Early this summer, Warner Pacific University became the first four-year institution in Oregon to offer students the opportunity to earn the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy (OSSB) in English and Spanish.
Thirteen Warner Pacific students achieved this milestone, with the seal permanently recorded on their transcripts — giving them a credential that formally recognizes and honors advanced language proficiency.
The OSSB is typically earned at the K–12 level, but Warner Pacific has now extended the opportunity to its university students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to affirming the gifts, skills, and identities of bilingual learners.
“This is about more than language — it’s about purpose, heritage, and identity,” said Lael Easton, Project Director. “We are proud and excited to honor the skills of our bilingual students. In the future, we hope to expand the opportunity so even more languages and communities are represented at Warner Pacific.”
For Pedro Villagómez Murillo ’25, earning the Seal was both personal and profound:
“The Seal is a celebration of my identity, my roots, and my cultural heritage. It allows me to connect with my community in solidarity, purpose, and faith. Servitude will always be at the forefront of my purpose in life. With my strong biliteracy skills, podré seguir apoyando a mi comunidad y dar como lo enseñó Jesús.”
For Miriam Barajas Carmona, the Seal represents pride and opportunity:
“Earning the Seal of Bilingualism means a lot to me because I can represent and help my community, and that makes me feel proud. It’s like a key to unlocking doors that have been blocked for a long time. It has helped me achieve goals, grow in my faith, and serve without barriers.”
Both students affirm that biliteracy is not simply a credential — it is a calling to serve, a tool for connection, and a reflection of God’s purpose in their lives.
This milestone was part of a broader initiative led by Jhonatan Carmona Tangerife, Spanish Curriculum Developer, which also includes the development of a Spanish for Heritage Speakers course and a certificate in community interpreting.
Warner Pacific celebrates these achievements as a powerful example of how education affirms identity and equips students to rise in promise.
2025 OSSB Recipients:
- Briseyda Avila-Rojas
- Miriam Barajas Carmona
- Milari B. Carpenter
- Antonio Cipriano Ojendiz
- Ivan Gonzalez
- Dalia Inzunza
- Juan Navarette
- Angel E. Perez
- Wendy Diaz
- Diana Jaramillo Salas
- Zulema Jeronimo Sanchez
- Rubi Mejia
- Pedro Villagómez Murillo