Three alumni are making a difference through mentoring, sharing and service
There are many ways for alumni to support their alma mater: They could donate money to support a scholarship or the general fund, gift investments like real estate or stocks, or include the university in their wills. Some alumni, however, have discovered the deep impact they can make with a gift of their time. While financial contributions are vital, the value of time, mentorship and personal connections often resonate deeply with students who are looking for guidance. Below, meet three Linfield alumni who opened their schedules to stay connected to Linfield and make a difference in the lives of students.
Mentoring medical school hopefuls
Dr. Beth Harmon ’79 had always dreamed of going to medical school, but as a high school student, she didn’t think it would be possible. She was drawn to the small, supportive environment of Linfield, and upon visiting, she immediately felt accepted and supported. At Linfield, she found a mentor in John Day, who would go on to help create Linfield’s RN to BSN program, and support from professor John Hare. Day guided Harmon through the medical school admission process, while Hare encouraged her in her studies.
“He gave me a love for microbiology, specifically immunology,” she said. “His passion was infectious, no pun intended. I continue to call on the lessons that he taught in his classes.”
Now an obstetrician and gynecologist in Salem, Harmon is repaying Hare’s kindness by mentoring students who are interested in pursuing a medical degree. One such student was Raquel Bryant ’20, an employee who she started mentoring when Bryant started researching colleges. Harmon encouraged Bryant to attend Linfield. Harmon continued mentoring her during her undergraduate studies and through the passing of her RN certification test.
“I only mentor students who don’t come from medical families,” Harmon said, explaining that students who have health care professionals in their families usually have access to information and resources that non-medical families don’t. “I help them understand the path to medical school.”
Harmon also supports current Linfield students by helping them improve their interview skills and essays for medical school. With a 100% success rate in helping students get into medical school so far, she asks only that they also pay it forward to help the next generation.
“No matter your field, mentorship can change a life,” Harmon said.
From students to stars
Peter Clem ’88 found his professional calling as an upperclassman at Linfield. The mass communications major remembers attending class trips to radio and television stations in Portland, where he built professional connections that would later open doors. That network led to a summer internship at KATU-TV, where he honed skills that would shape his entire career. Clem credits these early opportunities at Linfield as crucial stepping stones that helped him build the foundation for his success.
“That internship at ABC started my career in the media industry,” he said. “From there, I eventually went on to work on the Oprah Winfrey Show, HGTV and then Warner Bros. Discovery, where I launched and worked on the streaming app, Max.”
Clem, now based in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned to Linfield in October 2023 as part of the NW Media Fest. During a talk titled, “Behind the Streams: An Inside Look at How Streaming Apps Work,” Clem shared information about content development for streaming apps, as well as his career journey since his days as a student. Over two days in McMinnville, he spoke to more than 80 students, offering not only industry insights but also career advice and encouragement.
“In the ’80s, I was one of those students wondering what I was going to do after graduating,” he said while reflecting on NW Media Fest. “Linfield is deeply important to me, and I wanted to give students the confidence to thrive.”
Whether speaking to a club, class or larger event, Clem encourages other alumni to share their experiences with current students.
“If you want Linfield to grow, it’s on all of us to build the community and make the students the stars,” he said.
Balancing involvement and a busy life
McKenna (Pyeatt) Knapp ’13 was interested in giving back to Linfield in a meaningful way that would accommodate her busy life as a young professional, spouse and parent. After being asked by Linfield’s director of alumni and parent engagement, Debbie Harmon Ferry ’90, she joined the Alumni Leadership Council in June 2022. The position turned out to be the perfect fit, providing a way to stay connected to the university without overcommitting.
“Just do it! Explore the many ways to stay engaged with Linfield,” she said. “Try it for a year and see where it takes you — you won’t regret it!”
–McKenna (Pyeatt) Knapp ’13
“Since we only meet a couple times per year, the meetings are high impact and cover a lot of material,” she said. “This makes it easy to schedule into my calendar.”
The Alumni Leadership Council is a group of 12-15 alumni from a range of graduation years and geographical areas. The council engages with university leadership, celebrates alumni accomplishments, awards scholarships to students and participates in homecoming events.
In addition to the Alumni Leadership Council, Knapp also volunteered with the alumni engagement team to help coordinate the 10-year reunion for the Class of 2013 as a part of the 2023 homecoming festivities.
“It was so much fun working with Debbie [Harmon Ferry]’s team to plan the event,” she said. “Reaching out to classmates and celebrating during Homecoming Weekend created unforgettable memories.”
She encourages all new alumni to consider joining one of Linfield’s councils or helping plan an event like a reunion. Linfield offers numerous ways to get involved and stay connected, such as councils and advisory boards for parents, the School of Business, School of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, Center for Wine Education and the athletic department.
“Just do it! Explore the many ways to stay engaged with Linfield,” she said. “Try it for a year and see where it takes you — you won’t regret it!”
GET INVOLVED! Email alumni@linfield.edu
