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Voices of Linfield
Read Alumni Stories
Stopping by: Good day, every day
Mariana Fernandez, a Linfield graduate, teaches first grade at Wascher Elementary, blending passion, bilingual skills, and psychology. A former P.E.O. scholarship recipient, she now helps others through the organization. She balances teaching with working at her family’s restaurant and hopes to inspire students to dream big and work hard.
Forging Unconditional Friendships
Lindsay Walker’s time at Linfield led to friendships that have endured for nearly three decades. These bonds, formed through shared experiences and a close-knit community, have grown into an unbreakable support system.
From Linfield to Hollywood
From horror to Hallmark holiday feel-goods, Jenna Brister ’06 has the catalog to do it all. The comedian, actress and screenwriter graduated from Linfield with a degree in mass communications and is now thriving in Hollywood.
2024 Alumni Service Award
Join us in congratulating Kerry Carmody ’73 as this year’s recipient of the Linfield Alumni Service Award. He has been passionate about Linfield for over 50 years.
2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Lance Lopes ’85 is Linfield’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. From a 2-stoplight town in the middle of nowhere where less than 10% of students attended college to becoming Executive VP, General Counsel for the Seattle Kraken.
2024 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Miriam Vargas Corona ’14 has been selected as this year’s Outstanding Young Alumnus. Miriam was born in Michoacán, Mexico, immigrated to the United States at the age of nine months, and grew up in Dayton, Oregon.
Nashville country singer returns to Linfield for NW Media Fest
Jessie G ’12 has been making waves in Nashville as an independent country singer/songwriter. The political science and music alumnus returned to Linfield for the 2023 NW Media Fest, showcasing her music and sharing her creative journey with current students.
Transformation Through Travel
Aidan Howell '22 International Relations grew up dreaming of traveling the world. Today she has begun her career in the air travel industry. Read here how her time studying at Linfield and abroad equipped her with the tools she needed to step into this career with confidence.
Making Connections to Creativity
Read about how Emma Inge's focus on building a strong network during her undergrad led her to internships and eventually a full time job producing content for a creative company after graduation.
Uncovering Inspiration
Elise Bedford ’22 had a plan – graduate in three years, get real-world medical training and then attend medical school to become a doctor. What she didn’t know was where her journey would start.
Knowledge Is an Open Door
Antonio Peña Anaya’s high school counselor warned him: “Don’t apply to a four-year university.” Students like Antonio, a child of undocumented immigrants, aren’t always welcome, she said. Was Antonio discouraged? Not for a moment. He was determined to prove her wrong.
Activate the Discovery Gene
Once a first-generation college student, now a dedicated member of Linfield's science faculty, Catherine Reinke comes alive when she blends teaching with her research as a cell biologist.
Within Reach
Daughter of a single mother. Sister to a deployed active duty United States Marine. And unable to secure loans to afford a four-year university experience. This is the story of Hannah Waterman - one of Linfield University's many prized students.
Composed For Global Success
Music has taken Linfield alumnus Zach Gulaboff Davis ’14 from his home in Salem, Oregon to some of the most amazing places in the world.
2023 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Rakshya Khatiwada ‘08 has dedicated her life to learning and discovery in the field of physics. As one of Linfield’s international students, her experience is unlike many that have attended Linfield. Her exceptional career is rooted in her uncommon education at Linfield.
2023 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Brent Barry ’96 is Linfield’s 2023 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. He attributes his ability to confront recent crises with composure, courage and intelligence to the lessons he acquired in the classrooms and through participation in athletics at Linfield.
2023 Alumni Service Award
Join us in congratulating Dana (Dancer) Vandecoevering ’83 as this year’s recipient of the Linfield Alumni Service Award. She has shown her loyalty to Linfield through the donation of her time, talents and resources.
Pairing Art with Science
Kalkidan Crapper '19 is a fourth-grade teacher who believes every kid should have the chance to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). She tries to incorporate these topics into class a little bit each day.
Discovering a Path Less Traveled
Jessenya Mil ’19 arrived at Linfield interested in the sciences. She found a home for her passion in the biology lab. Today, she's a third-year doctoral candidate in the molecular biology doctorate program at UCLA.
Breaking Through the Beauty Industry
Lash Lab PDX began as a lash extension service provided by Linfield alumnus Amantha Hood '17. “My company provides the service of lash extensions, but I think the bigger impact on the community is that I’m teaching people how to start a business and how to be their own boss.”
Diwali: A Festival of Lights
Diwali is the Indian Festival of Lights. Diwali is about the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is about radiance and hope. Diwali is about good food and socializing. And Diwali is about connection and respect.
2022 Alumni Service Award
Garlinn (Hansen) Story ’69 has been a passionate advocate for Linfield and has served the university in a number of capacities over the years. She is the recipient of the 2022 Alumni Service Award.
2022 Outstanding Young Alumni
I’m incredibly grateful that Linfield helped me grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. My four years carved a path for me to pursue a career where I can help others grow in similar ways,” said Zach Brandon '14, Linfield's 2022 Outstanding Young Alumni recipient.
2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year
Jeffrey Crapper ’00, the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, took full advantage of his Linfield education with a triple major, plus a minor. And he hasn’t slowed down in the years since.
Wildcat Writers
Looking for a summer read? Peruse a selection of work by Wildcat alumni who have moved on to publish great things.
Love at Linfield
February is known as the month of love. We recently asked our alumni to share their stories of finding love at Linfield and the response was overwhelming! Here are a few stories of Linfield love connections throughout the decades.
Life Between the Lanes
If you can name a Team USA swimmer from the past two decades, there’s an excellent chance Stacey Michael-Miller ’96 worked with them in some capacity.
Si-Boards in Training
Having the chance to explore an idea – even ones that appeared odd on the surface – is one of the things Elysia Tsai ’99 appreciates most about her time at Linfield University.
SOAN Graduate Published in Academic Research Journal
This past spring, Linfield graduate Emmaline Irvine ’21 was featured in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Anthropology for the work she produced for her senior honors thesis.
Student Led, Student Read
Ready to take the next step in his education, Ethan Myers '21 decided to transfer into a more extensive journalism program. As a student-athlete with a passion for adventure, the decision to transfer to Linfield University was a straightforward choice.
2021 Young Alumni Award Recipient
Linfield’s Young Alumni Award recognizes a recent graduate who has made outstanding contributions to their chosen field. This year’s honoree, Ann Klein ’07, is no exception.
Pursuing a Passion
Allison Smith Mason '17 was recently recognized for her work and honored with the Hunter Johnston Memorial Endowment Scholarship. This award is given by the ARCS Foundation to students pursuing a career in STEM. Allison is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Arizona.
Art From Within
Linfield alumni and celebrated artist Sabrina Coleman-Pinheiro '12 creates pieces about mental health issues and their stigma. Her work represents real and prevalent issues that everyone faces internally each day in an attempt to help people feel understood and seen.
Sharing Music With the World
After encouragement from a neighbor during her college search in high school, Ashley decided to attend the Linfield Scholarship and Visit Weekend. During that visit, she got a feel for the campus and the quality of the music department. So, when she received the news that she was awarded a scholarship, it was an easy decision to become a Wildcat.
Bleeding Cardinal and Purple
Joe Stuart’s love for Linfield athletics runs deep and that shows in his award-winning podcast series, Purple Reign.
There is no business quite like the space business
"This sense of awe has followed me through my whole life and career. That was my Linfield experience."
Just Go For It
Despite all that has happened this past year, Liam used one simple phrase to describe his current situation. “Honestly, right now, I am living the dream,” he said.
The Benefits of a Gender Studies Minor
“I feel very lucky to have been in the gender studies program at Linfield. It was challenging and plain enjoyable, and it has served me so well in life as well as my work as a public defender.”
Reflecting On My Linfield Studies
"My experiences in Linfield’s language programs truly opened up the world for me through study abroad and the Fulbright grant. They continue to encourage me to seek out mutual understanding and global citizenship in my personal and professional life to this day."
Teaching English in Japan
"No matter where you end up, teaching with the JET program is an amazing opportunity to experience a society and culture with significant influence throughout the world, and use your education at Linfield to serve as a cross-cultural ambassador."
Distinguished Alumna Award 2020
Nancy Jo Hoover ’70 is the recipient of Linfield University’s 2020 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. Hoover was selected for the tireless work she has done improving community infrastructure and affecting the lives of countless underdeveloped communities around the world.
Meet Keith Welch '12
I am currently in my first year of a Master in Public Policy program at UC Berkeley. Although it’s intense, this program has been terrific so far. It’s especially exciting to be back in school with people who have so many interesting backgrounds and life aspirations. There’s always exciting things going on too - the Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. just stopped by campus today, for example.
Building relationships around the world
"Linfield gave me so many unique opportunities that ultimately led me to where I am now."
Investing in and for the client's future
"I have a great feeling of pride when I talk to people about where I went to school."
Helping patients take control of their health
"I learned to be a part of a community, and was given many experiences that pushed me past my comfort zone and gave me confidence."
Educating college students is in her blood
"My education at Linfield was integral in shaping my career goals to become a professor."
Alumni Profile: Marina Orcutt
"Really, almost every professor I had impacted my thinking, altered my perspectives, and helped shape my career path."
Theatrical teamwork comes in handy
"I learned how to communicate with others about intangible subjects, how to develop a shared vocabulary, and how to anticipate needs coming down the line."
Passionate about educating the whole child
"Linfield provided a dynamic learning environment that allowed me to explore my interests, develop new skills and ideas, and establish lasting relationships."
Helping Brilliant Ideas Come to Life
"Linfield provided a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for me to acclimate and grow."
Integrating science into athletes' lives
"The intimate environment with the amazing faculty at Linfield made me realize how important ‘high touch’ interactions with people are to long-term success."
Eliminating the confusion and mystique surrounding insurance
"Linfield gave me the chance to get out the small town I was raised in and see the world!"
Improving organizations' effectiveness
"I gained the etiquette to present research projects in professional settings."
Solving difficult problems through text analysis
"The analytic skills that I learned at Linfield in reading classical languages and analyzing texts have served me well."
Growing awe and wonder
"I encourage anyone in the fortunate position to choose their field of study to make their decision from a place of love and curiosity. Study what you're interested in."
Finding love at Linfield
Linfield has been called “Swipe Right College” by some. There’s good reason for that nickname. There are nearly 1,500 alumni couples ranging from the late 1940s all the way to the end of the 2010s. How did these Wildcats meet? Alumni couples share their unique “Linfield Love Stories.”
Returning home
Homecoming is one of the most highly-anticipated times of the year at Linfield. The leaves are turning colors, the weather is hopefully still warm and events are abundant. Between the drag show, pep rally, Linfield’s Finest award ceremony, football game and other events, Homecoming certainly is one of the best weekends of the year.
Capturing moments
"I learned to think critically and gained the confidence that I could figure out most challenges which has been essential as en entrepreneur and a freelancer."
Life of a globe trotter
"I was fully supported by many faculty and staff while at Linfield and go back from time to time to guest lecture in Intercultural Communication classes."
Developing communication strategies that tell a story
"Linfield prepared me well for a career in a field that is ever-evolving. By requiring students to take courses in many different aspects of communication, Linfield helped me to develop into the type of communications generalist who can easily adapt with changing times and needs. "
Increasing awareness through stories and media
"Linfield inspired me to embrace new opportunities."
Creating stories with purpose and soul
"The two best tools I picked up at Linfield were the ability to form a sharp point of view and the ability to articulate it."
Helping trafficking survivors
"In grad school, I found that I was ahead of many of my peers because I had already built my critical thinking and analysis skills at Linfield."
Broadcasting for 45 years
"The free flow of ideas is paramount. Don't be afraid to ask the tough question. Work hard and good things will happen."
From study abroad to permanent residence
"I'm grateful not only for the opportunities that Linfield provided me and the wonderful memories I have, but also the lasting friendships that I formed during my years at Linfield."
Giving Back As Much As He's Getting
“There are so many of us who would not be here without aid. I want to give a big thank you to everyone who donates. Without their help, I wouldn’t have come to college or have any inclination of what to do with my life.”
Jillaine Cook, Class of 2015
Our recent graduates highlight what is special about being a history major at Linfield...
Dulce Kersting-Lark, Class of 2011
"In 2020 I will exercise my skills as a historian in a new capacity as I run for the Idaho State Legislature..."
Sydney Owen, Class of 2015
"I am currently responsible for helping manage the blood and tissue samples held in the Oregon Pancreatic Tissue Repository."
Megan Bear, Class of 2018
Megan Bear, ’18, spent her last semester in college profiling a human skeleton. For Megan, this project was “the highlight of my time at Linfield.”
It all started in 1858
Linfield College was born 161 years ago today. Here are some facts about a college with a lot of history because a lot has happened in the last 161 years!
Alumni Profile: Joe Gladow
I am currently working as an English teacher in a primary school in Madrid, Spain. I also work with a volunteer organization based in Madrid focused on helping political refugees arriving in Spain with housing, employment, and other services.
Alumni Profile: Meet Morgan Christiansen '13
About a year after graduating from Linfield I served as an AmeriCorps volunteer with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), a non-Morgan Christiansenprofit human services agency that serves communities throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Baily Eberhardt '23 - M.S. in Business Alumni Spotlight
Learn more about Baily Eberhardt '23, a Master of Science in business alumni.
Education and Wine: The Best of Both Worlds
Linfield University’s first 3+2 wine studies program student, Emma Anderson ’20, has traveled all over the world while simultaneously earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. The best part? She did all of it while exploring the world of wine.
From College Hobby to McMinnville Storefront
Reflecting on his time here at Linfield, Grant Blodgette '19 said his marketing courses that focused on critical thinking helped sharpened his exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to keep improving his now local business, G.O.A.T., a vintage clothing store.
Wildcat Writers
Looking for a summer read? Peruse a selection of work by Wildcat alumni who have moved on to publish great things.
Love at Linfield
February is known as the month of love. We recently asked our alumni to share their stories of finding love at Linfield and the response was overwhelming! Here are a few stories of Linfield love connections throughout the decades.
2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Linfield University is pleased to recognize Sean Hoar '80 for his outstanding leadership and success in his career as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.
Bigger Than Buckets
Molly Danielson's athletic resume is lengthy. She's an all-Northwest Conference basketball star, a youth coach, a spirited play-by-play announcer, a sport management major, and, most recently, she's headed to play semi-professional basketball overseas.
Art From Within
Linfield alumni and celebrated artist Sabrina Coleman-Pinheiro '12 creates pieces about mental health issues and their stigma. Her work represents real and prevalent issues that everyone faces internally each day in an attempt to help people feel understood and seen.
Sharing Music With the World
After encouragement from a neighbor during her college search in high school, Ashley decided to attend the Linfield Scholarship and Visit Weekend. During that visit, she got a feel for the campus and the quality of the music department. So, when she received the news that she was awarded a scholarship, it was an easy decision to become a Wildcat.
Accepting the challenge
"I'm incredibly proud to say that I owe a lot of the success I've been fortunate enough to experience thus far to the solid base I was able to create at Linfield."
Crushing the wine business
"...the people I came to call lifelong friends from my days as a student are a priceless reminder of how lucky I was and still am, to be a Wildcat."
Theatrical teamwork comes in handy
"I learned how to communicate with others about intangible subjects, how to develop a shared vocabulary, and how to anticipate needs coming down the line."
Helping Brilliant Ideas Come to Life
"Linfield provided a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment for me to acclimate and grow."
Finance Alumni: Meet Evan Wingren
Invest in your education, but invest in quality and lasting friendships as well.
Finance Alumni: Meet Casey Cameron
Going into Linfield I was very confident I would concentrate on some form of business degree...
Running with Opportunities
"The single best advice I can give anyone is not to be afraid of failure."
Finding love at Linfield
Linfield has been called “Swipe Right College” by some. There’s good reason for that nickname. There are nearly 1,500 alumni couples ranging from the late 1940s all the way to the end of the 2010s. How did these Wildcats meet? Alumni couples share their unique “Linfield Love Stories.”
Returning home
Homecoming is one of the most highly-anticipated times of the year at Linfield. The leaves are turning colors, the weather is hopefully still warm and events are abundant. Between the drag show, pep rally, Linfield’s Finest award ceremony, football game and other events, Homecoming certainly is one of the best weekends of the year.
Seeking to impact people
"My experiences, interactions and education at Linfield taught me to balance work, study and college life which was a lesson in work/life balance."
Innovation in the automobile and voice assistant industry
"Linfield is a family to be proud of."
Alumni Profile: Yasumi Goto-Taniguchi '84
"Protiviti is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future."
Crushing the wine business
"...the people I came to call lifelong friends from my days as a student are a priceless reminder of how lucky I was and still am, to be a Wildcat."
Alumni Profile: Brenna Patterson '12
"I had the privilege of working with a local winery during a class project my senior year. It was from this real-world experience that I discovered career opportunities in the wine industry."
Breaking down language barriers
Joplin, founder and CEO of the translation company, Verbio, credits her liberal arts education for helping her excel in an always-changing environment.
It all started in 1858
Linfield College was born 161 years ago today. Here are some facts about a college with a lot of history because a lot has happened in the last 161 years!
Overcoming obstacles to nursing success
Read how Natisha Ortiz Rodriguez ’24 overcome several obstacles on her journey to becoming a registered nurse.
2024 Distinguished Nursing Alumnus
Desi (Neely) Shubin ’96 has been selected as this year’s Distinguished Nursing Alumnus.
From Customer Service to Community Service
Read about how Ryan Connole changed careers from bar manager to Registered Nurse. At Linfield, he completed his master's entry to professional nursing which unlocked a new career in which he could have a meaningful impact on his community.
2023 Distinguished Nursing Alumnus Award
Kristen Abbott-Anderson ‘83 is Linfield's 2023 Distinguished Nursing Alumnus Award recipient. What sets Kristen apart from her colleagues and peers in nursing is the impact she has had on her students and the future of nursing.
Distinguished Nursing Alumni
The 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award is Kathy (Anderson) Schach ’72. Colleagues describe her as empathetic, a strong communicator, an excellent problem-solver and a lifelong learner.
2021 Lloydena Grimes Award For Nursing Excellence Recipient
This year, Linfield alum Ashley Blatchley '06 was selected as the recipient of The Lloydena Grimes Award for Nursing Excellence.
Helping people in the community
"The professors and clinical instructors I had provided me with all the tools and knowledge I needed to not only find my dream job, but to succeed in it."
Returning home
Homecoming is one of the most highly-anticipated times of the year at Linfield. The leaves are turning colors, the weather is hopefully still warm and events are abundant. Between the drag show, pep rally, Linfield’s Finest award ceremony, football game and other events, Homecoming certainly is one of the best weekends of the year.
Building hope and aiding patients in recovery
"Linfield taught me to never give up, to keep trying, and if you fail, stand up and try again. Especially if it is something that you strongly desire."
It all started in 1858
Linfield College was born 161 years ago today. Here are some facts about a college with a lot of history because a lot has happened in the last 161 years!
The Linfield Magazine
The Linfield Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, students, faculty and friends. We tell bold stories about Linfield University and explore pressing topics in higher education and the world.
The Linfield Activity Book
Print and enjoy our free activity book for families! Inside, you'll find an assortment of fun puzzles and coloring pages.
E-Cat newsletter
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest through the E-Cat newsletter? Just send us your name and preferred email address, and we'll add you to our newsletter list!
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Questions?
For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement.