Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey presented three retired faculty members with the highest recognition of service to the college during a celebration in the Rogue River Room of SOU's Stevenson Union in Ashland last month.
On January 9th, the SOU President's Medal was awarded to poet Lawson Fusao Inada, artist Betty LaDuke and linguist Grace Tapp Kocks.
President Bailey said "these three extraordinary scholars and teachers served our university with brilliance for a combined 99 years, and also distinguished themselves as significant innovators in their individual fields of study."
Inada joined the SOU faculty in 1966 and taught until 2002. LaDuke arrived at SOU in 1964 and taught until 1996. Kocks -- also known as "Senora Chela" -- came to SOU in 1966 to teach Spanish and French, and soon became the cornerstone of multicultural outreach.
The SOU President's Medal was established in 1984 and it's the university's highest tribute, awarded as often as once per year to one or more community members who are distinguished by their actions and contributions. It has previously been awarded to 59 individuals and organizations.
Recipients of the medal are recognized for their exemplary service to SOU and the community, and for demonstrating compassion, integrity, generosity, leadership and courage. The SOU president determines when and to whom the award is presented.
