32 COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES Haley Okamoto Sarah Rohr HALEY OKAMOTO is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies. A first-generation college student from the small, rural island of Kaua'i, Hawai'i, Haley has had to overcome the unknown, imposter syndrome and self-doubt — but it ultimately made her more resilient. She is grateful for the financial support she received at PSU, including the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, EMPOWER, the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, and the University Studies peer mentor program. Her most memorable experience at PSU was studying abroad in Spain last summer to complete her senior capstone. She has enjoyed and made the most of her years here, and says that every person she's met and every experience she's gone through has helped shape her. Haley eventually wants to earn a doctorate, and hopes to become a role model for future generations of Native Hawaiians who want to pursue higher education. She would like to thank her parents, who taught her the importance of education and have consistently supported her goals; her family; every mentor she's had at PSU; and for anyone who has taken the time to get to know her for who she is. Mahalo nui loa to everyone that has been a part of her PSU journey. SARAH ROHR is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Judaic Studies. Sarah, who grew up in Austin, Texas, wanted to learn more about her Jewish roots from the inside out. At the encouragement of Professor Natan Meir, Sarah applied and received the Harold Schnitzer Family Scholarship and the Sara Glasgow Cogen Memorial Scholarship and Internship, which provided her with an opportunity to intern with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. During her time at PSU, Sarah felt privileged to engage in scholarly discussions with so many broadly thinking people. As a neurodivergent learner who had not been in school for over a decade, the process of learning to write well in an academic sense was a feat, and Sarah credits the Disability Resource Center with helping to acknowledge learning challenges. Sarah is a mom to a 5-year-old, Hebrew and Culture teacher, songwriter, author, poet, visual artist and healing practitioner. Sarah serves on the PSU President’s Council, Jewish Community Relations Council, and The Intergroup Outreach. After graduation, Sarah plans to focus on human empowerment and methods to aid in human rights struggles. Sarah will also finish writing a book and release a musical album under the alias The Mikvah Lady. Sarah would like to thank her husband, Brian; son, Gabriel; parents, Cooky and David; sister, Shayna; and in-laws, aunts, uncles, teachers, and professors and all the friends who gift her their love.
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