Ã÷ÐǺÚÁÏ

Echo Koons ’29 is one of 32 students selected for the inaugural year of the Leadership and Ethics Across Discipline (LEAD) Honors Program.

Echo came to Oregon from Long Beach, California, looking for a college that would challenge her academically while offering a strong sense of belonging. She found both at Linfield.

“When I first visited Linfield, the campus atmosphere felt warm and welcoming,” she said. “And I could really see myself here in its arts and academic programs.”

Finding community in the LEAD Honors Program

The LEAD Honors Program brings together a cohort of motivated students ready to grow as leaders. Through coursework and hands‑on experiences, students build upon their skills in leadership, communication and critical thinking — all while collaborating across disciplines.

“I applied for the LEAD Honors Program because I wanted to be a part of a community of students and advisors that could provide each other with a backbone of support and connection that could last beyond college,” she said.

For Echo, the program has already delivered. Through mentorship and peer collaboration, she’s gaining confidence and developing skills she’ll carry into her future.

“I can see myself growing as a leader, public speaker and scholar within this program,” she said. “I have begun building friendships that I hope will last me a long time, and I have learned more about how leadership and advocacy can be integrated into academics and my career interests.”

She’s also found value in faculty relationships.

“I have built strong connections with my advisors,” she said. “They push me to be ambitious in my work and provide networking resources for me to utilize.”

Growing as a scholar and leader

Echo’s academic and cohort advisor, Professor Lindsey Mantoan, has seen that growth firsthand.

“It has been a delight advising Echo through her first semester at Linfield,” Mantoan said. “I've had a front-row seat to Echo's growth as a critical thinker and writer in two courses, and as part of the dramaturgy team for the Theatre Program's spring production of ‘Alice by Heart.’”

Mantoan also highlighted Echo’s creative work on stage.

“Perhaps the greatest joy for me was watching the way Echo creatively and playfully developed her character — one of the Weird Sisters — in this fall's production of ‘Macbeth,’” she said.

Beyond the classroom and stage, Echo is already stepping into leadership roles.

“She is serving as an ambassador for the LEAD Honors Program,” Mantoan said. “The program has been expanding opportunities for community building and fostering intellectual engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with Echo in these endeavors.”

Echo agrees.

“It's an inspiring community and an amazing way to make friends with driven people,” she reflected.

Looking ahead

In the coming years, Echo and her cohort will complete coursework for the LEAD minor while participating in monthly meetings and mentorship opportunities. In addition, the program includes an integrative seminar, on‑ and off‑campus leadership experiences and a capstone project. It culminates in a portfolio and public presentation during the students’ senior year.

Working toward her future goals, Echo is excited about the LEAD experience she's gaining.

"I have been exploring different forms of storytelling and its role in advocacy," she said. "I want to pursue work in documentaries and the performing arts, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to connect with different people in the community and carry forward the impact of a story."