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Summer Bridge Director and Professor, English/Writing
Cori Brewster teaches courses in rhetoric, writing, and literacy studies and serves as Writing Coordinator in the English/Writing program. Her current research focuses on rhetorics of race, gender, and agriculture and access and equity in public higher education. She is always looking forward to spending more time outside. She earned her PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from Washington State University, her MA in Literature from the University of Montana, and her BA in English with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Oregon.
Associate Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Bennie Moses-Mesubed, from Palau in the Micronesian Region, has lived in Eastern Oregon for 29 years. As Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Eastern Oregon University, she leads efforts to develop sustainable diversity-centered initiatives. She oversees the Multicultural Center, Campus Resource Advocacy, Native American Program, International Student Program, Study Abroad, and the Title III BRIDGES Program. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Bennie has worked in various roles, including Learning Center Academic Support, Disability Services, University Advancement, Student Affairs, and DEIB. She holds an MBA from EOU and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Adult in Higher Education at Oregon State University, with an expected graduation date of June 2025. Bennie is passionate about building an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and can thrive.
MentorSophomore, Music major
Diego is from Baker City, Oregon. He enjoys playing guitar and goofing around with friends. He was a 2023 summer bridge participant and is excited to help the 2024 program.
MentorSophomore, Public Relations and Communications major
Khloe is majoring in Public Relations and communications. She spends most of her time hanging out with her dog.
Senior Lead MentorSenior, Psychology major with a minor in Art
From “the small but mighty island of Palau,” Losii Daniel is the current president of the Navigator’s Club and has been involved in many EOU events such as the Celebrate, Educate, Appreciate Diversity (CEAD) Conference. Losii attended Summer Bridge in 2021 and has been a lead mentor for Summer Bridge since 2022.
Mentor / Math TutorSophomore, Computer Science major with a minor in Mathematics
Levi is a huge social fanatic, love to talk with old, current, and new friends, “Strangers are friends you just haven’t talked with yet.” He loves being outside and feeling the Hot Summer Breeze and the Cold winter snowball fights. He joined the Army ROTC and Oregon Army National Guard and he loves to play sports and doing anything new, from taking hikes to competing in a basketball competition.
Writing TutorSenior, English/Writing major
Delilah is a local to the area and has a passion for the written word. She’s had work published online in the Coffin Bell Journal and is working towards becoming a professor of creative writing. When she isn’t tutoring or acting as a club officer she’s a big fan of reading, writing, board games, video games, and watching movies about vampires.
Lead MentorJunior, Public Relations major with a minor in Economics
Eberdil is from the beautiful island of Palau and loves traveling, playing basketball, and going outdoors. She attended Summer Bridge as a new student in 2022 and this year is happy to be a part of the mentors.
Campus Resource Advocate
Pamela Fredrick Williams is Eastern Oregon University’s Campus Resource Advocate, and she is from the island of Pohnpei. Her job at EOU is focused on helping students locate and access resources on and off campus like food banks, child care, transportation, legal referrals, health care, scholarships, financial aid advice, and even job opportunities. She has hosted an event called the resource fair and also provided food boxes to students throughout the school year. Pamela’s office is in Hoke Union Building’s room 212, the Multicultural Center.
Senior Lead MentorSenior, Mathematics major with a minor in Art focusing in Photography
Hailey was born and raised on the west side of Oregon in Oregon City. When Hailey isn’t working or attending classes you’ll find her with friends playing card or board games, bowling downtown, or sitting outside with her cat on a nice day. As a lover of traveling, she loves to tell and listen to stories about traveling or other cultures. Once she completes her bachelor’s degree this year she plans to apply to the MAT program as the next step in her educational journey to become a high school math teacher. She’s participated in Summer Bridge every year she’s been at Eastern, first as a student in 2021 then as a lead mentor since 2022.
Lead MentorSenior, English/Writing major
From the Republic of Palau, Oreng Kikuo is a transfer student that entered Summer Bridge 2023, and has since settled into different roles at Eastern Oregon University, from being a student lead mentor for Summer Bridge 2024 to being the Editor-in-Chief for the Eastern Oregon Science and Social Science Journals. Oreng enjoys travelling, reading, and learning new things, but most importantly, staying at home with friends and family.
MentorSophomore, Health and Human Performance major with a minor in Psychology
Coming from the beautiful island of Palau, Hartleen is a first-time mentor for Summer Bridge. She enjoys writing and is a reporter for the Voice of EOU. Now that she is a mentor, Hartleen is excited to embark on this journey through the college community aiding her peers and guiding new and on-campus students. She enjoys listening to gospel music and being in the bright sun. Hartleen loves being at church and singing with the choir. She has a bright light for her community and is willing to share it with others.
Lead MentorSenior, Information Technology Management major
O’Keef is from the Republic of Palau and earned an Associate of Science degree in Information Technology from Palau Community College in 2023. Following that, he transferred to Eastern Oregon University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management. O’Keef is committed to leadership and community service; he has served in student government at PCC and held the position of Vice President of the Navigators Club at EOU. Currently, he is a member of the President’s Commission on Student Success and Belonging, where he advocates for student engagement and inclusivity.
InstructorMathematics
Director of Advising
Sam is from a tiny Eastern Oregon town of 500 people. She is currently the Director of Academic Advising and has served at EOU since 1994. She is a lover of the outdoors and her family. She’s a new grandma, which is her raison d’etre! Sam has traveled to Palau and FSM and the Marshall Islands working with students, and has a heart for the Pacific Islands and their people. Sam earned her bachelor’s degree from EOU in 1996 in Anthropology/Sociology with honors.
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Mika Morton serves as the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at EOU. As director, she oversees the daily operations of the department and supports, develops, and delivers programs and initiatives designed to cultivate and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich campus. She also oversees the International Student Services office, advising international students on F-1 visa immigration regulations, as well as supporting all aspects of the Study Abroad program. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Japanese Linguistics from Oregon State University. Since moving to La Grande with her family in 2004, Mika has been dedicated to building an inclusive community. Born in Tokyo and bilingual in English and Japanese, she brings a unique bi-cultural perspective to her role.
MentorSophomore, Business Administration major with a minor in Computer Science.
Saraï Clunie Paul is an international student from Haiti. She is pursuing a degree in business administration and a minor in computer science at Eastern Oregon University. Growing up in an orphanage in Haiti inspired her dream of becoming a successful businesswoman and working with children. In her free time, Saraï enjoys watching true crime documentaries and trying out new recipes in her kitchen.
MentorJunior, Communications major with a minor in Psychology
Natanya works for the Outdoor Program on campus and she is from Juneau, Alaska. She enjoys hiking, hammocking, rock climbing, and basically anything that has to do with the outdoors and friends.
Lead MentorJunior, Education major with a concentration in English for Speakers of Other Languages and a minor in Business
Ozzie is from Prineville, Oregon and enjoys golfing, playing basketball, and participating in any other games with friends during his free time. He participated in Summer Bridge as a student in 2022.
MentorJunior, Information Technology Management major with a minor in Computer Science
Dean Jr. Rudimch (nickname: DJ) is from the Republic of Palau. He is an alumnus from Palau Community College with an A.S degree in Informational Technology. He then transferred to EOU and took part in Summer Bridge program 2023, as he started his progress towards his B.S. in Information Technology Management. DJ enjoys playing basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, and especially video games.
Associate Professor and Director of the Writing CenterEnglish/Writing
In addition to directing the EOU Writing Center and teaching in the English/Writing program, Dr. Rysdam writes and publishes about teaching college composition, responding to student writing, rhetorics of political economy, social class, labor, power, feminist medical rhetorics, doula work, and literacy. She continues to write poetry and fiction as well. In her free time, Dr. Rysdam enjoys reading, writing, gardening, practicing and teaching yoga, doula work, and spending time with her family. Dr. Rysdam earned her PhD in Rhetoric and Composition from Washington State University, her MA in Creative Writing from Western Washington University, and her BA in English with a minor in Spanish from Eastern Oregon University.
Assistant Director of Academic SupportLearning Center
Ryan Scariano is the author of two poetry collections: Not Your Happy Dance (Finishing Line Press) and Smithereens (Imperfect Press). Some of his recent work has appeared in The American Journal of Poetry, SOFTBLOW, Rock & Sling, Phantom Drift, basalt, and Bright Bones: Contemporary Montana Writing. He earns his living in La Grande, but his heart resides on the Central Oregon Coast. Ryan earned his MFA in Poetry from Eastern Washington University and his BA in English from Portland State University.
Assistant Professor and CORE CoordinatorEnglish/Writing
Jennifer (Jenny) Slinkard teaches primarily gateway seminar, first-year writing, and introductory applied linguistics courses at EOU. Her professional interests include transitions to higher education, language identity, language policy, and writing pedagogy. Her personal interests include hiking, backpacking, bicycling, and pretty much any other opportunity to play outside. Dr. Slinkard earned her PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching from the University of Arizona, an MA in English as a Second Language from University of Arizona, an MA in English Literature and Language from University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a BA in English from Truman State University in Missouri.
MentorJunior, Business Administration major
Lovinson is from the island of Palau. He loves playing baseball and volleyball and also enjoys being outdoors.
Senior Instructor IIEnglish/Writing
James Stolen grew up in Alaska and Oregon. He served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho between 2006-2008. An avid adventurer, photographer and writer, he is often found outside the classroom exploring the local region of Eastern Oregon. He teaches creative writing and literature and is involved with the Outdoor Activities Program and Summer Bridge. James earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Virginia Polytechnic Institution and his BA in English from Carleton College. He has publications in Callaloo Review, Shenandoah, Bellevue Literary Review, Sierra Nevada Review and Minnesota Review, among others. He is currently working on a novel and a collection of essays.
Lead MentorJunior, History major with a minor in Native American Studies
Madelynn was in Summer Bridge 2022 and have been a mentor since April 2023. She is from Union, Oregon which isn’t too far from LaGrande. She enjoys crocheting, journaling, and reading.
Senior Lead MentorSenior, Information Technology Management major with a minor in Computer Science
From the beautiful island of Palau, Lyresha enjoys being in bed and reading a good book or watching a horror movie to pass the time. She has an Associate’s of Science in Information Technology and worked for two years as a clerk in an elementary school in her hometown. She is a former Secretary of the Navigators’ Club and has participated in various activities on campus. She has also participated in Summer Bridge as a mentor in 2022 and is now a current Lead Mentor of Summer Bridge and hopes that she “comes out of her shell more.”
Senior Lead MentorSenior, Interdisciplinary Studies major with two minors in Anthropology/Sociology and Health Studies
Jeyda Titiml was born and raised in the beautiful islands of Palau. She is the oldest middle child of nine siblings and “an auntie of too many babies.” She studied health pathways for four years in high school and completed her practicum as an OBGYN nurse. She is a Palau Community College alumni with an associate’s degree in Community Public Health (CPH). Jeyda spent the past summer in Palau as an intern for the Ministry of Health and spent most of her time in the Division of Behavioral Health. She participated in Summer Bridge as a student in 2021 and has served as a lead mentor since summer 2022.
MentorSenior, Art major
Baron Ucharm is a first-year Summer Bridge Mentor and Senior Art Major at Eastern Oregon University from the Island of Palau. Having been a Summer Bridge Mentee in 2023, now in his second year at EOU, Baron also serves as a Campus Student Security Officer, committed to a safe and supportive environment for the university community. He likes cars with the windows down so everyone can hear what the wind is saying at night. video games, and mystery/action dramas and brain-rot podcasts are his go to forms of entertainment.
Teaching AssistantJunior, Elementary Education major
Erin is studying elementary education at EOU, she is a junior and a teacher assistant in this year’s Summer Bridge Program. Off-campus she enjoys shooting archery, hunting, and fishing. Erin also enjoys photography and traveling to Hawaii with her family. Her Great Danes are her big best friends. Erin loves being outside or up in the mountains or going on little adventures.
Senior InstructorMathematics
Kyle Winkelmaier teaches a variety of math courses at EOU with an emphasis on developmental math such as Pre-Algebra and Algebra. He earned his MS in Mathematics at the University of New Mexico and his BA in Mathematics and Philosophy from Colgate University in upstate New York. When not thinking way too much about abstract concepts you can often find him on long walks with his dog or playing video games with a cat in his lap.
Professor and Department ChairMathematics
Dr Yielding has enjoyed teaching mathematics and statistics at EOU for over 14 years. She strives to provide EOU students an excellent mathematical experience in their courses, whether lower or upper division. Since arriving at EOU, students have completed successful original and novel research projects in a wide range of mathematical areas with Dr Yielding. Outside the classroom, you will find her enjoying the amazing outdoors that surround the Grande Ronde Valley: hiking, biking, cross country skiing, rafting, or harvesting morels and huckleberries.
Dr. Cori BrewsterDirector and Professor of English/WritingCollege of Arts, Humanities, and Social SciencesEmail: cbrewste@eou.eduOffice: Ackerman 204-E