Alyssa Macy, chief operating officer for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will deliver the commencement address at Oregon State University – Cascades’ 18th commencement ceremony.
The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend.
“Alyssa is a vibrant leader,” said OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson. “She has experience and qualities that will resonate with today’s graduates - she’s a strong communicator, a convener of people from different backgrounds, and an innovator with skills to adapt in changing environments.”
Macy, who is of Wasco, Navajo and Hopi descent, and a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, graduated from Madras High School. She has dedicated her career to the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples. She returned to Warms Springs in 2014 following a decade in which she served in communications, governmental affairs, economic development, and advocacy positions for organizations such as the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples and the International Indian Treaty Council.
Among her achievements, Macy was recognized in 2014 with a “40 Under 40” award from the National Center for American Indian Economic Development as one of the Indian Country’s emerging leaders making significant contributions in business and communities.
She also played a key role in mobilizing indigenous peoples’ participation in the first-ever United Nations World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in 2014, including organizing a global team of indigenous visual and written content creators to document the process.
As chief operating officer of Warm Springs, Macy provides leadership, management and vision to tribal operations including natural resources, health and human services, public safety, public utilities and education. She also participates in several community and nonprofit activities focused on youth, culture and art.
Macy earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota.
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About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism, recreation and adventure leadership. OSU-Cascades expanded to a four-year university in 2015; its new campus opened in 2016.