Student Activities
Putnam University Center
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6463 voice
503-370-6407 fax
Ohana Leader 2009 Biographies
Jose Alvarado
- Year
- Sophomore
- Hometown
- Salem, OR
- Major
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Minor
- Physics
Interests and Hobbies
Movies, video games, collecting, computers, reading, sports, friends, playing pool and chess
Favorite Class at WU
My favorite class is a tie between Data Structures and Foundations because the professors make the classes really fun with a great environment to learn.
Favorite Event at WU
When there was an Indiana Jones movie on the big screen on the Brown Field, it was a bit chilly but still enjoyable.
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
La Hacienda Real for some good Mexican food and Great Wall for some good Asian food.
Fun Facts
I’m very ticklish.
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble
Danielle Barnett
- Year
- Junior
- Hometown
- Panama City Florida/Myrtle Point Oregon
- Major
- Anthropology
- Minor
- Sociology
Interests and Hobbies
Sun bathing, laughing, smiling, chillin with friends, writing poetry, playing at the beach, working out, I love snuggling, playing with puppies, and having fun =)
Favorite Class at WU
I have really loved two classes: Cultures of Mexico and Ecuador and Gender Roles in society. Both of these classes have really made me reevaluate the foundation of my way of thinking and have encouraged me to step outside of my habituated way of living and change something about myself for the better.
Favorite Event at WU
Black history month! I love the community of people who come together during that month to evoke positive change on the campus through educating and encouraging people to remember our history.
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
La Perla!!! The best 99 cent tacos I have ever had...and the horchata is to DIE FOR!!!
Fun Facts
I have an addiction to apple juice...it's my one fix. Sometimes I just have to have it. Also, I have been to all but 11 of the United States =)
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all." ~Mulan
Sabrina Kawana
- Year
- Junior
- Hometown
- Mililani, HI
- Major
- Politics
- Minor
- English
Interests and Hobbies
Reading, watching movies, piano, soccer, lounging on the beach, coaching kids track and soccer, perusing law documents, and finding interesting things that fascinate me
Favorite Class at WU
Creative Writing: Fiction with Professor Scott Nadelson last semester has been an eye-opening experience for me. It has rekindled my interest in the craft of writing and my appreciation for language as a means of expression.
Favorite Event at WU
Kaneko’s “Club Kaneks” Pool Party last fall. It was one of the first events of the year, so it was a huge reunion as well as an opportunity to meet new freshman on a gorgeous afternoon with mocktails on the poolside, and a dance with a live DJ to start off the night!
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
Thai Orchid in downtown Salem, within walking distance. Love the pad thai.
Fun Facts
I had never seen snow before coming to Oregon. My first year I was swimming in Sparks pool when my friend Cait starts screaming, “Sabrina! It’s SNOWING!!!” So naturally, I sprung out of the pool and ran outside to stand in the snow. Sopping wet in my swimsuit.
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
"People of Berlin - and people of the world - the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. With an eye toward the future, with resolve in our hearts, let us remember this history, and answer our destiny, and remake the world once again.” ~ Obama in his speech in Berlin 2008
Erika Mosqueda
- Year
- Sophomore
- Hometown
- Salem, OR
- Major
- Spanish or Fashion Design
- Minor
- French and Ethnic Studies
Interests and Hobbies
Shop! Travel! Dance, hang out with friends, paint, draw.
Favorite Class at WU
Costume Design and American Ethnic Studies
Favorite Event at WU
Serenades, when all the Fraternities and Sororities get together and dance for the school at midnight and it usually goes until 2AM. It’s a time to have fun and enjoy some dancing.
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
I love the Thai Restaurant because they make delicious Thai food and it's close to school:)
Fun Facts
I know three languages(Spanish, English, French{kind of}). I love to laugh! I like to do random things.
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
“Never let anybody tell you that you can't do something, instead prove them wrong.”
Ismael Perez-Guzman
- Year
- Senior
- Hometown
- Salem, OR
- Major
- Spanish
- Minor
- Biology
Interests and Hobbies
Laughing, spending time with friends and my family, shopping, nature walks, sleeping, cooking, trying new restaurants and listening to music.
Favorite Class at WU
General Ecology, because we took several trips to the coast and nature parks.
Favorite Event at WU
Willamette University's annual Pow wow, I love this event because we learn about the Native American people in our area and their traditions and dances.
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
Fun Facts
I know how to knit and crochet and I tend to laugh a lot.
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
"Life's nothing but a journey, enjoy every moment of it."
Chase Wiggins
- Year
- Senior
- Hometown
- Honolulu, HI
- Major
- English
- Minor
- Nothing declared, but American Ethnics Studies if I can get the credits together…
Interests and Hobbies
Music, movies, reading, video games, going to the beach, cooking, eating, spending time with friends and family.
Favorite Class at WU
It’s pretty cliché, but true nonetheless, that the most meaningful learning and growing that I’ve done has been with my peers outside of the classroom. That being said, I really enjoyed History of Western Political Philosophy with Professor Sammy Basu. The man is an intellectual giant and the class, while hard, blew open the doors to a new way of thinking about history and politics.
Favorite Event at WU
Definitely Lu‘au because it reminds me of home, is a lot of fun to participate in, and, especially in recent years, has become a great medium for cultural education and sharing.
Favorite Restaurant in Salem
La Hacienda Real for amazing Mexican food and Adam’s Rib for great burgers and BBQ for sure!
Fun Facts
I have a perfectly logical fear of large sea creatures, especially giant squid and overly large tuna. Giant squid are straight up scary and the tuna are mostly just creepy… I’m always looking for people to enjoy a round of witty banter with…I’m equally always looking for people to play music with…
Quote of Words O' Wisdom
“The past is only the future with the lights on” ~ +44 (Baby Come On)