It doesn't require someone to be versed in brain surgery to know North Idaho is proud of its graduates who go on to contribute their talents to the world.

In this case, Dr. Seth Oliveria, who is quite versed in neurosurgery, has made his hometown, as well as his family, proud.

Oliveria, a valedictorian of the Coeur d'Alene High School Class of 1997, will serve as the commencement speaker of his alma mater, Linfield University, on May 28 in McMinnville, Ore.

"It was such a wonderful and unexpected honor to be approached to speak by Linfield President (Miles) Davis," Oliveria told The Press via email Tuesday. "I'm excited to celebrate the Linfield experience with this year's graduates."

Oliveria graduated from Linfield in 2001 with a bachelor's of science in biology and a minor in chemistry. He then attended the University of Colorado, Denver, for his medical doctorate and a doctorate of philosophy in neuroscience. He completed his residency and a clinical fellowship in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at the University of Florida.

He specializes in deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and other movement disorders. The procedure can provide patients with immediate relief and improvement.

Oliveria has received multiple honors for his work, including the National Institutes of Health Predoctoral National Research Service Award, a Medtronic Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship and the University of Florida Resident Research Award and Award for Professionalism in Neurosurgery.

Oliveria played football and baseball for Coeur d'Alene High. He was selected king for the Viks' 1996 Homecoming game. During an awards banquet after his junior year football season, Oliveria was one of two players to receive the Viking Scholar Award for maintaining straight As through high school.

"One of his teammates was so surprised about the Viking scholar honor, he said to Seth, 'Seth, I didn't know you were smart!'" his dad, Press columnist Dave Oliveria, recalled.

Dave said he received lowest grades in science and mathematics, "so you can imagine what a challenge — and a privilege — it was to raise a future medical whiz.

"His mother and I are proud of his accomplishments, of course," Dave said. "But we're prouder still that he grew up to be a good man and good husband."

Seth Oliveria has a younger sister, Amy Oliveria Perry, a private practice therapist from Vancouver, Wash. who graduated as a Class of 2004 valedictorian from Lake City High.

Dr. Oliveria is the director of functional neurosurgery for the Providence Brain and Spine Institute, located within Portland’s Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He is also a neurosurgeon at the Oregon Clinic.

“Dr. Oliveria is the epitome of what a Wildcat can be,” Linfield President Miles K. Davis said in an April 19 announcement.

“Not only is he incredibly distinguished within his field, but he is an active part of his community, loves the outdoors and is a wonderful husband to his wife, Stephanie, whom he met right here at Linfield," Davis said. "He puts his curious and brilliant mind to use improving the lives of his patients every day, and I know students will draw inspiration from his post-Linfield path.”

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This story has been updated to include more family information about Dr. Seth Oliveria.