2 The RAPS Sheet December 2021 CO-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE There’s more to the holidays than food and gifts HOLIDAY SEASON is upon us again. No matter what you celebrate, I wish you the happiest of holidays. Now that we are in sight of herd immunity, I hope you’re able to celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues. At our age, however, we still need to be cautious–especially if one is compromised. Last year’s holidays were challenging for all of us. Thank goodness we could connect remotely through Google Groups, Zoom, and the like. This year we are faced with rising prices, product shortages, cargo issues, etc. I’m hoping that I don’t have to swim to a cargo vessel to shop for presents. Seriously, it’s important to remember that the holidays are more about religion, historical significance, family, friendships, and being there for each other than about food and gifts. In spite of all the challenges presented by this pandemic, RAPS has been active in providing learning opportunities for you. I hope you were able to join us on October 21 for our first in-person program in a while. Juan Barraza, of the PSU Center for Entrepreneurship, and one of his students presented an overview of the innovative ideas that his student groups have been working on. Some of these have actually gone to market. On November 18 President Steve Percy and Dr. Ame Lambert shared with us the equity and racial justice initiatives that PSU is involved with. On Thursday, December 9, we present our annual (except for last year) Holiday Brunch. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with a social period followed by brunch at 11:00 a.m. The party will take place at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Avenue, Portland. I hope to see you there and have a chance to interact with you. —Bruce Stern Last year’s holidays were challenging. This year I’m hoping that I don’t have to swim to a cargo vessel to shop for presents. Two students awarded PSU Women’s Association scholarships TWO PSU WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION scholarships have been awarded for the 2021-22 academic year. The recipients are Rosie Esquivel, who is studying computer science, and Galilea Estrada Sanchez, who is studying social work. Both have sent thank you letters. Four years ago the association, as part of the process of closing its books, transferred stewardship of its scholarship fund to RAPS. Rosie writes that Portland State is her “dream school,” with its big-city location and focus on diversity. She is an out-of-state student, so tuition is high. She plans, in addition to her studies, to be active in taking advantage of the networking opportunities and internships that are available. Rosie writes, “Receiving this scholarship will help with my financial needs, allow me to focus on my studies, and participate in extracurricular activities.” Galilea is studying in the School of Social Work. The daughter of immigrants, she was the first woman in her family to graduate from high school, and being accepted at a university was even more special. There were, however, no resources to help pay for further education. The scholarship is enabling her to continue her education. She hopes to use her social work degree to work with immigrant and refugee families. Galilea writes, “I wish to become an immigrant and refugee social worker. I hope to one day promote and support individual and community well-being while fighting social injustices.”
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