UCAM Parent Testimonial: Darcy Burke

Darcy Burke, parent of Quinn Burke (Class of 2023)

When my daughter, Quinn, wanted to tour Southern Oregon University, I was thrilled. I’d been accepted to Southern Oregon State College thirty years earlier after falling in love with Ashland during high school trips to see the Shakespeare Festival. (Alas, I ended up going elsewhere.) Quinn also fell in love with Ashland on her tour and when she met a representative from the University Coaching and Academic Mentoring (UCAM) Program, her decision was sealed. Between the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at SOU and the enthusiasm of the UCAM coach she’d met, she already felt as though she belonged. In high school, Quinn had found success, both socially and academically in a program designed for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder. UCAM was a different sort of program, but it provided the academic support and mentoring that she believed would be important as she navigated college, especially 300 miles from home and her built-in support system. During her time at SOU, Quinn had three different coaches and found each to be incredibly helpful and supportive. She also took great advantage of the UCAM writing coach and spent a great deal of time in the Disability Resource Center interacting with her peers. She particularly enjoyed attending UCAM social events such as walks downtown and the annual pumping carving. As a senior, Quinn worked for UCAM while continuing to participate in the program and enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of something that had helped her so much. UCAM was intrinsic to her success in graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Art. As a parent, it gave me great comfort to know that Quinn was in such a positive environment with people who understood her disability and the challenges she faced as well as her many strengths. I am confident in saying that UCAM contributed greatly to Quinn’s college experience and if given the chance, she’d choose SOU and UCAM all over again!