The Things We Carry - Oregon Stater

George Cabrera, ’68, Ed.M. ’69, Ed.M. ’72

Professor emeritus, Western Oregon University

I still have the note that my advisor and mentor Dr. Ned Marksheffel in the School of Education gave me when I graduated so many years ago: “Best wishes for a most successful future, George. It has been a pleasure to see you develop. No doubt you’ll be a great teacher. I’ll be watching. And you can do it.” For 48 years, he was always with me and my students in our classroom, ensuring that I was doing my very best on their behalf.

Photo courtesy of George Cabrera

Tari Tan, ’08

Assistant Dean of Educational Innovation and Scholarship, Harvard Medical School

My closest mentors (and friends to this day) helped me navigate an undergraduate “identity crisis.” Their advice and encouragement to me — to thoughtfully reflect on my interests and priorities and to be willing to pivot and embrace change — was transformative to my life then and has been ever since. Their words continue to guide me through professional growth and evolution and to empower me to innovate solutions to the many unpredictable challenges in our world today.

Photo by Celia Muto

Victoria Nguyen, ’95, MAIS ’06

Global Director, Inclusive Talent and Workforce Learning, Genesys

Dr. Larry Roper, OSU’s former vice provost of student affairs, once challenged me: “Do you want to create the world you are a part of or let others shape it for you?” This profound question continues to guide my commitment to fostering inclusive practices. It’s also why I passionately support the OSU Alumni Association — helping ensure that Oregon State remains a welcoming, equitable space where future Beavers can grow and thrive.

Photo by Juan Casiano/Lumetry Media

Kenneth Munson, ’74, M.S. ’80

Retired Global Director of Forestry Projects for International Paper

There were two professors who inspired me during my time at OSU: Dr. Bob Tullock when I was an undergrad and Dr. Chet Youngberg when I was a grad student. Both were mentors before I knew what that meant. Both told me directly that I had potential well beyond my own self-assessment. The two-word summary I’ve carried around for over 50 years is “aim higher.” Now that I have a chance to mentor others, it’s a great privilege to keep the impact growing.

Photo by Peg Herring

The Things We CarryWhat’s a piece of advice or encouragement you received white at Oregon State that you still remember today?