Category: Alumni Profiles

When a Chicken Nugget Costume Failed to Impress: Kent and Debra McIntosh

Posted on by Celeste Christie

When a Chicken Nugget Costume Failed to Impress

Kent and Debra McIntosh

Kent (MS ’03 Special Education, PhD ’05 School Psychology) and Debra (MS ’03 Special Education) McIntosh met while graduate students in Special Education at the University of Oregon College of Education, where they were assigned to the same practicum site. That year Kent dressed as a giant chicken nugget for Halloween to impress Debra, but it took a chance seating assignment in their Design of Instruction course for him to finally grab her attention. Married for 13 years, they have added two little ones to their duck family. Kent is now the Phillip H. Knight Chair in Special Education and Director of Educational and Community Supports, a research unit in the COE. His office is in the same spot where he and Debra first connected some 19 years ago. Debra is a teacher in the 4J School District.

A Dedication to Each Other and the Community: Lori Lund and Susan Mathisen

Posted on by Celeste Christie

A Dedication to Each Other and the Community

Lori Lund and Susan Mathisen

Lori Lund (MS ’92 Special Education, MED ’03 Family and Human Services) and Susan Mathisen (MS ’95 SPED Developmental Disabilities, ’05 Administrator Licensure Program) knew each other long before they attended the University of Oregon College of Education, having met in summer camp as teenagers and forming a lasting friendship that deepened with time. They celebrated their 37th anniversary this year! Their commitment to each other is just as profound as their commitment to public service. Lori retired after a 25-year career in social services, while Sue still serves as the Director of Special Education at Lane Education Service District, where she has worked for 30 years.