The Most Impactful Change-makers Lead By Example

Five Oregon State community members were recognized for their efforts toward ending injustice and building community. This January, they were presented with a legacy award at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Each of the 2022 honorees supports and stands up for marginalized communities in their daily work, driven to make a difference.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION ALUMNI LEGACY AWARD

Eric Knox, ’89

A mentor to marginalized communities for more than 30 years, Knox has helped countless youth find their voice, reimagine their worth and own their futures. He not only serves as a guide, but an inspiration — someone they can look up to for years to come. Knox is the founder and executive director of HOLLA, a nonprofit mentoring organization. In 2022, HOLLA will launch a culturally responsive public charter school in East Portland that centers around youth of color.

Knox is also head coach for the women’s basketball team at Benson High School in Portland. He led the team to a state championship in 2019 — and his starting five players all earned scholarships to play in college.

OSCAR HUMBERTO MONTEMAYOR AWARD

Cazandra Aporbo

Aporbo, a biology student at OSU-Cascades, is described as a humble leader. She founded At Your Pace, a student club that connects undergraduate mentors with high school students. The club’s mission is to increase college and career readiness and provide all students with a support system. Aporbo is also a mentor for the TRIO program, which provides mentoring to low-income and first-generation students, as well as students with disabilities. Through her mentoring, Aporbo has connected students with internships, research opportunities and more.

FRANCES DANCY HOOKS AWARD

Tarron Anderson

Anderson, an equity associate in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, is dedicated to building inclusivity at Oregon State and is always willing to stand up for others in the face of injustice. He regularly collaborates with Oregon State’s cultural centers and provides mentoring through programs like the President's Commission on the Status of Black Faculty and Staff Affairs and the Distinguished Scholars Initiative. Through his interactions, daily work and participation in groups and committees across campus, Anderson speaks out about the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and issues like systemic inequity.

Mateo Olmos

Olmos, a senior studying human development and family sciences, doesn't just hope for change — he takes action. In 2020, he was vice president of the NAACP OSU branch and participated in the March on Washington, D.C. He is also a member of DAM Change, a campaign created by student-athletes to build awareness around systemic racism, and serves as director of communications for Oregon State’s Black Student Union. In addition, he builds community through the Distinguished Scholars Initiative — an Oregon State program for men of color, focused on building community through mentoring and fellowship. More than anything, Olmos is dedicated to building equality on campus and beyond.

PHYLLIS S. LEE AWARD

Samantha Chisholm Hatfield

Chisholm Hatfield always makes time for connection — with students, colleagues and others. An instructor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Agricultural Sciences, she specializes in traditional ecological knowledge perspectives and Indigenous culture issues. And her dedication to these topics is evident in her interactions. She attends and helps to plan events celebrating Indigenous culture, inspires students to learn about science and spends many evenings and weekends providing support to Indigenous students and their families. Chisholm Hatfield is an educator many look up to, one who teaches with compassion, patience and pride.

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