Linnea Goranson, College of Education faculty and staff office assistant.
Linnea Goranson, known for her distinctive tie-dye attire, has been a fixture at PSU for nearly a quarter-century. Despite having Down syndrome, Linnea completed her Standard Diploma at Lincoln High School (‘00) with support from PPS Special Education services and family – paving the way for her successful career.
After being introduced to the College of Education on a class trip through her Community Transition Program at PSU led by Victor Cummings – who is now the academic coordinator of Career and Community Services, PSU’s pre-baccalaureate program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disability – Linnea found her passion.
“They were showing us how to make admissions packets for students going into different programs,” Linnea recalls. “The rest of the class was not interested. I was the only one who stepped forward!”
Now, as she approaches her 24th year at PSU, Linnea reflects on her journey and shares insights into her role and experiences.
Q: What are your current responsibilities?
A: In my role as a faculty and staff office assistant, I am doing a constant project with Lisa Todd since 2018. It’s a digital archive project, scanning old student file folders. I’ve been doing other projects too. I deliver mail, I deliver packages, I copy materials when asked. Plus some odd jobs from Phyllis Au, my new supervisor.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the COE?
A: Being around all of my colleagues. I love my colleagues. Presenting my story, talking about inclusion and diversity. I like everyone. It’s awesome that I have this giant project with Lisa Todd, so I stay busy.
Q: Is there an accomplishment you are most proud of?
A: Being here for 24 years! Being a spokesperson in the Dean's Office for people who have disabilities. I work with programmers, specialists, staff and administrators and also I’m embracing all the changes that have been made. That’s a huge accomplishment for me, despite me being stubborn. I worked with multiple license coordinators in the past, I have a good repertoire.
Q: What do you find most challenging about your work here?
A: Lifting heavy packages. Packages sometimes are bigger than my wingspan. But I am getting stronger from all of that sports stuff.
Q: How have you grown during your time with the COE?
A: I’ve grown a lot. I’ve learned to embrace changes. I learned that I don’t have to change myself. That’s why I love going to work. I can be myself. I can be smart as a whip, always. I learned that you have to move forward. I don’t want to be that timid and shy person anymore. I’m not afraid of being who I am. I felt belonging, I felt accepted. The College of Education adopted me. I kind of changed people’s perspectives about me and about other people who have various disabilities.
Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Always keep an open mind. I loved school. And since I had so much education throughout my life, I wanted to share that with everyone. I do work in the Universal Design Lab, in Special Education, with Sam Sennott and the kids who have Down Syndrome. Helping them learn how to speak and sight read for the first time. That’s my way of giving back. I’m like their role model.
Q: Speaking of sports stuff, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I paddle on a dragon boat team, the Wasabi Special Dragons. I’ve done Special Olympics Oregon since 1987. I play multiple sports including basketball, soccer and I may start bowling soon too. I’m very competitive. I’m also part of a family that loves being outside, so I love being outside.
Q: Where do all of your nicknames come from?
Polar Bear: Because I don’t feel the cold.
Wiz Kid: I finish a big project in 1-3 days. Most people who are like me are very slow.
Scanning Queen: I scan [documents] for everyone in the COE!
Secret Weapon: For my work in the Universal Design Lab. I’m a whisperer for people like me, the kids who have Down syndrome. They understand me. They always copy me.
Q: Who inspires you?
Everyone.