Emerald Hero 2023

Table of contents

A note from the Editor

It’s that time of year again when we want to honor and thank the everyday heroes that are all around us. There are so many indiviuals who inspire us and push us to do our best throughout Eugene, and the Emerald Hero is our way of giving thanks for all that they do. This publication of Emerald Hero is filled with heartwarming stories of hard-working and compassionate individuals that make Eugene a better place in ways both big and small. This issue is filled with heroes from teachers and mentors who guided their students to acomplish more than they believed, and doctors and medical professionals who work directly with the homeless and less fortunate. These incredible stories warmed my heart and gave me a greater appreciation for our community. From us to you, thank you for everthing that you do!

Leone Special Sections Editor

Media Group 1395 University St., #302 Eugene, OR, 97403 541.346.5511 dailyemerald.com Emerald Hero is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald; the news organization was founded in 1900.

Lauren

Matrisha Armitage

Executive Director of MEPAA

What is inspiring about Matrisha?

My sister has dedicated her entire life to helping women and youths flourish in the creative arts. Her nonprofit MEPAA recently opened a school location offering music and art classes for all ages. She is without a doubt the most hardworking person I know. Early in my sister’s career, she worked a variety of jobs--first in law offices, and then as a bookkeeper. Her skill set is broad, and while she could have easily continued to chase after whatever job earned her the most money, Matrisha has followed her soul and heart and decided to dedicate her entire life to providing youth, women, and artists with the tools to express their authentic selves. Her stewardship of the Grrrlz Rock and Mepaa nonprofits has been incredible to watch; she transformed the organizations to serve a broad and diverse range of people, offering more creative opportunities than ever.

What can be learned from the Martisha?

Matrisha is just the best! The best hype-woman, the best MC, the best listener, the best motivator, the best teacher. The latest stepping stone floors me on her journey--a music school to provide in-person rock camps, music lessons, and artistic resources to the community. She is doing what most of us wish we could, which is centering her life around what matters: helping people and giving back. Her passion is boundless, and it’s impossible to come away from an interaction with her without feeling excited and hopeful. She will never quit on the people she loves and continues to work tirelessly to provide new and fun opportunities for a diverse range of artists

Charlie Deitz

UO Professor of Journalism and Communication

Torch Advisor at LCC

What is inspiring about Charlie?

He has helped me realize my potential while teaching me the craft of journalism. His levels of diplomacy while being able to relate to and enhance those who he taught was inspiring, to say the least. His work ethic shows how much he cares about those in his classes and the newsroom at LCC’s The Torch wouldn’t be the same without him, he is irreplaceable. I always thought I was a hard worker, having gone through school with a full-time job and a headache of relationships. But it never ceased to amaze me how Charlie, a single father, could work at multiple schools, UO, OSU, and LCC while putting his family first. Through all his work he still finds time for his community. In 2021 he spent his Thanksgiving with his daughter handing out dozens if not hundreds of handmade turkey dinners to the less fortunate in our community all while talking about how he wants to go bigger and do more the next time.

What can be learned from the Charlie?

He always has time for his community and students. He treats everyone as if they’re an extension of his family. Even when talking to higher-ups and bosses he doesn’t put on an act or pretend to be someone he’s not. What you see with Charlie is what you get - an honest man trying his best.

Charlie Dietz

Director of TRiO Student Support Services

What is inspiring about Tara, and how have they helped you?

For some background, TRiO is a program providing academic and basic needs resources for non-traditional and underrepresented students. As a member of this program, Tara has always taken a vested interest in my well-being and success. Her support means the world to me and I’m positive that plenty of other TRiO students feel the same.

Tara and the TRiO program are my go-to support systems on campus. Whether I need help working on internship applications or some personal mentorship, I know I can trust in and rely on Tara to provide me with helpful resources and advice.

What can be learned from Tara?

The way that Tara approaches everything with compassion and understanding is inspiring. She always makes sure that I’m feeling successful and supported in my academics, and she never fails to take the time to ensure that I’m doing alright personally, too. Her devoted care for the success of students at UO is such an inspiration!

Jessica George

Caseworker at ShelterCare

What is inspiring about Jessica?

High-quality support in finding housing for individuals with acute mental illness. She has an incredibly long list of individuals she has assisted while obtaining housing under very challenging circumstances. Her capacity to remain compassionate and present with coworkers and clients regardless of how challenging the situation is.

Liam “Boat” Elsensohn UO Student and Youth Sports Flag Football Coach

What is inspiring about Liam, and how have they helped you?

He is a perfect example of a student who goes above and beyond to give back to the community that he lives in. He was so excited to take his team to the final game and coach them at Autzen stadium. I think that he was just as excited as the kids were. He also took it very seriously, and made it a great experience for all the players on his team. I think the most inspirational thing about Liam is his enthusiasm for making others feel appreciated and loved. He is kind and passionate and he always knows how to make you laugh.

Sally Cummings

LIVESTRONG Coordinator at the Eugene Family YMCA

What is inspiring about Sally?

Sally reestablished the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, a program for cancer survivors and patients, after a necessary hiatus due to COVID. Participants lear n to get strong and healthy after their treatment, build strong social connections and learn about programs in town to help with holistic health. Sally is amazing because has always been in the field of fitness and the social determinants of health. She stepped away for her children, but her heart has always been in community wellness. She leads with service. LIVESTRONG isn’t just a job or career, it is a calling. She approaches classes with that passion and compassion. She brings decades of expertise to this program.

What can be learned from Sally?

She is a positive force of nature. She is working for the betterment and health of our community. Her passion starts at home with her kids’ health and well-being and from there, she aspires to help those of all ages. Everyone who interacts with her benefits. She is an active person: Northwest hiking and biking and being outdoors. She lives such an active life and she wants to share that ability. She knows not everyone can be at the same level of activity or fitness, but she wants to help everyone reach their full potential. She believes in movement as medicine.

Chad Ward Housing Specialist at ShelterCare

What is inspiring about Chad?

Chad is consistently providing high-quality service and assisting individuals with significant barriers to obtaining housing. He is constantly helping his coworkers improve their skills while simultaneously working with the homeless and at-risk populations. He is also an incredibly patient and compassionate listener to both staff and patrons alike.

Reggie Hayley

Harm Reduction Coordinator at HIV Alliance

What is inspiring about Reggie?

Reggie has tirelessly and often thanklessly operated one of the largest syringe exchange programs in Lane County for the last three years. They show up every day for our clients--rain or shine--and have built relationships throughout the community while ensuring people who need it have access to life-saving Narcan, clean syringes, and a safe place to dispose of used ones. They also facilitate syringe disposal boxes for various community partners all across Eugene so that folks can stay safe even in our absence.

Is there a story you would like to tell us about Reggie?

A few months ago I came into work to find Reggie already here, administering Narcan to a person experiencing an overdose in our agency parking lot. They were able to revive the person by the time EMS arrived to continue care, and the person returned to us later that day, alive and well thanks to Reggie’s quick response. What more can I say? As mentioned above, they are a literal life-saver! More than anything, I am inspired by Reggie’s kindness, the way their nonjudgmental attitude makes clients feel safe and at ease, and their continued dedication to taking care of our community even when their work goes unrecognized or is stigmatized by those who don’t fully understand the concept of harm reduction.

Director of Homeless and Emergency Services St. Vincent DePaul Society

What is inspiring about Roxann?

Roxann is a truly remarkable individual who, through her dedicated work, has made our community a better place for everyone. Through her efforts, we can live in a place where we afford the poor and those in need of life-supporting services and also support for finding their way out of unemployment and homelessness, issues that in the end affect all of us. She never hesitates to “get her hands dirty” and do whatever needs to be done, right down to scrubbing dishes and filling in to work front-line shifts when sites are short-staffed. She oversees SVdP’s Eugene Service Station and all of its dayshelter offerings; the Social Services Office; the Dawn to Dawn congregate tent shelter; the Safe Parking Program; The Phoenix House, a sober-living home for unsheltered women coming out of treatment; the First Place Family Center and First Place Kids/Preschool Promise program; the Night Shelter Annex; the Girls Youth House; two Safe Sleep Sites; and the list goes on.

What can be learned from Roxann?

One thing Roxann consistently does beautifully reflects her deep care for people and her insistence that all are treated with respect. Whenever she oversees the opening of a new shelter facility, she makes every effort to create warm, welcoming spaces that make guests feel at home. She’ll often spend days or weekends of her own time shopping at St. Vinnie’s retail-thrift stores for the best-quality décor and furnishings she can find, and then personally arrange it all to beautify shelter spaces and convey a dignified, inviting feel. As much as any one person possibly could, Roxann has embodied SVdP’s mission — to “assist the poor and those in need of consolation, seeking out and utilizing every resource” — and the agency’s core values, which include “love and respect for all people” and “desire to be of service.” Who Roxann is, and all she does, inspire many who encounter her through her work with SVdP.

James Starling aka Lavender Haze

Drag Queen at Spectrum

What is inspiring about James?

I am nominating James Sterling as my Emerald hero as they are a talented performer, partner, and overall sweet bundle of joy. Their drag is an extension of their personality: crazy, wild, and fun. Whilst lip-syncing Bad Romance by Lady Gaga, Lavender jumped on the bar table and jumped and landed in the splits. It was epic to watch. The fact that someone can come out and dance in 10-inch heels and do the splits in them is what inspires me to live. They entertain the LGBTQ+ community in various venues around Eugene, bridging joy and entertainment to hundreds of people under the drag alias, Lavender Haze.

James inspires me to be carefree and very in-the-moment when it comes to living life. He loves to entertain in drag, a sacred art form in the LGBTQ+ community. James inspires me to be a part of my community here in Eugene along with everyone else who watches their performances.

Kari Norgaard

UO Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies

What is inspiring about Kari, and how have they helped you?

She is the UO’s kindest and most loving professor. Last year, I took Kari’s courses Salmon and Society and Environmental Justice. These two courses have changed my life forever– not just by the content but by the genuine connections I made here. Kari remains professional yet strives to make interpersonal relationships happen in her classes. Her heart is huge, and she welcomes everyone with open arms. Even when teaching large classes, she makes an effort to connect with each student individually. One assignment that changes the game is her Memo Reflections where students write a reflection on how they’re interacting with course content. I very quickly felt emotionally safe in her space which allowed me to be vulnerable in these assignments. My raw emotions flooded the page when reflecting on triggering or sensitive material in the class, and this allowed me to form a close relationship with her. I soon realized we are very similar souls with a purpose for having each other in our lives. Although we connected for my environmental studies major, she is constantly uplifting my journalistic work by keeping in touch with possible stories and sources to pursue. I can go to her for anything, and she’s even helped me navigate some difficult conflicts. My love for this human is everlasting, and I would not be the person I am today had we not connected about our shared compassion for the environment and all species within it. She is dedicating her life to social/ environmental activism by utilizing her non-Native, western science prestige and privilege to uplift Native and Indigenous environmental activism work. Her priority to connect with people first has always inspired me, especially when so deep in academia.

Christopher Chavez

UO Professor of Advertising and Director of Center for Latin American Studies

What is inspiring about Christopher, and how have they helped you?

I am nominating Professor Chavez because he is such a kind and optimistic individual. He was the most amazing professor I had on my study-abroad trip to Spain. We spent 6 weeks learning about Spanish culture and global advertising while familiarizing ourselves with the wine industry throughout Spain. Professor Chavez eased my nervousness about traveling across the globe, and his positive and happy mood was infectious throughout the class. It was inspiring to listen to his lectures and the knowledge he gained throughout his career. His positive attitude, friendly manner, and the way he can make class fun and interesting!

UO Professor of Journalism and Communication

What is inspiring about Derek?

I am nominating him because he is a passionate teacher who cares about each of his student’s successes and growth. Derek Brandow who goes by Brandow to his students teaches a course in the journalism school called Confidence. This course helps students better their public speaking and other useful skills for the real world. One of the major themes of this course is becoming more vulnerable which challenges people to become genuine. When a student goes into Brandow’s class they are welcomed with a smile and a fun one-liner. Students who have taken this course can all agree that they have gone through a noticeable change for the better within the 10-week course. Brandow is that professor who will cheer you on for even your smallest achievements. He breaks down the wall of student and teacher and becomes friends with everyone he crosses paths with. Everyone should take a Brandow class.

What can be learned from Derek?

Since transferring to the University of Oregon I have always wanted to better connect with my professors but with Covid, it made it hard to have genuine connections. One day I wanted to talk to Brandow about one of my assignments. He ended up having a meeting with another student at Rennie’s but he said I could tag along. The other student’s meeting was quick and then it was my turn. Brandow and I ended up talking for 2 hours about my background and how I ended up in Oregon. It was cool to see a professor on a casual out-of-classroom occasion. It has been a little over a year since I had last stepped into Brandow’s class and every once in a while he will shoot me a text to see how I am doing. Brandow is one of the most caring professors I have ever met. Brandow inspires me because his dedication and passion for student success make me proud to be a student because knowing there is faculty rooting for you in your corner is a fantastic feeling.

Dr. Gail Hacker

Retired Physician and HIV Alliance Medical Director

What is inspiring about the Dr. Gail?

Gail has provided compassionate and responsive care to hundreds of Lane County residents over the years. She was a provider at the Community Health Center and has been delivering street-based care to HIV Alliance clients for over 4 years. She gives so many hours of care and her leadership as our Medical Director has helped us to launch a street-based medical care program and to expand our LGBTQ & HIV-focused healthcare services. Dr. Hacker has been providing care and treating injectionrelated wounds at our syringe exchange for many ears. Folks utilizing our syringe exchange often face barriers to care for injection-related wounds, but these injuries are incredibly painful and potentially life-threatening.

What can be learned from Dr. Gail?

Dr. Hacker meets clients where they are, she literally sees them on the street during our Eugene Syringe Exchange. She is often the provider who helps them to re-engage in regular care, she rebuilds their trust in health care and addresses their needs and pain without judgment. Her incredible compassion and drive to improve access for those in our community are in need.

Kim Fairbairn

Owner of Max’s Tavern

What is inspiring about Kim, and how have they helped you?

Max’s just finished up their construction of the addition of the cafe and Kim remained so positive through the entire process. The bar is a place for us students to come together and celebrate the end of a hard week or term, and she keeps the place fun and exciting always. The addition of the cafe allows us to do homework there or meet friends at lunch during the day and we are so thankful that Max’s is home to so many of us. During the construction, Kim would keep us updated about the progress and when we can expect it to be done. I remember in the fall term she gave me a tour of the addition and it was obvious how excited she was to expand the bar and make it more of a destination for the day, rather than just at night. Kim is always so welcoming to her customers, she greets everyone with a smile (and a bowl of popcorn) and has made Max’s the place to be!

Paul Swangard

UO Professor of Journalism and Communication

What is inspiring about Paul, and how have they helped you?

Paul Swangard is a very cool professor and legend in the Oregon track and field community. He always tells cool stories in class and always has a sarcastic yet hilarious sense of humor to him. He always makes the class very memorable even when it is on Friday at 9 am. His energy and wittiness makes the class a very enjoyable experience. He juggles a lot of different jobs and tasks in his life. He is a professor at UO but additionally is the play-by-play announcer at UO track and field events. Additionally, he broadcasts for NBC world track and field events. His ability to do so many things at once inspires me to take on every opportunity that is in front of me and to complete it to the best of my abilities.

Mark Furman Pro

Tem Instructor at UO School of Journalism and Communication

What is inspiring about Mark, and how have they helped you?

Mark is an enthusiastic instructor who has a passion for local journalism that shines through in the way he runs his classes. Mark took my Reporting II class to the Lane County Elections office last term. We had a chance to look at the inner workings of the county elections facility, and he encouraged us to ask staff questions about the elections process. It was the first time I’d had a field trip in an upper-division journalism class and it was a lot of fun and enlightening.

What are some of Mark’s greatest qualities?

Mark approaches journalism instruction from a realistic point of view. He has an enthusiasm for local journalism, and that rubbed off on me in his class. He encouraged students in his class to pitch story ideas, even if they weren’t fully fleshed out yet. He helped us form our underdeveloped pitches into ideas that could be reported on, and pitched to publications

Emily Henkelman

Academic Advisor for UO School of Journalism and Communication

What is inspiring about Emily, and how have they helped you?

I have worked with Emily since the summer before my freshman year of college. When I was 18 and completely unsure of where I was heading in my academic future at the University of Oregon, she was a reassuring voice that help guide me step-by-step. I attribute much of my success today to the guidance she has given me throughout the last 3 and a half years, including in academics and extracurriculars. However, she hasn’t only assisted me, but hundreds of my peers throughout her time at the University of Oregon, ensuring that we all amount to the best that we can be.

What are some of Emily’s greatest qualities?

She is kind, caring, compassionate, and driven to make sure that her students always succeed. She also has a remarkably good memory and remembers everyone that she has had any sort of interaction, making individuals feel as though they matter.