For the first time ever, more than two dozen first-year students were awarded UO’s most prestigious academic-based scholarship.
Story and profiles by Maddy Carson, Clark Honors College Communications
When it comes to Stamps SchoIars, the 2024-25 academic year has been one for the record books at the Clark Honors College.
This year, there were 25 students beginning their college careers who were named as recipients of the prestigious scholarship that’s handed out to high-achieving students from the U.S. and the United Kingdom. That’s more than has ever been seen in the history of the awards at UO.
“We are so grateful to the Stamps Foundation for making sure that our excellent students get the support they need to follow their academic dreams,” says CHC Dean Carol Stabile. “We are proud to be partnered with this great organization.”
Stamps Scholars receive four years of generous financial support and access to enrichment activities, study abroad opportunities and leadership training. The students are celebrated as top academic scholars at 36 partner schools, including the University of Oregon.
We want to introduce you to 24 of them from this year’s contingent. (One student did not want to participate in this story.)
You can get to know the group of scholars better by hearing their favorite music on this year’s Stamps Scholars Soundtrack Spotify playlist.
Amanda Alfonso
Hometown: Pueblo, Colorado
Intended Major: Neuroscience
What drew you to the CHC?
I love the strong focus on interdisciplinary learning. The idea of a small liberal arts college within a large university appealed to me. (It) allows me to explore my interests outside of my major and make meaningful connections with my peers and professors.
Favorite quote?
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon's quote has always reminded me that enjoying the present moment is important, even if I always want to plan for the future.
What change do you want to make in the world?
Making healthcare more accessible and affordable for people in low-income and rural areas.
Coffee or tea?
Both. It depends on my mood.
Songs for the Stamps playlist:
“You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan and “Champagne Coast” by Blood Orange and Dev Haynes
Tessa Carolina Baraybar
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
Intended Major: Architecture
What drew you to the CHC?
I love being part of a community that shares genuine curiosity for the world.
Favorite quote?
“You’ll meet them all again on the long journey to the middle.” It’s from the movie Almost Famous.
What change do you want to make in the world?
I hope that I can impact whatever community I’m a part of by being a determined force for progress.
Coffee or tea?
Tea for sure. Though I do enjoy those complementary motel room coffees.
Songs for the Stamps playlist:
“NAIKY” by Akapellah, Ivda, and MaRI
Braylon Belloni
Hometown: Newport, Oregon
Intended Major: Business marketing
What drew you to the CHC?
All the benefits of a liberal arts college, while still being connected to a large campus with lots of opportunities to explore my academic interests.
Favorite quote?
I live by the phrase “Yolo of the week.” I try to go out of my way to do one thing I normally wouldn’t each week.
What change do you want to make in the world?
(To make) progress on sustainability initiatives and help the world adopt practices and systems that are environmentally friendly.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee for sure.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino
Zoe Breitigan
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Intended Major: Business Administration
What drew you to the CHC?
The supportive staff and academic opportunities beyond class instruction.
Favorite quote?
“I’m the master of my fate, I’m the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley
What change do you want to make in the world?
Positively influence others’ lives in small ways.
Coffee or tea?
Both
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Sun to Me” by Zach Bryan
Ella Bruun
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Intended Major: Neuroscience
What drew you to the CHC?
I was drawn to the opportunity to have discussions with classmates who are studying different things, therefore offering unique perspectives when we come together during class.
Favorite quote?
“We can do hard things!” That comes from my mom.
What change do you want to make in the world?
My dream is to become a physician and serve different communities across the globe while working toward a larger goal of minimizing health disparities and maximizing health equity.
Coffee or tea?
Neither. If I’m in need of some caffeine, I’ll have an energy drink.
Songs for the Stamps playlist:
“Go Back” by John Summit and Sub Focus, featuring Julia Church
Hope Call
Hometown: Ketchikan, Alaska
Intended Major: Psychology
What drew you to the CHC?
I was drawn to the more personalized, smaller classes and being immersed in an environment of other individuals who are passionate and work hard.
Favorite quote?
“You will never regret having a kind heart.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
Serving others and making my career centered around healthy and cohesive communities.
Coffee or tea?
Neither. Barq's Root beer.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan
(Sarah) Nicola Chmelir
Hometown: Medford, Oregon
Intended Major: Biology and English Literature
What drew you to the CHC?
The small class sizes, emphasis on academics, intellectual community, and elevated advising.
Favorite quote?
“Have courage and be kind.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
My greatest aspiration is to work as a traveling physician because I want to help maximize the accessibility of medical care around the world and minimize such existing inequalities.
Coffee or tea?
Tea at home and coffee when I go out.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
I’ve been loving “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers – such a fun song.
Erika Danzer
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Intended Major: Architecture
What drew you to the CHC?
Thesis defense, and the opportunity to research and present information on a subject I am passionate about.
Favorite quote?
“The way you stand there, don’t let your wings go to waste.” - Tyler, the Creator
What change do you want to make in the world?
Improving equity in as many facets of life as possible, whether that be through design, criminal justice, media, literally in anything and everything.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, unless there’s Matcha.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan
Lana Dezay
Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Intended Major: Human Physiology
What drew you to the CHC?
The opportunity to have close relationships with faculty and students due to the small classroom sizes.
Favorite quote?
“If you think you can’t, then you’ve already failed.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
I wish to make healthcare more accessible and welcoming for all.
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish
Carmen Duerinckx
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Intended Major: Human Physiology
What drew you to the CHC?
I was drawn to the CHC because I thrive in smaller class settings that allow me to build relationships with my professors.
Favorite quote?
“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community through healthcare. My goal is to become a doctor and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
Coffee or tea?
Both. I like iced coffee in the morning and hot tea at night.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles
Ava Flores
Hometown: Napa, California
Intended Major: Business Administration
What drew you to the CHC?
I was drawn to CHC because of the small community. All my life I've gone to small private schools and have thrived in a smaller learning environment and I felt that this would give me a sense of familiarity.
Favorite quote?
“I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” – Maya Angelou
What change do you want to make in the world?
To bring more laughter and positivity. I’m a bubbly person and if there’s one thing I love to do it’s laugh.
Coffee or tea?
I’m not really a coffee or tea drinker but if I had to choose, I’d go with coffee.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
A song I’ve been listening to on repeat is “We Are The People” by Empire of the Sun.
Marisa Flores
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Intended Major: Biology
What drew you to the CHC?
The intimate environment and small student-to-faculty ratio, while still being part of the larger UO community.
Favorite quote?
“Un día a la vez.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
As a Latina, I aim to enhance mental health awareness and support in our community, where stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help and perpetuates suffering.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee!!!
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Good Luck, Babe!” By Chappell Roan
Tyla Garfas-Knowles
Hometown: Ashland, Oregon
Intended Major: Communication Disorders and Sciences
What drew you to the CHC?
I loved the idea of a college within a college. The class options and small class settings were all things that drew me in.
Favorite quote?
“True wisdom is knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
What change do you want to make in the world?
I hope to make the world a safer, more enjoyable place, where everyone feels like they belong.
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Do I wanna know?” by Arctic Monkeys
Dina Goldman
Hometown: Mountain View, California
Intended Major: Something in the arts and humanities
What drew you to the CHC?
I love the close faculty mentorship, unique classes, and opportunities to work on my writing skills.
Favorite quote?
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
What change do you want to make in the world?
I want to use my art and writing to help underrepresented groups share their stories. I’m particularly passionate about interfaith understanding, environmentalism, and healthcare inequality.
Coffee or tea?
Iced Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Vienna” by Billy Joel
Lincoln Hirata
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Intended Major: Business Administration
What drew you to the CHC?
In the future, I plan to apply for the 3+3 program, which will allow me to earn my law degree in an accelerated time frame. Who wouldn’t want to complete their degree more quickly? It’s an opportunity that’s hard to pass up.
Favorite quote?
“When they go low, we go high.” – Michelle Obama
What change do you want to make in the world?
I hope people recognize that we are all interconnected in countless ways, and therefore, we should advocate for others as if we were advocating for ourselves.
Coffee or tea?
I really enjoy both, but I tend to drink more tea.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“The Girl Is Mine” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
Karenna Johnson
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado
Intended Major: Currently undecided, but I’m interested in biology and Chinese.
What drew you to the CHC?
The interconnectedness of the community between both faculty and students.
Favorite quote?
“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s.” – J.D. Salinger
What change do you want to make in the world?
I want to use all of the amazing opportunities I have been given to empower others to grow, hopefully through education reforms.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee!
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Lighthouse” by Adrianne Lenker
Josie North
Hometown: Central Point, Oregon
Intended Major: Political science and Global Studies
What drew you to the CHC?
The amazingly unique classes and opportunities that it offers.
Favorite quote?
“This was a time when I intentionally failed to drop bread crumbs for my return journey; instead, I ate them.” – from André Aciman’s novel, Call Me By Your Name
What change do you want to make in the world?
I want to make people feel safe, accepted, and joyful.
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“The Hidden River of My Life” by Sufjan Stevens
Elaina Oommen
Hometown: Damascus, Oregon
Intended Major: Biology
What drew you to the CHC?
I loved the idea of a small, tight-knit community within a larger university. The classes on some relatively niche topics also drew me in!
Favorite quote?
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
What change do you want to make in the world?
I’d love to make health care accessible to all. Having your health issues treated is the foundation of a happy life, yet accessing health care is a struggle for far too many. That shouldn’t be the case.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee, as long as it’s iced! Otherwise, I love a cup of peppermint tea.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Live in the Moment” by Portugal. The Man
Hannah Rabe
Hometown: Dairy, Oregon
Intended Major: Psychology
What drew you to the CHC?
I liked the small class size and the community aspect of the CHC. I also think it will open a lot of opportunities.
Favorite quote?
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” – Zig Ziglar
What change do you want to make in the world?
I wish to help the people in this world who are struggling and spread awareness about mental health.
Coffee or tea?
I prefer tea.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Delta Dawn” by Tanya Tucker
Cecilia Seldera-Bahnson
Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon
Intended Major: Environmental Design
What drew you to the CHC?
I was drawn to the smaller class sizes, interdisciplinary focus, and more direct relationships with professors and peers.
Favorite quote?
“All flourishing is mutual.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass
What change do you want to make in the world?
I want to contribute to a better relationship between individuals and societies and the land and environments that we inhabit.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Free Treasure” by Adrianne Lenker
Charlotte Stratford
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Intended Major: Business Administration
What drew you to the CHC?
The emphasis on liberal arts and opportunities to grow as a student that the CHC provides made me want to join the Clark Honors College.
Favorite quote?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
What change do you want to make in the world?
To make people’s lives less stressful and help the world enjoy the present moment more.
Coffee or tea?
Tea, specifically the medicine ball tea from Starbucks.
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Sandpaper” by Zach Bryan
Carliana (Carly) Straub
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Intended Major: Biology
What drew you to the CHC?
The idea of a smaller community inside of a big university and the resources and connections the CHC has to offer.
Favorite quote?
“One last goonie weekend” – Mouth from the movie, The Goonies
What change do you want to make in the world?
To be a part of a cancer research team, so hopefully curing cancer or advancing technology for cancer patients.
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty
Heidi Thalman
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Intended Major: Environmental Science
What drew you to the CHC?
Meeting Clark Honors College students who had incredible opportunities supported by faculty. I appreciate how tightly-knit the community is and how excited students are to be a part of the program.
Favorite quote?
“If you’re not feeling everything, you’re missing everything.” – Adele
What change do you want to make in the world?
I hope to mediate international policy relating to wildlife conservation and more generally, environmental protection.
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“Ends of the Earth” by Lord Huron
Nick Versace
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Intended Major: Business and Music
What drew you to the CHC?
Intimate classroom experience, more connection to the teachers and interesting subjects.
Favorite quote?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
What change do you want to make in the world?
To use my knowledge of business and music to start an artist-friendly record label that also focuses on researching music theory and music therapy.
Coffee or tea?
Neither
Song for the Stamps playlist:
“That Moon Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov