Office of Multicultural Affairs needs support
The recent years of enrollment at the University demonstrate an increase of students of color in attendance, so why is the University decreasing important resources for students of color on this campus? The Office of Multicultural Affairs is an important tool in retaining these students of color. If the University does not provides services such as the OMA, there is nothing to make them feel like they are part of the campus community and keep them in attendance on this campus. The OMA does not limit its services to just students of color; they welcome anyone, as well as provide their services.
The services and resources the OMA provides for students are overwhelming: advising, classes, scholarships, grants, and programs like the OMA Fall Retreat and Reach for Success. General advising in other areas of Oregon Hall limit appointments to 15 minutes; the OMA is willing to spend as much time with you as you need. The OMA offers a variety of math and writing classes; these classes are generally smaller and provide a more intimate learning environment and personal tutoring if needed. The OMA is responsible for the Diversity Building Scholarship offered to undergraduates, graduates and law students. This scholarship is a vital piece in ensuring the University meets the educational diversity needs of its students.
Students all across campus benefit from the OMA and the services they provide, Let’s make sure that the OMA is given the support needed to keep giving all of those services.

Desirae Gines

junior

ethnic studies, sociology

Local hero should be recognized, honored
Getting into her car after shopping in Veneta, Bonnie Talbot, 87, was kidnapped by an ex-convict with seven prior felony convictions. She punched him on the nose but said he didn’t even blink. For more than an hour he terrified her by speeding along back roads until skidding into a ditch. He forced her to put rocks under the tires and made her try to push the car out of the ditch. With night falling, he stole her money, left her alone in the car and walked away.
Leaving a note describing her ordeal, Talbot walked about half a mile and fortunately was given a ride by two loggers to a market where she came face-to-face with her assailant. Shaking so badly it was difficult for her to stand up, she told the owner what had happened. The kidnapper was arrested. At his sentencing, despite nightmares and a lingering fear of getting into her car, she said, “Now it’s up to me to see if I can forgive and forget what occurred. And I’m going to try.”
False national heroes are routinely manufactured by the sports and entertainment industry — and by White House myth-makers (President Bush, for example, strutting about in his flight suit on the deck of the aircraft carrier declaring “Mission Accomplished”).
Let’s wash the gum from our eyes to recognize and honor a true local hero. Bonnie Talbot: Courage despite fear, intelligence under pressure, the uncommon decency to try to forgive. Now there’s a hero.

Jerome Garger

Yachats