skip to Main Content

Meet new board members: Thomas Bookman and Dr. Robin Beavers

College Possible Oregon is excited to welcome two new members to our site’s advisory board of directors. Our board of directors is responsible for providing mission-based leadership and guidance to further the organization’s work, setting strategic direction, and helping to raise financial support for our programming. Please join us in welcoming Robin and Thomas to our team.

Thomas BookmanName: Thomas (Tommy) Bookman
Job Title and Organization: Group Physician Advisory Services Practice Leader with The Partners Group
Alma Mater: Oregon State University, B.S. sociology

Other roles or community involvement: Vice Chair, Randall Children’s Hospital Foundation Board; Board Member, Varsity OSU; West Linn Wilsonville School District DEI Committee Member

Hobbies: Everything outdoors especially fishing!

What do you see as the strength of our organization?
One of many noted strengths College Possible possesses is strong leadership with comprehensive vision of where growth opportunities await. I truly admire the thought leadership of the College Possible board of directors and their continued commitment to put our students first.

Who supported you on your path to your college degree?
My parents were the two most influential people that supported my path toward higher learning.  Both understood the tremendous value of college education even though neither of them attended. Their sacrifices for me to achieve a college degree has greatly impacted my view of how important it is to pay it forward and make college “possible” for all.

Why do you serve with College Possible?
Higher education is a foundational element for success.  By helping the next generation understand the value of a college education and the empowering life possibilities that accompany it, our organization is changing the world.  The support resources and advocacy provided to College Possible students has created a movement of young people who are ambitious and ready to lead productive lives. Speaking from my own experience, I feel strongly that having a college education has granted me opportunities that I would not have seen otherwise.  The resiliency and determination developed through my college journey is a gift that no one can take away.  For this, I am forever grateful and accountable to pay it forward.

 

Dr. Robin BeaversName: Dr. Robin Beavers
Job Title and Organization: Vice President of Philanthropy and DEI Initiatives at Trillium Family Services
Alma Mater: I began my college years at Arizona State University as a journalism major. After a year I transferred to University of Nevada Reno (where I spent three years studying sociology) before returning home to complete my undergrad at Concordia University in business management & communications. I later went on to earn my MS in higher education policy, foundation & administration from Portland State University and my Ed.D. in higher education administration at Concordia.

Other roles or community involvement: I sit on the boards of POIC/RAHS, Sport Oregon, Portland Workforce Alliance, and the Numberz radio station. I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and am involved with NACAC Portland National College Fair Committee, Portland Business Alliance’s Education & Career Development Committee, and the national Social Current Equity Apex and Black Women in Leadership Core teams. In addition, I also serve on the Kairos PDX Investment Committee.

Hobbies: I like to travel and I love watching sports.

What do you see as the strength of our organization? 
The strength lies within the work that you do. I love the work that College Possible does to help students enroll and graduate from college.

Who supported you on your path to your college degree? 
Barbara Ward, my counselor at Jefferson High School (and recent retiree from De La Salle North Catholic school) was very influential along with other staff and teachers from Jefferson. They provide exposure opportunities throughout my high school years that were impactful for my decision to pursue higher education. 

Why do you serve with College Possible?
I have a passion for helping youth and young adults access and be successful in higher education. Over 20 years ago, I developed a similar college program for Self Enhancement, Inc. While serving as the assistant director for admissions at Portland State University, I had the opportunity to work alongside staff at College Possible, and facilitated training for the AmeriCorps members on best practices for helping those from culturally diverse and/or low-income households, as well as those who are first-generation college students.

Back To Top