Nov. 4, 2013—Glenna Unfred, a junior majoring in voice performance, is a profile subject in the latest issue of Focus, the UO's newsletter for charitable estate planning. Here's Glenna's fantastic mini-story.

The opera singer

Opera is Glenna Unfred’s passion, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to earn her degree in vocal music performance.

She packed 18 credits—including a year’s worth of Italian—into her summer on top of commuting to Portland for voice lessons.

It costs extra to take courses needed for an arts management minor, but she hopes it will improve her prospects.

An outstanding student from Salem, Oregon, she receives support from Pell and Oregon Opportunity grants, a four-year talent scholarship, and PathwayOregon. She also holds down part-time jobs at the Duck Store and as a student caller for DuckCall.

Even so, she has needed about $17,000 in Perkins and other student loans. Her debt would be even greater, if not for PathwayOregon donors.

"I was amazed to learn that gifts make PathwayOregon possible," she said. "It helps a lot to know people invested in my future and think that I can make it."

Photo: Michael McDermott