EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University is celebrating the achievements of two outstanding community leaders with Bushnell ties who have been named among Eugene’s 20 Under 40 honorees. Carrie Gillies, Director of Online & Graduate Admissions at Bushnell, and alumna Kelsay Rychener ’14 have been recognized as part of the 2025 class of rising business and community stars.
Carrie Gillies, Director of Online & Graduate Admissions at Bushnell University
Kelsay Rychener ’14, Bushnell alumna and adjunct faculty member
Gillies provides leadership in Bushnell’s Office of Admission, with a focus on supporting prospective online, evening, and graduate nursing students. She plays a key role in developing community partnerships and fostering relationships that strengthen Bushnell’s mission and reach. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing opportunities for students across the region.
Rychener, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2014, currently serves as an adjunct faculty member in the communication department. She also works in corporate communications at Optum, where she leads initiatives in internal and organizational communications. With a master’s in communication from Wichita State University, she brings extensive teaching and professional experience to her work with students at Bushnell.
Their recognition will be celebrated during the 20 Under 40 Awards & 10th Annual Eugene Young Professionals Summit on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 at Graduate Eugene. The summit, Eugene’s premier professional development event, draws more than 300 young leaders for a full day of networking, panels, and keynotes, culminating in the awards ceremony. Bushnell is proud to be the presenting sponsor for this academic year’s Young Professionals program.
Gillies and Rychener exemplify Bushnell University’s mission of wisdom, faith, and service, making a lasting impact in both their professions and the greater Eugene community.
For more information on the upcoming summit, visit eugeneyp.com/event/yp-summit.