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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, Strategic Equity Initiatives
Bennie Moses-Mesubed, from Palau in the Micronesian Region, has lived in Eastern Oregon for 29 years. As Associate Vice President for Strategic Equity Initiatives at Eastern Oregon University, she leads efforts to develop sustainable diversity-centered initiatives. She oversees the MOSAIC 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.
MentorJunior, Accounting
Caley Sumios Adolf better known by friends as SUMI—is a junior at Eastern Oregon University majoring in Accounting. Originally from the Republic of Palau, Sumi spent two years studying at Palau Community College before transferring to Eastern. In 2024, he was part of the Summer Bridge program, helping ease his transition into university life. Outside of academics, Sumi enjoys spending time with friends, having fun, and creating lasting memories with loved ones.He also loves to play volleyball whenever he gets the chance.
Lead MentorSenior, Music
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 continue helping with the program.
Lead MentorJunior, Public Relations and Communication Studies
Khloe is majoring in Public Relations and communications. She spends most of her time hanging out with her dog.
MentorSophomore, Psychology major with minor in Anthropology/Sociology
Caitlyn is from Huntington, Oregon. She was in Summer Bridge 2024 and is excited to begin her journey of being a mentor this year. In her free time, she enjoys singing, listening to music, doing sudoku puzzles, and hanging out with friends.
Assistant DirectorSenior, Psychology major with a minor in Art
From “the small but mighty island of Palau,” Losii Daniel has served as the 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.
MentorSenior, Accounting major
Keana Danis is from the island of Chuuk. She graduated from the College of Micronesia with an AS degree in Business Administration and is now working toward her BS in Accounting at EOU. She enjoys swimming, cooking, and eating.
Lead Mentor / Math TutorJunior, Computer Science major with a minor in Mathematics
Levi is a huge social fanatic who loves 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 do anything new, from taking hikes to competing in a basketball competition.
Senior Lead Mentor / Writing TutorSenior, Public Relations major with a minor in Economics
Marli 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 is happy to be a part of the mentors.
MentorSophomore, Business Administration
Aika is from the Republic of Palau. She travelled about 7000 miles away from home. She is a second-year student, majoring in Business Administration, and aiming for a Bachelor of Science degree at Eastern Oregon University. She was a Summer Bridge Mentee in 2024, and because of the great experiences, she is now a first-time mentor for this year’s Summer Bridge program. She is very open to meeting new people, very friendly, and she enjoys learning new things outside of her bubble.
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 on the first floor of the Hoke Union Building, downstairs from the Multicultural Center.
Mentor/ Writing TutorSophomore, Business Administration
Sheridan is from the island of Yap, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia—a dedicated business major who also enjoys playing the guitar and writing poetry. Having been a mentee in Summer Bridge 2024, Sheridan is dedicated to making students feel welcome and supported as they navigate university life.
MentorSenior, Business Administration
Jennah is from the beautiful island of Pohnpei, located in the Federated States of Micronesia. She enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with loved ones, and capturing the beauty of the moon and sunrises. She’s also super excited to give back as a first-time mentor, welcoming and connecting with new people and sharing her experiences.
MentorSophomore, Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Exercise Science
Zoe was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, but then moved to Palau and lived there for 7 years until she moved to Washington where she now lives. She loves playing tennis, baking, and meeting new people. This will be her first time experiencing Summer Bridge and she can’t wait.
Lead Mentor / Writing TutorJunior, Health and Human Performance major with a minor in Psychology
With a heart as warm as the sun and roots in the beautiful island of Palau, Hartleen is excited to share her journey and vibrant spirit with everyone she meets. She’s thrilled to begin this year at EOU, where she looks forward to supporting her peers and helping guide new and on-campus students into the EOU family. Always ready with a big smile, Hartleen is eager to build connections, share her culture, and make lasting memories. A true sun-lover, you’ll often find her outdoors soaking up the sunshine, exploring, or leading an adventure. She can’t wait to meet you and be part of your journey too!
Alii! Kamealani Kyota, mainly known as “Desy,” is from the beautiful island of Palau. She attended Summer Bridge 2024 and had such a great experience that she was inspired to become a mentor this year. She is looking forward to meeting new people, having fun, learning new things, and experiencing Summer Bridge from a mentor’s perspective. In her free time, Desy enjoys reading, napping, spending time with family and friends, and doing nature-related activities—especially chasing sunsets!
MentorSophomore, Computer Science major with minors in Art and Professional and Public Writing
A Mwokillese outer islander and Micronesian-American, Madlima (Mad) Leben was raised in Oregon until the age of 12 before their family moved to Pohnpei, FSM. Later, they participated in Summer Bridge 2024 before becoming a mentor. In their free time, Mad has many interests, but they mainly enjoy drawing, writing, reading, playing video games, and watching shows.
MentorSenior, Business Administration major with a minor in Economics
Kaselehlieh. Ja’Cy Lukan is from the beautiful islands of Pohnpei, Yap, and the Mortlocks. She loves nature, sunsets, and photography. She attended Summer Bridge 2024 and says “it was exactly what I needed. In less than a month, I knew the campus, the people, and the town. As a first-time mentor, I can’t wait to welcome all of you.”
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.
MentorSophomore, Elementary Education
Faith is from Sherwood, Oregon. She loves reading and listening to music, as well as going on long drives and adventures in her Jeep. She is so excited to be a mentor!
Director, Center for Strategic Equity Initiatives
Mika supports, develops, and delivers initiatives designed to cultivate and maintain a 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, Accounting
Whitney Paul was born in Haiti and is the proud sister of four amazing siblings. She is majoring in Accounting with the goal of building a successful career where she can help individuals and businesses manage their finances more effectively. She also wants to build or support some orphanages in the future. In her free time, Whitney loves watching movies and spending time in the kitchen. Cooking is one of her biggest passions. These hobbies help her relax and express her creativity. She is excited about what the future holds.
Lead MentorJunior, Business Administration major with a minor in Accounting
Saraï Clunie Paul is an international student from Haiti. 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.
Lead MentorSenior, 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.
Senior Lead MentorSenior, 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.
Lead MentorSenior, Information Technology Management major with a minor in Computer Science
Dean Jr. Rudimch (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.
MentorSophomore, Pre-veterinary major with a minor in Anthropology
Alii! Alina Ngitelab Ryen is from the beautiful island nation known as the Republic of Palau. She loves outdoor activities and her passion lies in taking care of animals and helping out the community. She was a previous mentee for 2024 Summer Bridge and loved it so much she was inspired to become a mentor in 2025.
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.
MentorSenior, Communication and Media Studies
Kaselehlieh! Brenda is from the beautiful island of Pohnpei, located in the Federated States of Micronesia. She enjoys watching sunsets and getting lost in a good book, and is always down for an adventure. She is also very excited to welcome you into this family as a first-time mentor!
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.
MentorSophomore, Politics, Policy, and Public Administration major with minors in Anthropology/Sociology and Communication Studies
My name is Zharika Omdiderngul Skebong, better known by my peers as “Omdi”. I am from the Republic of Palau (Belau). I love to experience and learn new things. As a wise Palauan elder had once told me, “Give a man a fish and he will be fed for a day, teach a man how to fish and he will be fed for a lifetime.” I take this quote and connect it to the importance of receiving cultural knowledge and practices from elders, keeping them alive through practice, and channeling that same commitment into my studies here at Eastern. I had joined Summer Bridge last year (2024) as a mentee and now I will be serving as a mentor in hopes of providing that same guidance for incoming first year students.
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.
Lead MentorSenior, Business Administration
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.
Senior Lead MentorSenior, History major with a minor in Native American Studies
Madelynn was in Summer Bridge 2022 and has been a mentor since April 2023. She is from Union, Oregon, which isn’t too far from LaGrande. She enjoys crocheting, journaling, and reading.
Assistant DirectorSenior, Interdisciplinary Studies major with 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 participated in Summer Bridge as a student in 2021 and has served as a lead mentor since summer 2022.
Lead MentorSenior, Art
Baron Ucharm is a second-year Summer Bridge mentor and senior Art major at Eastern Oregon University from the Island of Palau. A Summer Bridge Mentee in 2023, 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, mystery/action dramas, and brain-rot podcasts are his go to forms of entertainment.
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