EMERALD HERO
“The people who’ve inspired us are heroes of a special kind that deserve to be recognized.”
-The Emerald
Letter from the editor:
Every year the Emerald Hero comes around to highlight those who inspire us. It has been incredibly heartwarming to read about how our local heroes make a difference. This serves as a reminder that we are surrounded by creative, passionate, and hardworking people. From peers to mentors, it has been wonderful to see how these amazing people
I want to say thank you to all of the nominators and nominees, this would not be possible without you all! Isabella
Nominated by: Lola Tagwerker
Nominated by: Spencer So (friend)
What inspires you about this nonmine?
Feather is committed to helping every student she crosses paths with. She generously guides students with patience, wisdom and empathy. Overall, Feather continuously inspires with her consistent determination and commitment to equity.
Why are you nominating this individual?
Feather is the Program Manager of DucksRISE (Research, Internship, and Student Engagement), a cohort-based program that focuses on equitable post-graduation outcomes for underserved students at UO, centering BIPOC, first generation, and low-income students. She has excelled in creating an incredibly positive community for students through her mentorship and efforts. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that students receive equal opportunities, an abundance of access to professional development and are celebrated for their achievements. Feather has played a fundamental role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. Her work with DucksRISE is impactful and has made a difference for many students.
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
I’m nominating Feather because under her mentorship I learned to take pride in my achievements. She has the ability to make you see the best in yourself and believe that you can achieve anything. I’ve seen first hand how Feather uplifts students during my time in DucksRISE. Every meeting I was met with nothing but support and kindness. This was one hundred percent a result of the precedent Feather sets with her leadership.
What inspires you about this nonmine?
How hard they work without any compensation
Why are you nominating this individual?
He is a hard working individual who does far more work than he gets paid for.
Feather Crawford DucksRISE Program Manager, University of Oregon (mentee) Austin Ota Director of KWVA SportsSydney Hurd
Barista at the Starbucks Kiosk
Nominated by: Lillian Phillips (loyal customer)
John Park
Art & Technology prfessor at UO, School of Art + Design
Nominated by: Anonymous Student
What inspires you about this nonmine?
She is so caring towards customers and always wants to see everyone smile. She always asks about my day. She is hardworking and kind!
Why are you nominating this individual?
Every day after school me and my friends go to the Starbucks in Safeway and I am always so excited to see Sydney working! She is so funny, kind, and always smiling. We are so lucky to be able to see her there. She makes everyone’s day better. I just want to be able to say thank you and give her recognition for being so awesome and always working so hard. Her drinks are the best!
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
Sydney always talks about loving to dye her hair fun and different colors to cheer her customers up. Before winter break, I told her that I didn’t get the grade I wanted in math and I was scared my mom would be mad at me. Sydney told me math is hard for her too and asked what my favorite color was. I told her RED! The next day I saw Sydney, she had RED HAIR!! I was so happy!
What inspires you about this nonmine?
He is Kind, patient, and always willing to help. John can teach someone who knows absolutely nothing about coding. He explains even simple concepts well and extensively. His classes are graded on effort put into a product which is helpful for beginners. There are also useful tutorials for projects
Why are you nominating this individual?
Very engaging professor, you can tell he cares about his students and wants them to succeed.
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
He helped me to take on a very ambitious project for someone who had very basic coding experience, and when something didn’t work out he graded me on how much effort I put into it which is very encouraging and should be how all project-based classes should grade.
Nominated by: Lola Tagwerker (grand-daughter)
Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County
Nominated by: Anonymous Employee
What inspires you about this nonmine?
Kathie inspires everyone she meets, with her genuine kindness, authenticity, and sense of humor lighting every room she enters.
Why are you nominating this individual?
Kathie has been working in the food service for over 30 years. She is a prime example of a hard working individual. Over the years, she’s touched the lives of students and faculty with her above and beyond efforts. She’s been there for the community during the summer, holiday breaks, and most importantly during the pandemic to provide families in need with food boxes and resources. With Kathie set to retire this spring, her presence at Spring Creek will be sincerely missed.
What inspires you about this nonmine?
They are completely selfless and dedicated to making Lane County better for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Why are you nominating this individual?
They have dedicated their entire life to making Lane County a better place. They started with SVdP as a teenage volunteer at the First Place Family Center. They have worked through various levels of service to become the executive director for the entire organization.
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
Within only a few weeks of taking over the executive director position for SVdP, Bethany Cartledge was thrown into the fire or rather the freezing ice. SVdP was the primary first responder during the January ice storm and Bethany Cartledge had to manage the various facets of our organizations response teams while working with local government to get as many people out of the cold as possible.
Katherine Tagwerker Food Service Coordinator at Spring Creek Elementary School Bethany Cartledge
Nominated by: Mark & Sandy Raney
Nominated by: MaryClaire Lane (friend)
What inspires you about this nonmine?
Her ready enthusiasm, endless dedication and the ability to lead without being bossy. She is one of us. Jennifer is a combination of professional, friendly, kind and empathetic. She is a class example of just how life can be lived.
Why are you nominating this individual?
Jennifer consistently shows a remarkable ability to connect with students, church members and community in a way that produces positive outcomes that helps and nurtures families, kids and the elderly. She really cares. She is authentic and genuine and never flinches at an opportunity to join alongside the group she encounters. A leader for sure, but a team player as well and will always step up when needed.
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
As United Lutheran Churches President of the council in years past, (and in 2023), Jennifer is more than up to any task. There are many stories we could tell, but here is one that comes to mind right off the top. United’s Pastor at the time, was considering a sabbatical to the holy land, but needed help in securing grant funds to make this possible. Many tried unsuccessfully and then Jennifer took the helm. She not only secured these funds, but it allowed our beloved Pastor at the time, Pastor Tom Dodd, to travel to Israel and abroad and not only receive rest, wisdom and many things to pass on to the congregation but it gave the church body joy to assist in this exciting opportunity. Jennifer was instrumental in making this happen and it goes down in the life of the congregation as one of the high points of our church accomplishments.
What inspires you about this nonmine?
She has amazing art and design skills. Kit also has a small business for stickers.
Why are you nominating this individual?
All of her art experience.
Jennifer Haliski Retired (Teacher, Principal, Leader) (friends) Kit Renk Architecture Student
Since Day 1 over 100 years ago, student team members have been an essential part of our team. Their time with us ranges from seasonal to part-time and more, providing them with new skills and perspectives, and preparing them for a future beyond The Duck Store.
We’re proud to be a part of our team members’ University of Oregon experience, championing their potential both now as students and into their futures. Join us in celebrating our graduating team and Board members at tds.tw/tdsgrads24
Vice President of Sisterhood, Sigma Kappa, UO Esports, Mock Trial, Technology/ Handshake Assistant: Career Center
Nominated by: Cori Caplinger (friend and roomate)
Nominated by: Cooper Gast (subordinate)
What inspires you about this nonmine?
Maddy inspires me everyday. She is kind, brave, funny, smart, and dedicated.
Why are you nominating this individual?
Maddy is truly a light in everyone’s life. She is one of the most dedicated individuals I have ever met in my entire life. Maddy is resilient and strong, her braveness and persistence in the face of difficulties is nothing short of admirable.
Is there a particular story you’d like to tell about the Nominee that highlights why you’re nominating them?
There are many instances and highlights that come to my mind of Maddy. She and I lived together in Italy during our study abroad trip. I was facing many mental health challenges when abroad, and Maddy was the best support system I could ask for. She is immensely kind.
What inspires you about this nonmine?
He has the passion to start a school organization with the goal to raise money for charity and a great cause.
Why are you nominating this individual?
He goes above and beyond to support Operation Smile and raise money for charity.
Maddy Nelson Diyar Dezay Operation Smile, Capri at Oregon
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