarship aims to foster diversity and inclusivity within the teaching profession.
The following new recipients were recognized as this year’s scholars: Moncerrat Alvarez Hernandez, Addison Berry, Alessandra Cervantes Ramirez, Jose Contreras, Evelyn Estrada, Miriam Herrera Hernandez, Nataly Lopez Cabrera, and Areli Santos Gomez.
As College of Education Dean Theresa Hickey shared, “Partnerships like this bring us together in such meaningful ways. They highlight our shared commitments to lifting one another to better futures, they underscore the importance of our work to serve with humility and grace, and they remind us of the impact and life-changing importance of what we do daily. Thank you to Unitus for being such a generous collaborator. And students, know that we celebrate you with all of our hearts! We are all so proud of your superpowers and your willingness to share your gifts with our community. We believe in you!”
“We’re grateful that we’re able to help and provide scholarships, but we’re really grateful to say we stand with these students and we support them, not just through this journey here in college, but through their educational career,” said Unitus Community Credit Union President and CEO Steven Stapp. We applaud the work these students are doing and Western Oregon University for making this program possible.”
Alumnus Juan Larios ’01,’06, Woodburn School District Superintendent and Western Trustee, delivered the keynote address along with Assistant Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Portland State University, Araceli Cruz. Their combined experience working to elevate underserved communities makes them a powerful speaker duo.
Two scholars shared their stories and inspiration for pursuing a career in education. Monserrat Alvarez Hernandez reflected on being a scholarship recipient: “It’s an opportunity to be able to continue my education as a transfer student without having to worry about financials, which is a weight lifted off of me.”
Scholar Addison Berry shares that receiving this scholarship means that she gets a better shot at becoming a teacher and gives her more of an opportunity to spend her efforts focusing on classes. She adds that this scholarship gives her the opportunities she might not have had otherwise to become a bilingual teacher.
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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.