OCOM Student Wins $6K Scholarship

On Saturday, 2015 Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods Integrative Medicine Speech Contest Scholarship finalist and OCOM student Travis Kern took home the top $6,000 prize at the annual Integrative Medicine Day event. His winning video on kamut ---- the Pharaoh's grain ---- placed him on a panel with other finalists from OHSU, University of Western States, National College of Natural Medicine and Pacific University.

 Kern, after answering a series of tough questions on integrative medicine and nutrition with humor, insight and compassion, was voted the winner by the audience and judges. Congratulations to Travis and all the speech contest finalists!

Watch Travis Kern's video on YouTube.

 OCOM's 21st annual No Talent Show featured skits, gifts and remembrances in honor of 
 Carol Taub's 19 years as dean of the master's program. The festivities kicked off with animated acrobatics, drums and new year's blessings from the lion dancers of Portland's Lee Family Association. Skits by staff, students' haiku reflections, and performances of talents small and great by OCOM students and their faculty filled the evening with laughter and memories. 

Dave Eshbaugh, OCOM's new Development Officer, is a perfect match for the college's mission and values. He has over 18 years professional experience working with Oregon's philanthropic and nonprofit communities, including leadership positions at Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation, Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon State Parks Trust, and work with the Native American community to raise money for the purchase of property for Iwetemlaykin State Park. His experience and familiarity with Portland donors and foundations will serve OCOM well. These professional strengths are matched by his personal connection to the college ---- his wife is an OCOM alum. 

Reflecting on giving to OCOM, Dave says "donations, gifts from people just like you, are important. They enable the college to treat low-income patients, provide scholarships to students, and conduct research on the effectiveness of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. There are many ways you can give. And, by contributing, you get the satisfaction and good feeling of supporting OCOM and those it serves."