Congratulations to our 2026 College of Business Award Winners
Our College of Business network is vibrant, global and full of trailblazing leaders. We are a community that thrives on innovation, adapts to the ever-changing business landscape and champions a sustainable and prosperous future. Above all, we support one another — Beavers helping Beavers — and we recognize great leadership and service in our communities. Our 2026 College of Business award winners exemplify all of these qualities.
Hall of Fame
Anita Winn '79
The Hall of Fame Award honors College of Business alumni who embody hard work, persistence, and ethical leadership.
Anita Winn encapsulates the character of the award.
Throughout her 40‑year career in retail and merchandising, Winn advanced through leadership roles at Meier & Frank, Mervyn’s, and Kroger, before joining Nike, where she served as business planning director for Nike Factory stores across North America. Across every role, she was known not only for strategic excellence, but for her commitment to developing people.
Through her service on the Merchandising Management Advisory Council, her leadership with the OSU Design Network, and her ongoing mentorship of students and alumni, she has opened doors, built bridges between industry and education, and helped set countless students up for success.
Anita Winn’s life and career reflect what Oregon State does best: turning focus into excellence, leadership into service, and success into opportunity for others. '
Congratulations, Anita!
Graduate of the Last Decade
Marilyn Califano '19
Established in 2018, the Graduate of the Last Decade Award recognizes College of Business alumni within 10 years of graduation who have made significant contributions through early career achievement, leadership, and volunteer service.
Marilyn Califano has done all of that.
Califano is the CEO and co-founder of Hempress Hygienics, the first company to commercialize hemp fiber in period and personal care products. Founded right here at Oregon State, Hempress has grown into a national brand and is now available in more than 800 retail locations across the country. But what makes this achievement significantly meaningful is not just growth, it’s purpose. Hempress reflects Marilyn’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and healthier products for consumers and for the planet.
Beyond Hempress Hygienics, Califano continues to push boundaries as head of growth at HIRO Technologies, a next-generation diaper turned bio-tech company using mycelium to break down plastic waste, further reinforcing her commitment to climate-forward innovation.
Weatherford Award
Domonic Biggi '88
The Weatherford Awards honor visionary entrepreneurs and innovators who embody Oregon’s pioneering spirit. They recognize individuals who have reshaped the business landscape through bold entrepreneurship, innovation, and a commitment to social progress—driving meaningful change in both business and society.
That spirit is exactly what stands out about Domonic Biggi.
Biggi built his career at Beaverton Foods, the family-owned company founded in 1929. Progressing through roles in production, sales, operations and customer relationships, he gained a deep understanding of the business from the ground up. Today, as CEO, he leads the nation’s largest specialty condiment manufacturer guiding strategy, innovation, and multigeneration stewardship for a company recognized globally for quality and honored with more than 150 industry awards.
Biggi consistently mentors students, speaks candidly about family business leadership and shares decades of entrepreneurial experience. As a frequent volunteer speaker in programs like Family Business 360, Biggi’s openness and humility resonate with students and alumni alike. For Biggi, the relationships he built at Oregon State shaped both his personal life and professional path.
Innovative and Distinguished Business Professional
Ken Thrasher '71
The Innovative & Distinguished Business Professional Award, established in 2002, honors College of Business alumni with at least 20 years of experience exemplifying innovation, leadership, and excellence.
Kenneth Thrasher exemplifies that kind of leadership.
Thrasher spent 19 years in executive leadership roles at Fred Meyer, Inc., including serving as Chief Financial Officer and later as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Earlier in his career, Ken gained valuable experience at Mayflower Farms, a dairy cooperative and his first role out of college. Later, he brought his leadership skills to Compli, a SaaS compliance software company, where he served as CEO for 8 years and Chairman of the Board until he retired from that role in 2018.
Thrasher's impact is deeply felt through his longstanding commitment to community service. He and his wife, Marta, have always focused their time and philanthropy on supporting underserved children and families.
He was also a foundational component of the fundraising effort for Austin Hall at Oregon State University’s College of Business. His extensive board service, including roles in education, housing, environmental conservation and social services, reflects a belief that strong communities and successful careers are built through long-term, collective investment in people.
Oregon State University Alumni Association Fellow
Scott Christianson '08
The Alumni Fellows Program recognizes alumni who have not only reached exceptional levels of success, but who continue to lead with purpose and give back in meaningful ways.
Scott Christianson is among them.
He is the executive vice president and portfolio manager at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, where he guides investment strategy for both individuals and institutions. Recently named a principal at the firm, Scott’s leadership is not only shaping client success, but also contributing to the broader economic strength of our region.
What makes Christianson's story especially meaningful, though, is how he shows up beyond his profession.
Here in the Portland community, he serves as president of the board for Meals on Wheels People, helping ensure vital services reach those who need them most. He also shares his time and expertise with organizations like Friends of the Children, and his leadership within the finance community continues to elevate and strengthen the profession across our region.
Christianson has remained deeply connected to Oregon State. Through his service on the Dean’s Council of Excellence and the Finance Advisory Council—and through his ongoing engagement with students—he is actively investing in the future of this college and the next generation of leaders.
Distinguished Business Partner
Enterprise Mobility
The Distinguished Business Partner Award, established in 2003, honors a company, business or industry group whose joint efforts have resulted in significant benefits to the professional development of students, its employees or individuals pursuing job training and retraining for future employment.
With more than five years of direct support for student success and contributions totaling well over $50,000, Enterprise Mobility exemplifies the core values of the Distinguished Business Partner Award.
Since their first year of engagement with the College of Business, Enterprise has consistently shown enthusiasm for giving back—sponsoring key programs and initiatives while hiring and retaining College of Business students who go on to thrive in their careers.
Pictured with Benny is Ashley Parisi, talent acquisition manager at Enterprise Mobility. She has been instrumental in growing and deepening this partnership.
Enterprise is a dedicated Career Success Center partner and Sales Academy sponsor, deeply committed to student career readiness.
The College of Business is proud to have Enterprise Mobility as a partner.
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