Linda Liu
Position: Program Director
Email: LLLIU@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-3816
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism University of Oregon
Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, University of Oregon
Biography:
I grew up in Portland, Oregon and Houston, Texas. I have never attended the same school for more than 4 years during Kindergarten – 12th. My parents emigrated to the U.S. in 1973 from Hong Kong to ensure my siblings and I had more opportunities than they did.
I had grand plans of being a world renowned journalist but discovered my passion is in higher education. I have been involved with promoting access in higher education for almost 20 years.
One interesting thing about me: I love dancing hula.

"It is our choices...that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Charissa Ringo
Position: Office Coordinator
Email: cringo@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-5698
Education: A.A., Liberal Studies, University of Illinois @ Chicago
Biography:
My Philippine parents emigrated to the US in 1970. The best decision they made for me was to send me to the Philippines to start kindergarden up to mid-grade school. From there, I was deeply immersed in my culture, learned the language & developed relationships with the abundance of grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins. My childhood growing up in a 3rd world country, then coming back to the States set the tone for me in seeking out & learning the diversity, cultures & enrichments of the world around us.
One interesting thing about me: I love to travel & wish to visit every continent. I have 3 more to go. My dream is to travel internationally 1x a year while my mind & body are still able to.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

~Jimi Hendrix

Andrea Griggs

Position: Coordinator of Counseling Services
Email: agriggs@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-5696
Education: B.S., Sociology, University of Oregon                                                          M.Ed., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Washington

Biography: I was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon. I am the middle child of three daughters and come from generations who worked to increase educational opportunities for underserved populations. I identified my passion for working with underrepresented students during my undergraduate career and have been working in higher education for the last 8 years.

One interesting thing about me: I LOVE food, watching football and going to the movies

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Rosalyn Taylor
Position: Coordinator of Instruction and Advisor
Email: taylorr@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-3817
Education:
M. Ed in English Education from Temple University
BS in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern
Teaching Certificates in TESOL from McKendree College and English Language Arts from University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Biography:
Born in the rural South in a small city named Fort Valley which is home to Fort Valley State University. I am the fifth of six children. I am an Upward Bound alumni and worked with Upward Bound for nearly five years.

One interesting thing about me: I love basketball and golf!!!!

"No one stands between you and success, but you!"

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Student Support Services: Peer Outreach Mentors 

My name is Nkolika Egbukichi (Nk for short). You may remember me from last year's Peer Outreach Mentors. I was born and raised in Portland, OR and I am starting my 4th year as a college student. This is my second year here at PSU as well as my second year in TRiO. My major is Molecular Biology and I hope to have a career in the health field some day. My experience last year as a POM was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college journey so far. As a first-generation college student, I enjoy meeting, working with, and learning about people who are in the TRiO program. I understand that the college life is difficult, but I promise to share my enthusiasm and strive to make it a fun and positive learning experience for you. Feel free to contact me at Enkolika@pdx.edu.

My name is Dominic Paz (dpaz@pdx.edu) and I am a senior this year majoring in Children and Family Studies with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.  I have been a member of TRIO since I transferred to Portland State University in Fall of 2010. Since I have been a part of TRIO I have benefited from the variety of workshops that have been provided.  The information in the workshops has included everything from scholarship applications/availability to self-care and time management techniques. As a senior I have negotiated many challenges attending college, anything from financial aid paperwork to finding a good place to study.  I am honored to be your Peer Outreach Mentor and I look forward to sharing my experiences of earning my higher education and supporting you, in any way I can, here at Portland State University.

Yá'áá'eeh! My name is Larrita Riggs (riggs@pdx.edu), and I was born and raised to a family of seven in Tonalea, Arizona, a small town nestled on the Diné (Navajo) Reservation. My reservation is unique in that many of our tribal members still live in hogans, the traditional dwelling of my people made of hardened mud. It wasn’t until I left the reservation until I noticed the major problems my people experienced. For instance, growing up, I didn’t have running water until I was sixteen or electricity until I was ten; our bathroom was an outhouse.

Seeking higher education was an easy decision for me, but a bold one at that. Initially, my family wasn’t very supportive with my decision to leave home, especially because I am the first one to do so. I came to Portland alone and not knowing anyone. The transition from the reservation to the large city live took an immense toll on me, especially being away from everything I knew.

I grew up in a society of extended family and networks, and physically leaving that realm seemed to have dissipated those ties. I felt very isolated and alone. It wasn’t until I founded TRIO/SSS that I found my bearings, and was able to build a solid foundation for my education and well-being. Despite the conditions of growing up, the college experience was the toughest I’ve ever gone through, but my TRIO advisor, continues to help me through all of it. TRIO/SSS continues to be highly supportive and integral to my success, and continues to support me in navigating the structures of postsecondary education. I attribute my success, as a student and as a global citizen, to the staff and students of the TRIO/SSS program. As a SSS Peer Mentor, I’m excited and grateful for all the potential collaborations with you all so we can be successful together!

 Ahé’héé for this opportunity!

 Fun Facts: I enjoy hiking, photography, bike riding, and talking with my six-year-old sister. My favorite TV show is The Office. I love traveling. I have a seventeen-year-old horse named Queeny. I enjoy and appreciate the art of musicals, operas, plays, and symphonies.