
CHC welcomes a new flock of Stamps Scholar Ducks
The University of Oregon’s most prestigious academic award brings innovative student leaders to the Clark Honors College.
Story and profiles by Maddy Carson, Clark Honors College Communications
Leadership. Scholarship. Service. Innovation. Perseverance. Stamps Scholars at the University of Oregon — and the 36 other partner universities across the United States and United Kingdom — excel in these pillars and consistently demonstrate a desire to inspire meaningful change in their communities.
Beginning this fall, the University of Oregon proudly welcomes 24 incoming Stamps Scholarship recipients to the Clark Honors College. “The Stamps scholarship is the most prestigious that UO awards to its students,” says CHC Dean Carol Stabile. “Working with Stamps Scholars over the past five years, I’ve seen how they recognize this privilege and work hard—in their studies, their service to communities, and their membership in the UO community—to pay that forward.”
As part of the award, each scholar receives four years of generous financial support in addition to enrichment funding for experiential learning opportunities, such as study abroad experiences and leadership training.
“Our newest cohort of Stamps Scholars is really special,” says Michelle Holdway, associate director for scholarships. “Coming to us from all parts of Oregon, the country and world, they represent a wide variety of talents and academic interests. But they share that common commitment to service and leadership that is integral to the Stamps Scholars Program.”
Get to know the group of scholars by reading about their backgrounds and listening to their favorite tunes on this year’s Stamps Scholars Soundtrack Spotify playlist.

What appeals most about CHC: I am excited to enroll in the unique honors classes where everyone is eager to learn.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I cannot wait to meet new people from all over.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want everyone to feel happy, safe, and valid. I think that, as humans, we are all interconnected and can do our part to help each other out.
Coffee or tea: Tea!
Song on repeat: “Circles” by Mac Miller
Favorite quote:
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” — Stephen Hawking
What appeals most about CHC: The very niche and interesting honors classes.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Making new connections and starting this new chapter of my life.
A change I'd like to make in the world: My goal is to change our immigration system.
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Song on repeat: “Amar de Nuevo” by Rauw Alejandro
Favorite quote:
“You can either suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of disappointment.” — Zach Jones (High School Coach)

What appeals most about CHC: The smaller class sizes give me a better chance to connect with my professors and like-minded students.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Since I was a kid, I would listen to stories from friends and relatives about how fun college was, so I cannot wait to have my own stories to share next time I see them.
A change I'd like to make in the world: Without a select few professionals in the medical field, my life would be so much more different than it is today. I wish to positively impact lives in the medical field because I know first-hand how important it is to receive compassionate care.
Coffee or tea: Neither, I prefer water.
Song on repeat: “Closer to the Sun” by Slightly Stoopid
Favorite quote:
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” — Steve Prefontaine

What appeals most about CHC: I am most excited for the small class sizes so that I can develop better relationships with my professors and classmates.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I'm looking forward to exploring the Eugene community and discovering all of the opportunities that UO has to offer.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to create policies that ensure our political institutions better serve all communities across the country.
Coffee or tea: Neither, but if I had to choose one, I'd go with coffee.
Song on repeat: “Novacane” by Frank Ocean
Favorite quote:
“You are your own best thing.” — from Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”

What appeals most about CHC: Experiencing the feel of a liberal arts college in the midst of a larger public university. I love the possibility of having smaller class sizes, yet having thousands of individuals to meet and connect with on campus.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Meeting people from all over the world and of different backgrounds, as well as studying abroad.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I feel driven to foster deep human connection for my generation and those ahead of me to combat isolation, mental health struggles, and the disconnect of technology.
Coffee or tea: Tea
Song on repeat: “Pretty Little Birds” by Sza ft. Isaiah Rashad
Favorite quote:
“We are all one, and if we don’t know it we will learn it the hard way.” — Bayard Rustin

What appeals most about CHC: I’m looking forward to working in a smaller community of people who are really invested in their interests, and for easier access to important resources.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Having the freedom to explore new interests and hobbies, and working with world-class professors on world-changing projects.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I hope to encourage people to look up more often and give themselves time to wonder!
Coffee or tea: Tea
Song on repeat: “August (Acoustic)” by flipturn
Favorite quote:
“Time will tell, she’ll see us through” — from a song by Gregory Alan Isakov

What appeals most about CHC: Small classes, professors who know your name, genuine discussions, and a built-in community of learners, dormmates and friends.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: All of the endless possibilities that the University offers–I want to take challenging, exciting classes, but also feel the energy of Autzen Stadium, explore the area’s natural beauty, and mostly, find the friends with whom I get to do all of this.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I wish to make the lives of those both close to and far from me better and to work on upholding people’s human rights to safety, freedom and a clean environment.
Coffee or tea: Both, all the time, in any form! Most often, a latte, matcha, or chai.
Song on repeat: “Thoroughfare” by Ethel Cain
Favorite quote:
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely/the world offers itself to your imagination/calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting” — from “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver
What appeals most about CHC: Smaller class sizes, faculty mentorship, and the opportunity to complete a thesis project.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: The big school culture, meeting new people, and football games!
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to use economics to make policy decisions that move us toward a better, more equitable future.
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Song on repeat: “Change” by J. Cole
Favorite quote:
“We did not come here to fear the future. We came here to shape it.” ― Barack Obama

What appeals most about CHC: The ability to work with people from so many different majors. Being able to take my business mind and collaborate with someone who has a more math- or medical or English-focused mind is going to help grow not just my knowledge but myself as a person, too.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Other than the amazing classes I'm about to take, I am most looking forward to the sports and being able to show school spirit for the rest of my life! And the trees!! I love the trees!!!
A change I'd like to make in the world: One of my greatest motivators is my desire to help others. Both of my businesses were founded with that purpose in mind, and through my work, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a business can have. A business builds a community and a community builds a business. That’s why I’m passionate about helping corporations create a greater, lasting impact in the communities they serve at a large scale.
Coffee or tea: Tea all the way!
Song on repeat: “American Kids” —Kenny Chesney
Favorite quote:
“Never settle for the path of least resistance, livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin’.” —Lee Ann Womack

What appeals most about CHC: Being able to study outside of my major and expand my interests. I am also excited to meet the other students in the CHC and make connections.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I am so excited to meet new people and have new opportunities.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to make the world a more equitable place by being an advocate for those who cannot speak up for themselves and being the representation that younger me would have wanted.
Coffee or tea: Tea!
Song on repeat: “Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige
Favorite quote:
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis

What appeals most about CHC: The different disciplines discussed that are directly researched by the professors and the student-led perspective being shared every class.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I am really excited for the culture and the football games. UO and its athletic program are staples of the university. In addition, the topics offered to the students of the honors college intrigue me as they touch on the pressing matters of the current world.
A change I'd like to make in the world: To elevate youth voices. We have become so much more powerful in our action, yet we are still undermined and looked down upon. I’d like to change that by creating even more spaces where youth can speak their minds with a platform supported by adults.
Coffee or tea: Coffee all the way. I love mine with condensed milk and ice.
Song on repeat: “Không Sao Cả” RAP VIỆT & 7dnight
Favorite quote:
“Just do it.” ―Nike
What appeals most about CHC: The small class sizes and the opportunity to have deep, meaningful relationships with my professors.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Meeting so many new people from new backgrounds and experiences! I am also looking forward to opportunities where I can grow as a student and a human.
A change I'd like to make in the world: Wanting to go into education, I hope that I can motivate and inspire a future generation to care about our world, and the people and places inside it.
Coffee or tea: I prefer chai tea with a shot of espresso. So, you could say both!
Song on repeat: “Unknown / Nth” by Hozier or “This Will End” by The Oh Hellos
Favorite quote:
“If you're not feeling everything, you're missing everything.” — Adele

What appeals most about CHC: The opportunity to connect with like-minded people and deeply explore topics that I am passionate about.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I can't wait to learn new things and meet new people!
A change I'd like to make in the world: I wish for everyone to have access to the resources and knowledge they need to live a healthy, happy life.
Coffee or tea: TEA. EVERY TIME.
Song on repeat: “Ocean” by Fisher, AR/CO
Favorite quote:
“To infinity and beyond!” — Buzz Lightyear

What appeals most about CHC: The large variety of classes.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Meeting new people.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to research new surgical techniques to make surgeries more efficient and safer.
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Song on repeat: “Just” by Radiohead
Favorite quote:
“The only thing you can do is choose the person you love, be kind to others, and make your brutally short stint on Earth as pleasant as possible.” — Renee Carlino

What appeals most about CHC: In any Clark Honors class, an education major could be sitting next to a computer science major. I really like that.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Studying abroad and putting my high school Spanish classes to use.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to be an occupational therapist and hope to develop methods to improve physical mobility and independence for students with disabilities.
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Song on repeat: “Add up my love” by Clairo
Favorite quote:
“Grammar is a piano I play by ear.” —Joan Didion
What appeals most about CHC: I’m drawn to the Clark Honors College for its small, interdisciplinary classes, close faculty mentorship, and an intellectually curious community.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Building meaningful relationships with CHC peers and faculty, whose diverse perspectives and mentorship will challenge me to grow academically and personally.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to help create a world where kindness guides our actions and safety allows everyone to truly thrive together.
Coffee or tea: Coffee, by far.
Song on repeat: “Last Heartbreak Song” by Ayra Starr and Giveon
Favorite quote:
“Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.” —Robert Schuller

What appeals most about CHC: The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the classes, and being part of a group of incredible, like-minded peers and staff.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I’m really looking forward to meeting a bunch of amazing people, and the opportunity to learn from the incredible faculty.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I’m hoping to do what I can to help people live more sustainably, so we can preserve our planet for future generations.
Coffee or tea: I go through phases, but right now I’m in a coffee phase.
Song on repeat: “Ribs” by The Crane Wives
Favorite quote:
“As a child, I considered such unknowns sinister. Now, though, I understand they bear no ill will. The universe is, and we are.” ― from the game Outer Wilds

What appeals most about CHC: I love the variety of classes and the focus on interdisciplinary learning.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Meeting new people and trying new things!
A change I'd like to make in the world: To empower others to feel like they can also make change.
Coffee or tea: 100% tea.
Song on repeat: “Always Let U Down” by Blood Orange & Samantha Urbani
Favorite quote:
“Every day is all there is.” — Joan Didion
What appeals most about CHC: I love the smaller community it creates within a large university, offering opportunities to form meaningful connections with both peers and faculty.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Meeting new people, exploring campus, and experiencing the incredible outdoor opportunities Oregon has to offer.
A change I'd like to make in the world: Making education accessible to everyone, regardless of identity or status, and ensuring it serves as a way to move forward in life.
Coffee or tea: Coffee everywhere in the world, but chai in Bangladesh.
Song on repeat: “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty
Favorite quote:
“What you seek is seeking you.” — Rumi

What appeals most about CHC: I really like smaller class sizes in the CHC because I enjoy getting to know my professors and other students in the classes.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: I am excited to meet new people and learn new things.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I want to positively influence the lives of others, big and small.
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Song on repeat: “Masterpiece” by Big Thief
Favorite quote:
“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” — Emily Dickinson

What appeals most about CHC: The small class sizes. They allow for such a fun dynamic between students and the professors.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Getting to explore what beautiful Oregon has to offer!
A change I'd like to make in the world: One contribution I wish to make in the world is to expand and deepen wildlife conservation efforts.
Coffee or tea: I am a coffee drinker, although I do enjoy tea in the evenings.
Song on repeat: “Bound for Heartache” by Thomas Rowland, harf.
Favorite quote:
“The golden years are passing by, these happy golden years.” — from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “These Happy Golden Years.”

What appeals most about CHC: The close-knit community and personalized advising that will help me explore my interests and make the most of my time at UO.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Getting to know new people, engaging in classes that push me to think differently, and finding my place in the campus community.
A change I'd like to make in the world: I aim to make justice more accessible and equitable by ensuring that people of all financial backgrounds have the legal representation they deserve.
Coffee or tea: Coffee in the mornings and afternoons, and tea in the evenings.
Song on repeat: “The Man Who Can't Be Moved” by The Script
Favorite quote:
“What is now proved was once only imagined.” —from William Blake’s “Heaven and Hell”
What appeals most about CHC: I love how involved the CHC faculty is in the lives of CHC students. I love how the smaller class sizes promote connections between students and faculty, increasing access to internships, research opportunities, and other career-related experiences.
At UO, I'm most looking forward to: Being part of a community of driven and well-rounded individuals in the Honors College, while simultaneously being part of a large and spirited student body.
A change I'd like to make in the world: want to ensure those with a disability have proper access to the resources and tools they need to live their lives. I aim to achieve this primarily through volunteer work in my free time.
Coffee or tea: COFFEE ALL THE WAY
Song on repeat: “Shapeshifter” by Lorde
Favorite quote:
“Don’t ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.” —Lady Gaga