About the fund
We are honored to establish a scholarship in the name of Dr. Larry Roper, a trusted and valued mentor whose legacy and current efforts are deeply rooted in his unwavering commitment to student support, staff development, and the transformational mission of higher education. Dr. Roper’s values have consistently emphasized seeing the potential in others and nurturing their growth, creating an environment of community and learning.
As Dr. Roper requested, this scholarship is less about him and more about how we might come together in service to others. In that spirit, this scholarship aims to share his passion with future generations, honoring his dedication to addressing needs in areas he is passionate about. Through this initiative, we celebrate Dr. Roper’s profound impact and ensure his legacy continues to inspire and support students for years to come.
We invite you to join us in this endeavor, contributing to a cause that embodies Dr. Roper’s vision of community, growth, and service. Your donation will help us extend his legacy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the broader educational community.
Background & Career
Larry Roper currently carries the designation Professor Emeritus of Language, Culture and Society at Oregon State University. Previously he served as Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Professor of Ethnic Studies at Oregon State University from 1995-2014 and Professor of Language, Culture and Society (2014-2020). He also served during the 2016-17 academic year as Interim Director of the School of Language, Culture and Society and from July 2007- September 2008 as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. From 2015-2020 he served as Coordinator of the undergraduate Social Justice Minor and Director of the College Student Services Administration graduate program. Larry has degrees from Heidelberg University (A.B., History), Bowling Green State University (M.A., College Student Personnel), and the University of Maryland (Ph.D., College Student Personnel Administration). He held numerous positions in higher education during his 40+ years career, including roles at St. John Fisher College, Arcadia University, St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia), University of Delaware, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, University of California-Davis, and Ashland University.
Larry completed service on the Governor’s Education Recovery Committee and the Oregon Transfer Council, as well as a six-year term as a Commissioner with the State of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, including a term as chair of the Commission. He previously served on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Heidelberg University and a 6-year term as a Commissioner with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Among the other boards on which he has served are: OSU Federal Credit Union, Benton County United Way (also served as President), Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce, Corvallis School District Continuous Improvement Planning Committee, and as President of Jackson Street Youth Services, an organization that serves homeless and vulnerable youth in Corvallis and Albany, Oregon. He currently serves on the Board of the Portland Opera and as a horticultural volunteer for the City of Portland Parks and Recreation Department and at the Portland Japanese Garden, as a member of the Anesthesia Research Council Work Group, and he provides mentoring at two Portland high schools.
Larry co-authored four books/monographs, including co-editing, Centering Dialogue in Leadership Development (2019). He also has more than 60 other publications. He served on more than 80 thesis or dissertation committees, having chaired more than 45. He served a 4-year term as Editor of the Journal of National Association of Student Affairs Administrators.
Larry and his spouse, Dina Lindquist, are the proud parents of a son, Ellis Kenan Roper.
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