On October 22nd, 2025 Oregon MESA welcomed friends, supporters, and alumni to an unforgettable evening celebrating four decades of student invention and community impact. The 40th Anniversary Celebration, MESA Through the Decades, highlighted the transformative and lasting power of MESA and the incredible people who make it possible.
MESA Through the Decades Photo Gallery
Guests kicked off the evening with a lively cocktail hour, exploring the MESA museum, which featured newspaper clippings, booklets, annual reports, photos from every decade of MESA, and cool historical tech, including oscilloscopes ranging from 1985 to today, courtesy of VintageTEK museum. Community members reconnected, sharing stories and memories over drinks and music curated by DJ Prashant of Bollywood Dreams Entertainment, setting the tone for a night filled with storytelling, recognition, and celebration.
Honoring the Past, Present, and Future
Elizabeth Stock, Executive Director of Oregon MESA, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and thanking the event’s presenting sponsor, The Lemelson Foundation. She highlighted the impact of the MESA community across students, families, teachers, mentors, and partners, who have shaped Oregon MESA over the last 40 years.
Emcee for the evening Ken Boddie then took the stage to guide guests through a journey through time, sharing the program’s history and introducing inspiring alumni and educators.
Stories That Inspire
The evening showcased MESA alumni and community members whose lives were transformed by the program:
- Bosko Kante, a MESA student in the 1980s, now a Grammy-winning music producer, inventor of the ElectroSpit mobile talkbox. Bosko shared how mentorship and hands-on learning in MESA inspired him to merge technology and creativity. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized how the program instilled a mindset of problem-solving and curiosity that carried him into the music industry. Bosko also described launching his nonprofit HiiiWav to support underrepresented creators in technology and the arts, showing how the MESA experience extends far beyond school, nurturing leaders who impact entire communities.
- Kayin Talton Davis, a MESA alumna, accomplished artist, designer, and community advocate, reflected on her experiences in MESA during the 1990s. Mentored by teachers like Renee Anderson and Melanie Ramsey, Kayin integrated her mechanical engineering background with art, culture, and Afro-futurism. Through MESA workshops at Portland State and field trips to science and engineering centers she found her calling, determined to ensure that every child feels whole, loved, and cherished and STEM is accessible for all students.
- Miriam Petersen, a family coordinator for MESA since the early 2000s, highlighted the critical role of family engagement in helping students build confidence and pursue STEM careers. She shared how building strong partnerships with families encourages students to believe in their potential, pursue STEM opportunities, and overcome barriers. Miriam’s work underscored the idea that when families are supported and involved, students are empowered to achieve beyond expectations.
- Suzanne Pittock, a longtime MESA educator, Suzanne celebrated the joy of deeply connecting with students, sharing stories of how she watches students experiment, fail, and ultimately discover their own strengths. She emphasized the importance of fostering creativity, resilience, and curiosity, helping students grow not only as inventors but as confident problem-solvers. Her dedication illustrates the critical role teachers play in shaping students’ MESA journeys.
- Melissa Tran, former MESA student in the 2010’s and current mechanical engineer, Melissa recounted her seven-year journey through MESA, participating in national competitions, internships, and hands-on projects. She reflected on the mentorship, encouragement, and technical skills she gained through the program, which paved the way for her career in engineering. Melissa’s story is a testament to how sustained engagement in MESA can inspire lifelong passion and achievement in STEM.
- Jupiter Hernandez, a recent MESA graduate and current Portland State University student, Jupiter shared how MESA opened doors for students in rural communities like theirs, providing access to STEM resources, mentorship, and exposure to career pathways that might otherwise be unavailable. They emphasized the program’s role in building confidence, resilience, and community, showcasing how MESA’s impact spans across urban and rural areas in Oregon.
Celebrating Leadership
The gala also honored Oregon MESA founder Renee Anderson with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her visionary leadership, tireless advocacy for equity in STEM, and 40 years of dedication to empowering students in Oregon and beyond. MESA alumna and Portland leader Cobi Lewis presented the award, sharing touching anecdotes of her time as Mrs. Anderson’s student in the 1980s.
A Night to Remember
The evening concluded with an energetic paddle raise, raising critical funds to support MESA’s programs, and a vibrant dance party with DJ Prashant from Bollywood Dreams Entertainment, giving guests a chance to celebrate, dance, and connect with the MESA community.
This milestone event was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of MESA — from its founding vision to the students, teachers, and alumni who continue to carry the torch. Here’s to the next 40 years of innovation, mentorship, and possibility!
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or supported MESA in any way. Your generosity ensures that thousands of students across Oregon will continue to have access to hands-on STEM experiences, mentorship, and the tools to invent their futures. Want to keep the celebration going? DONATE to Oregon MESA. Every contribution helps fuel MESA’s work!