2023-24 Ambassadors
Saira Amaral
Junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences
Minor in Spanish
Growing up in the small town of Adrian, Oregon, I have always had a close connection to agriculture. From living in the middle of nowhere with a crop field in between my neighbors and I, participating in FFA during high school, to raising cattle in our backyard. During my 4 years in FFA, I have been able to make wonderful connections and friendships that have helped me be where I am today by helping me with my leadership and professional skills from competing to being in office. This also includes the help of my advisors who would push me out if my comfort zone, to improve my skills. One thing I also discovered was a passion for welding. Never would have guessed that I would enjoy playing with “fire”. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t trade my love for agriculture and welding for anything else as they have helped me become the person I am today. After high school, I attended Treasure Valley Community College, where my passion for agriculture grew even more! I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in Agricultural Science. After receiving my associate degree from TVCC, I enrolled into Eastern Oregon University and Oregon State University in the OSU Agriculture & Natural Resources Program. Now at EOU, I am finishing up my bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science with a minor in Spanish to later receive my Master’s in Agricultural Education to become both an Ag teacher and FFA Advisor.
Eastern Oregon University has given me the opportunity to pursue my degree in a small classroom size while also creating connections with my professors. Even though, I am a transfer student, I still felt very welcomed and EOU has helped me with the transition from my previous college to supporting me with the dual enrollment with Oregon State University. While at EOU, I am involved in the EOU Ag Club as well as the Latino Impact Club along with other activities.
Being an ambassador for the EOANRP program has been a great opportunity to network/recruit with students interested in our program. Looking into the incoming school year, I am excited to be able to represent such and amazing program once again. I am also looking forward to being able to talk about this program to students that may not know this program is here to help them pursue a career in Agriculture or Natural Resources. Once again, I am honored and excited to serve as one of the OSU ambassadors once again for the 2023-2024 school year.
Claira Goracke
Senior majoring in Agricultural Sciences
Minors in Global Foods and Agribusiness, Economics, and Business
My future career plans are to positively impact the agriculture industry whether it be by owning my own business or contributing to the success of one. I grew up in the Willamette Valley in a small farming town called Shedd. My brothers and I are 4th generation farmers in the production of grass seed. My love for agriculture stems from living and working on a family farm as well as FFA events and leadership in high school. I chose Eastern Oregon university because it was further away from home and the small rural town you get from EOU and La Grande feels like home. My mom also studied here at EOU which made choosing EOU feel like the right choice. Outside of school I work at Hines Meat Company here in La Grande. Working in a local butcher shop has broadened my knowledge into a new sector of agriculture that I wasn’t familiar with before. During winter I enjoy snowboarding at Anthony Lakes with friends! This year I look forward to teaching prospective and current students about all the benefits of studying through the College of Agricultural Sciences. I also look forward to sharing about the program opportunity available here at the La Grande campus.
Ellie Hanson
Senior majoring in Agricultural Sciences and EOU Business Administration
I grew up outside Woodburn, Oregon, on my family’s century farm where we raise purebred Hampshire and Southdown sheep. I have been privileged to show around the state and country in 4-H, open, and junior sheep shows. Once attending Silverton High School, I was actively involved in FFA where I developed leadership and professional skills and was able to serve as a state officer in 2019. This environment has given me a deep passion and appreciation for agriculture and the people in it. Following this passion, I know I want my career to serve agriculture, whether through agriculture business, finance, trade, or policy.
When it came time for me to decide where I was going to college, I wanted to go where I knew I could expand my knowledge of Oregon agriculture. Attending EOU and being a part of the OSU program has allowed me to experience and learn about commodities and practices that are very different from those I grew up around. During my time at EOU in the OSU program, I have greatly appreciated the support that I have received from faculty whether that be when I was struggling with a concept or getting an internship with AgWest Farm Credit. I have also loved getting involved in the Ag Club as an officer and experiencing the culture here on campus. The small class sizes, inviting community, and personal development opportunities that have been offered through this program have made this a remarkable experience.
This year, I am incredibly excited to be a returning OSU Ambassador. I have loved working with students on campus and representing the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resource Program. This year, I look forward to continuing to recruit new prospective students. The OSU program at EOU offers so many opportunities for students to continue their education, and I am eager to help them find the right option for them.
Cassin Pittmann
Junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences
I grew up in Rosalia, Washington, on my family’s century farm where we grow dry-land wheat and legumes. Growing up I was very active in my local 4-H and FFA chapter. Being a part of these organizations helped me develop communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that I use all the time.
I always knew I wanted to study agriculture. So when it was time to start looking at colleges I didn’t know where to start. I was looking for schools that could best help me expand my knowledge and experience in agriculture. The school that stood out the most to me was OSU’s Agriculture and Natural Resources program at Eastern Oregon University!
Through this program, I have had the opportunity to work out at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) in Union, Oregon. Working here has given me the chance to expand my knowledge of beef cattle production and management. This is something I never thought would happen during my college career.
As an ambassador, I hope to share the opportunities and benefits of attending EOU while obtaining your OSU degree. I look forward to representing both EOU and OSU and helping students find what’s best for them!
2022-23 Ambassadors
Deidre Schreiber, Student Director
Junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences
Minor in EOU Communications
I am currently a Junior in the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resources program at Eastern studying Agricultural Science. I plan to have a career in agriculture, sharing the story of our lifestyle and the people who provide the world with food, fuel, and fiber.
I grew up in rural Wallowa County, splitting my time between Enterprise and Imnaha. On the ranch, we raised commercial cattle and spent lots of time on horseback. I was an active member of both 4-H and FFA, where I served as a State FFA Officer in 2019. I have always loved hands-on learning and knew I wanted to go to college somewhere that fit my learning style. The small class sizes and rural environment made my transition to EOU easy. I currently work at DDRC Marketing as the Social Media manager and as a Brand Inspector for the sale yard in Union county.
Outside of school, I can be found in the boardroom serving on the EOU Board of Trustees, planning events as the EOU Ag Club president, working with cattle in Wallowa County, or on horseback representing the Pendleton Round-Up as a 2023 princess!
As an ambassador, I hope to share the benefits of attending EOU while completing an OSU degree. I look forward to representing EOU and OSU and helping students find the best fit for them!
Ellie Hanson
Junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences and EOU Business Administration
I am Ellie Hanson, and I am a junior majoring in agricultural sciences and EOU Business Administration.
I grew up outside Woodburn, Oregon on my family’s century farm where we raise purebred Hampshire and Southdown sheep. I have been privileged to show around the state and country in 4-H, open, and junior sheep shows. Once attending Silverton High School, I was actively involved in FFA where I developed leadership and professional skills and was able to serve as a state officer in 2019. This environment has given me a deep passion and appreciation for agriculture and the people in it. Following this passion, I know I want my career to serve agriculture; whether through agriculture business, finance, trade, or policy.
So, when it came time for me to decide where I was going to college, I wanted to go where I knew I could expand my knowledge of Oregon agriculture.
Attending EOU and being a part of the OSU program has allowed me to experience and learn about commodities and practices that are very different from those I grew up around. During my time at EOU in the OSU program, I have loved getting involved in the Ag Club as an officer and experiencing the culture here on campus.
The small class sizes, inviting community, and personal development opportunities that have been offered through this program have made this a remarkable experience.
This year, I am incredibly excited to be a returning OSU Ambassador. Last year, I loved working with students on campus and representing the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resource Program. This year, I look forward to continuing to recruit new prospective students. The OSU program at EOU offers so many opportunities for students to continue their education, and I am eager to help them find the right option for them.
Alyson Yates
Lakevew, OR
Junior (3rd year) majoring in Agricultural Science with minors in Animal Science, Comparative International Agriculture, and Art
My interest in agriculture began when I joined the 4-H program in elementary school. As a member, I bred and showed registered Boer goats and meat rabbits for 9 years. I also served as an Oregon Delegate to National 4-H Congress in 2018, and an Oregon 4-H State Ambassador in 2020. These valuable leadership and skill development experiences led to my current educational path, as I work towards earning my degree with the goal of becoming an agricultural Extension agent in 4-H program development.
I came to Eastern Oregon University to take advantage of a small university community. During my time here, I have been a part of the Agriculture Club officer team and am currently working as a Student Marketing Photographer for EOU and a photographer for The Voice. I also completed internships with OSU Extension in the summers of 2021 and 2022, and work around the state judging small animal shows. Throughout the next two years, I plan to study abroad to learn more about global agriculture and get hands-on experience with a variety of agricultural techniques.
As an ambassador, I look forward to sharing the benefits of this program with prospective students and being a positive, welcoming representation of EOU and OSU. I also hope to inform students of the many opportunities for immersive and unforgettable international learning experiences that are offered through our program!
Saira Amaral Ramirez
I am currently a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Science with a minor in Spanish.
Growing up in the small town of Adrian, Oregon, I have always had a close connection to agriculture. From living in the middle of nowhere with a crop field in between my neighbors and I, participating in FFA during high school, to raising cattle in our backyard. During my 4 years in FFA, I have been able to make wonderful connections and friendships that have helped me be where I am today by helping me with my leadership and professional skills from competing to being in office. This also includes the help of my advisors who would push me out if my comfort zone, in order to improve my skills. One thing I also discovered was a passion for welding. Never would have guessed that I would enjoy playing with “fire”. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t trade my love for agriculture and welding for anything else as they have helped me become the person I am today. After high school, I attended Treasure Valley Community College, where my passion for agriculture grew even more! I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in Agricultural Science. After receiving my Associates degree from TVCC, I enrolled into Eastern Oregon University and Oregon State University in the OSU Agriculture & Natural Resources Program. Now at EOU, I am finishing up my bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science with a minor in Spanish to later on receive my Master’s in Agricultural Education to become both an Ag teacher and FFA Advisor.
Eastern Oregon University has given me the opportunity to pursue my degree in a small classroom size while also creating connections with my professors. Even though, I am a transfer student, I still felt very welcomed and EOU has helped me with the transition from my previous college to supporting me with the dual enrollment with Oregon State University. While at EOU, I am involved in the EOU Ag Club as well as the Latino Impact Club along with other activities.
Looking into the incoming school year, I am excited to be able to represent such and amazing program. I am also looking forward to being able to talk about this program to students that may not know this program is here to help them pursue a career in Agriculture or Natural Resources. Once again, I am honored and excited to serve as one of the OSU ambassadors for the 2022-2023 school year.
2021-22 Ambassadors
Ellie Hanson
Deidre Schreiber
Savannah Moe
Tori Reynolds
2020-21 Ambassadors
Abigail Berhorst
I’m currently in my senior year here at EOU majoring in Ag Sciences with a minor in Business. Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree here at Eastern, I will work towards my Master’s in Ag Education with the plan to serve as a high school Ag teacher and FFA advisor.
I grew up in Yamhill, Oregon on my family’s small farm raising sheep and hogs. Growing up in a small school district, I was looking for a college where I could still make personal connections with my classmates and professors. EOU had everything I was looking for in a college from the smaller class sizes to the immediate sense of belonging after meeting the OSU/EOU faculty and professors. This program has given me many opportunities and experiences that I don’t think I could have gotten at another campus and I know it will aid me in my future.
After serving my first year on the College of Ag’s Ambassador Team for the 2019-2020 year, I was excited to return as the 2020-2021 Student Director. I look forward to representing EOU and the OSU partnership program once again to help students discover their path and find the best fit for them!
Amie Coffman
I grew up in the small town of Athena, Oregon where my family raises cattle. My passion for agriculture started at a very young age and has continued to grow over the years. I started 4-H when I was in fourth grade and participated in showing livestock. Once I started high school, I immediately joined FFA and was elected into an officer position each year. Throughout high school, my FFA advisor was always there for me no matter what and she pushed me to be a better student and person. After graduating high school, a year early, I chose to go to Eastern Oregon University because it was close to home and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to go to school for. Once I learned more about the OSU program, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to be involved in. I chose to be an ambassador because I want others to know about the OSU program and have the opportunity to attend smaller classes and get to know the professors.
I am currently a senior studying Agricultural Sciences with a minor in Animal Science. When I complete my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences, I will continue my education to earn a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education in Corvallis. I plan to pursue a career as a high school Ag teacher and FFA advisor with the end goal of either continuing my education and becoming a university professor or teaching at a community college. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as one of the 2020-2021 OSU Ambassadors.
Kaylee Littlefield
I grew up in Silverton, Oregon on two acres where my family and I had a garden and two llamas. After graduating high school in 2005 I earned my Culinary Arts Management Certificate and Associate degree from Central Oregon Community College in 2008. While working in commercial kitchens and bakeries every spring and fall I helped at a ranch that my friends manage and this piqued my interest in animal science and range management. I went back to school in 2009 at Linn Benton Community College (LBCC) for Animal Science. While attending school at LBCC I learned about the OSU Ag and Natural Resources program in La Grande, OR. However, after going to community college and trying to support myself on a part-time job and full-time school my GPA took a huge deficit and I was put on academic probation so I quit and decided not to go back to school. At this point, I went to work on a blueberry farm in Albany for a couple of years as a pesticide sprayer till I was laid off for the winter. I ended up working in the service and retail industry for several years after that, and in 2016 I decided to start school again. I picked up where I left off, applied to Eastern Oregon University, and moved to La Grande. I ran into a few complications with the admissions process, financial issues, and my low GPA. In the fall of 2017, I was determined to make changes in my life and walked into the Admissions Office at Eastern Oregon University and wouldn't leave till my application was accepted. I was enrolled in classes in less than two weeks.
Opportunities:
Since my acceptance into Eastern Oregon University, I worked hard to increase my GPA and with the help of the OSU faculty, I was accepted into OSU in 2018. Since then I have been a part of the EOU Ag Club, and have attended and presented posters at the annual Society of Rangeland Management meeting (SRM) twice. Each summer I have had an internship related to Rangeland Management and have increased my work experience on my resume. Such as an internship with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation doing invasive weed surveys, a Branch Experiment Station Internship collecting data on the Zumwalt Prairie pertaining to native bee and pollinator habitat, and a Crew Lead position at the OSU Experiment Station in Burns, OR collecting data for a Wildfire mitigation and rangeland fuel and forage study. Participating in the Branch Experiment Station internship I was able to present a research poster at the regional and international SRM meetings in Denver, CO, and Pendleton, OR. My results will also be used in a bigger research project for native pollinator habitat.
As a non-traditional student, I am looking forward to being an Ag Ambassador to help traditional and non-traditional students, like myself, to get started in classes and be proactive in their education and involved in school activities.
Emily Gluch
In the heart of Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon lies my fundamental roots in the agricultural industry and the ambition to gain a bachelor’s degree through Oregon State. Growing up in Weiser, Idaho I have learned the values of agriculture through FFA and 4H. My aspiration for a career in the cattle industry has started when I bought my first Charolais female heifers. In the future, I envision a cattle analyst career to predict futures and managing a stocker operation.
Currently, I am a dual-enrolled student at Eastern Oregon University and Oregon State University majoring in Agricultural Sciences as well as a minor in business. In the fall of 2020, I will be in a Senior with the intent to graduate in spring of 2021. Several experiences have led me to Oregon State including, snake river stampede calf scramble, earning an American FFA Degree, and working for a Reined cow horse operation. The opportunities Oregon State has brought in my undergraduate learning are networking with Corvallis professors and learning the principles of agriculture at a rural public school in La Grande. The most prominent experience this past year is lobbying for lowered tuition for public schools at the state capital while representing the Eastern Oregon Trapshooting team.
The ambassador role at Oregon State is an opportunity to represent the College of Agricultural Sciences with enthusiasm for the future students. Personally, I am ecstatic to network with local high school students and recruit students to a diverse university. I believe to recruit and network with high school students to an institution, enthusiasm, and energy will make a great impact on the future.
2019-20 Ambassadors
Abigail Berhorst
I grew up in a small, rural community raising sheep and hogs on my family’s farm in Yamhill, Oregon. I found my passion for agriculture during my freshman year of high school when I became active in my FFA Chapter. This organization and my FFA advisor had a great impact on me during my time as an active member. This motivated me to pursue a degree in something I am truly passionate about Ag Education. Through FFA, I had the opportunity to travel around the State of Oregon for competitions and learn more about the agriculture industry. My chapter traveled to Eastern Oregon for multiple events and I immediately fell in love with the area. That is when I became interested in Eastern Oregon University and the OSU/EOU partnership program. Growing up in a small school district, I was looking for a college where I could still make personal connections with my classmates and professors. After meeting with the OSU/EOU faculty and professors, I discovered EOU had everything I was looking for in a college, from smaller class sizes to an immediate sense of belonging.
I am currently a junior studying Agricultural Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. After I complete my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences, I will continue my education to earn a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education in Corvallis. I will pursue a career as a high school Ag teacher and FFA advisor with the goal of making a positive impact on future generations in agriculture. I look forward to serving as an OSU Ambassador for the 2019-20 academic year!
Wyatt Neal
I knew from a very young age Agriculture was for me. I first attended Montana State University and competed on their Rodeo and Livestock Judging teams. After a term, I decided moving closer to home was the best option and the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resource Program at Eastern Oregon caught my eye. I visited the EOU campus and met with the Academic Program Coordinator, Michelle Hines, and Chad Mueller, Animal Science Senior Instructor. I then knew this was the place for me! The campus has a small community persona and the students in the Ag program have not only become my friends, they are my second family.
Emily Sandberg
I was born and raised on a small farm outside of Newberg, Oregon, where I grew to love agriculture. Throughout school I was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA and raised sheep. These two organizations have taught me so much about the different sectors of agriculture, as well as providing me the opportunity to meet people in the agriculture industry.
After high school, enrolling in a small college with an agriculture program was something I knew I wanted to do. When I visited EOU, I was introduced to an OSU Ambassador. I knew right then and there La Grande was the perfect fit! I enjoy the OSU Ag Program in La Grande because class sizes are small and you get to know the professors, who truly care about the students and want you to succeed.
Over the past two years, I have been and EOU Ambassador. I have really fallen in love with this campus and connecting with prospective students. I am excited to travel, learn and recruit for the best hidden secret within the state of Oregon - Oregon State University's Agricultural and Natural Resource Program at EOU!
Ethan Gallant
I grew up on a hay farm in Boring, Oregon and currently work for Rovey Farms in Union. After I graduate, I plan to partner with my dad on our family farm. I will be a 5th generation farmer in the Gallant family.
I chose to attend EOU because I love the small town feel and like how agriculturally centered this town is. My mom, aunt, and uncle all attended EOU, so I have always considered EOU an option. When I decided I wanted to study agriculture in college, I discovered OSU offers Ag degrees at EOU, and then my mind was set.
2018-19 Ambassadors
Amanda Courtois - EOU Biology/OSU Agricultural Sciences Minor; Weiser, ID
Hayley Hall - Agricultural Sciences; Paradise Valley, NV
John O'Toole - Agricultural Sciences; Drewsey, OR
Eduardo Salas Rodriguez - Crop and Soil Sciences; Mattawa, WA
2017-18 Ambassadors
Samantha Buhrig – Agriculture Sciences; Vale, OR
Codie Lagao – Agriculture Sciences; Sisters, OR
Katie Sotelo – Agriculture Sciences; Milton Freewater, OR
2016-17 Ambassadors
Tess Hamby - Agricultural Sciences
Olivia Morton - Agricultural Sciences
Wyatt Rodin - Natural Resources
Katie Sotelo - Agricultural Sciences
2015-16 Ambassadors
Myranda McFetridge - Agricultural Sciences
Wyatt Rodin - Natural Resources
Brandi White - Natural Resources
2014-15 Ambassadors
Celena Hefner - Agricultural Sciences and Business Administration
Marco Juarez - Agricultural Sciences
Kristine McMurray - Agricultural Sciences and Business Administration
Jessican Scriven - Agricultural Sciences
