About Us

Our Mission

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Biennial Reports

Our Mission

The FOSD mission and purpose is to support the enhancement of programs and services for students at OSD (Oregon School for the Deaf) beyond the State’s funding responsibility* by enriching the educational opportunities for students, by sponsoring cultural activities, by encouraging innovative programs, and by financially supporting minor capital improvements.

Founded by a small group of dedicated people in 2006, Friends of OSD has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer Board of Directors. In 2014, FOSD created an Advisory Council of 15 members.

The Friends of OSD Strategic Plan provides direction as the nonprofit continues to expand. We are proud to say that 95% of all grants and donations go directly to programs that benefit students.

*The State of Oregon is responsible for operating programs and services for the students at OSD. Federal case law establishes the expectation that special education services provided by a school be reasonably designed to ensure students make progress. Friends of OSD will not replace or supplant the responsibilities of the State.

The Friends of OSD nonprofit bylaws provide for a maximum 15-member Board of Directors, and we are actively recruiting additional directors. Click here for more information about serving on the all-volunteer Friends of OSD Board.

Board meetings usually are held monthly and are open to the public. Meeting time and day are subject to change to accommodate Board members’ schedules. Please check Upcoming Events on our website for specifics each month.

Friends of OSD Board of Directors

Su Fennern, President

In Su’s pre-retirement position as Procurement Officer at the Oregon Department of Education, she provided guidance and assistance in the purchasing and contracting process to OSD staff. Her degree in Business from Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management, as well as her volunteer service with the Turner Fire District, coordination of large group events, and involvement in fundraising for community organizations make her a welcome addition to the FOSD board.

Judy Lorenzen, Vice-President

Judy graduated from Willamette University with a BA in English Literature. After teaching English at the high school level, she received an MA in Special Ed, Hearing Impaired, from Lewis & Clark University. She began teaching Language Arts at the Oregon School for the Deaf in 1972 in both the Middle and High School Departments, ultimately becoming High School Supervising Teacher, a position she held until her retirement in 2004. She was also Adjunct Professor at both Lewis and Clark and Western Oregon University in their teacher training programs.

Phyllis Reynolds, Treasurer

Phyllis is a retired 30-year employee of the Oregon Department of Education, with positions ranging from clerical to policy analyst for the fiscal offices at ODE. Her history of support for OSD ranges from assisting to record and archive student records to setting up Small Purchase Order Transaction System debit card accounts which enable OSD staff to teach independent living skills to students nearing graduation. Phyllis is excited to be involved with FOSD to help support the School and the students.

Linda Couoh, Secretary

Linda is a former 13-year employee of Oregon School for the Deaf where she served on the Search Committee for the Director of Oregon School for the Deaf and on the Planning Committee for the Future of Oregon School for the Deaf. She then became executive secretary to the Oregon State Superintendent of Schools, a position from which she was promoted to Personnel Director at the Oregon Department of Education (now retired). Linda is a charter board member of Friends of OSD.

Jack Ludwig, Director

Jack is President of the Oregon Association of the Deaf and is actively involved with the National Association of the Deaf’s Youth Programs. He is a passionate advocate for Deaf rights and inclusion, fostering strong connections within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities on multiple levels. As a second-generation Deaf individual with bilingual fluency in American Sign Language and written English, and a strong advocate for the Deaf community, he brings a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges they face. He has proven ability raising funds for important causes and is dedicated to uplifting the welfare of the OSD students and the Deaf community as a whole. His background and advocacy work are a welcome addition to Friends of OSD.

Susan Hawkins, Director

Susan worked 25 years for the State of Oregon in the Legislative Fiscal Office and the Department of Education. Before retiring from the Department, she managed federal, private and state grants, including allocations to school districts. In her role as a manager in the Business Office, she served as fiscal support for the Oregon School for the Deaf. Besides leading activities in her church, she volunteers at local schools and is quickly becoming better acquainted with the School as she uses her talents in FOSD Board work.

Biennial Reports

Biennial Report 2022-23

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Your generous support of Friends of OSD allows us to continue enhancing the students’ educational experience at the Oregon School for the Deaf.

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