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Civic Life

Willamette University

Akilah Deernose BA’04 breaks down barriers as Executive Director of the Montana ACLU

02.14.2024 | Melanie Moyer

Through her leadership of the human rights organization, the politics major is pursuing her life’s mission: to care for others in the ways she was cared for at Willamette.

Willamette University

Terry Sherman BA’25 strives to be a force for good on and off the court

11.01.2023 | Sophie Cipolla

When the opportunity arose for Terry Sherman BA'25 to pursue a summer internship at Center 50+, he knew immediately that it would be a great fit.

Willamette University

Willamette University among top liberal arts colleges on U.S. News and World Report’s ‘best college’ list

10.13.2023 | University Communications

The university was named one of the top three liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest for the fifth year in a row and excelled in “social mobility” and “best value” categories.

Willamette University

Willamette University’s The Conversation Project celebrates diversity through storytelling and music at The Immigrant Story Live

10.10.2023 | Linda Lenhoff

The event will be filled with storytelling and music that honors the diverse members of the community in hopes of spreading understanding and acceptance.

Willamette University

Willamette’s Conversation Project featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Think Out Loud”

09.22.2023 | Paul McKean

Professor David Gutterman, Associate Professor Wendy Petersen-Boring and Mira Karthik BA’24 joined the popular radio program for a conversation about difficult conversations.

Willamette University

Morgan Gratz-Weiser BA’13 takes on vital role in the Governor’s office

08.07.2023 | Linda Lenhoff

The alum works to support the governor’s policies on climate, clean energy and natural resources along with housing, health and education.

Willamette University

Fiske Guide names Willamette as one of the best colleges for 2023

07.28.2022 | Marketing and Communications

The university is included once again in the popular college guide.

Willamette University

Willamette MBA students and the United Way grant funds to empower local organizations

04.29.2021

Grant funds distributed by Willamette MBA Community Grant program lift up local organizations pursuing diversity, inclusion, racial justice and social equity.

Willamette University

Entrepreneurial grad will use MBA to improve future of Congo-Kinshasa

04.22.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Anna Hope MBA’21, a Fulbright Scholar, seeks to foster entrepreneurship in Africa, starting with her home, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Willamette University

Interest in the arts and research led grad to law degree

04.16.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Megan Mizuta JD’21 will soon be a judicial clerk for Judge Steven Powers JD’01 at the Oregon Court of Appeals. 

Professor Emeritus Eric S. Roberts speaks at podium

Leading computer science expert to teach at Willamette

04.30.2020 | Ruth P. Feingold, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Willamette names Stanford Professor Emeritus Eric S. Roberts the 2020–21 Mark and Melody Teppola Presidential Distinguished Visiting Professor.

United Nations building

Willamette Law clinic students submit report to United Nations Human Rights Council

11.25.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette Law students submit a report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on U.S. children’s rights violations, a culmination of their clinical experience.

Leah Olson ’20

Father’s ALS diagnosis inspires student’s advocacy

09.03.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Leah Olson '20, inspired by her father's ALS diagnosis, lobbies in DC, interns with ALS Association and organizes Marc's Marathon fundraiser for ALS research.

Alison Ecker JD’20

U.S.-Mexico border work was ‘most meaningful yet difficult’ experience in law school

08.20.2019 | Alison Ecker JD’20

Alison Ecker JD’20, pursuing a career in immigration law, joined Professor of Law Warren Binford at the border to help protect children’s rights.

Jamal Raad ’08 and Gov. Jay Inslee JD’76 in Las Vegas

From Willamette to Washington

08.14.2019 | Adam Torgerson

Jamal Raad ’08 takes on climate change as campaign communications director for presidential candidate and fellow Bearcat Gov. Jay Inslee JD’76.

Olivia Scott at the South African coast

Student athlete works to prevent gang violence

07.10.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Olivia Scott ’20 reflects upon interning with a program founded by a reformed gang member in South Africa.

Lynne Saxton ’76

Trustees elect Willamette’s first female board chair

06.26.2019

Lynne Saxton ’76 assumed Board of Trustees role June 1.

Warren Binford

Professor Binford describes conditions at the border

06.25.2019 | Tom Mayhall Rastrelli

Willamette Law’s Warren Binford and a team of lawyers find hundreds of children being neglected and living in dangerous conditions.

Dennis Koho holds a baseball

Public servant and Willamette Law alumnus Dennis Koho JD’04 dies

06.16.2019 | Sarah Bello

Law partner Eleanor Beatty JD’04 and alumna Sara Kendrick JD’15 recall the former mayor of Keizer’s generosity and care.

willamette mba pdx center

Willamette rolls out newly designed MBA for Professionals

06.03.2019 | Jennifer Bush

To maximize value for students and employers, Willamette MBA is excited to introduce newly designed curriculum for MBA for Professionals this fall.

caylee campbell

Tipping the scales of justice

05.14.2019 | Tom Morlan

From empowering teen moms to fighting child exploitation. Caylee Campbell JD’19 is making a difference. Willamette University grad making strides for justice.

Raul Marquez ’22

Representing diversity and fighting for more equitable resources in schools

05.08.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

First-year student is among youngest candidates ever to run for Salem-Keizer School Board.

Paige Morrisey ’19

Willamette politics major lands Stanford data fellowship

04.23.2019 | University Communications

Paige Morrisey, a recent politics graduate, joins Stanford's American Voices Project, delving into American life across many diverse communities.

adrian uphoff

Plugging into the power of proximity

04.23.2019 | Tom Morlan

Adrian Uphoff ’19 is pushing legislation at the Capitol and opening doors for future interns.

peace corps top ten volunteer school logo

Willamette MBA attracts Peace Corps Volunteers

04.16.2019 | Jennifer Bush

Willamette University produces Peace Corps Volunteers; Willamette MBA attracts Peace Corps Volunteers.

students present check to grant recipient

MBA Community Grant Program announces recipients

04.16.2019 | Bryan Martz MBA'19

Willamette MBA students award more than $150,000 granted to nine local nonprofits.

blue badge logo; text: Peace Corps Top Colleges 2019 Ranked in the Top 10 Peace Corps producing schools peacecorps.org

Willamette ranks No. 9 in US for Peace Corps volunteers

03.22.2019

University has been ranked among the top small colleges 15 of the last 17 years.

Students pack food for Global Day of Service

Bearcats team up for third annual Global Day of Service

03.13.2019 | Paul McKean ’11

Willamette community unites to live out the university motto through service projects across the country and overseas.

Gov. Kate Brown and former Gov. Barbara Roberts

Oregon governors explore inclusion and overcoming challenges

03.13.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Law students bring Oregon governors to share experiences for Women’s History Month in diversity speaker series.

Norma Paulus JD’62

Remembering Norma Paulus LLB’62, Oregon’s first woman secretary of state

03.06.2019 | University Communications

Paulus paved the way for women in politics and long supported Willamette.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and former Gov. Barbara Roberts

Oregon’s woman governors to speak on campus

03.01.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Oregon's only female governors, Kate Brown and Barbara Roberts, will speak at Willamette College of Law's Daniel P. Santos Diversity Speaker Series on March 7.

“When I travel somewhere, I love going to the local store, not the big box — that’s where you see who lives there, what they’re eating, what they’re talking about.” —Dani Cone '98

A not-so-general store

01.03.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Dani Cone ’98 seeks to foster close-knit community in fast-paced Seattle with Cone & Steiner general stores.

Carina Comer MBA’15

Resilience baked in — the GOOD food and drink guide

01.01.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Carina Comer MBA’15 promotes resiliency by employing people with disabilities at her business, Carina’s Bakery.

Nick Schoeppner ’11

Park ranger protects Oregon’s stunning places

12.30.2018 | Tina Owen

Inspired by the community spirit of Willamette’s faculty and students, Nick Schoeppner ’11 built a career in public service.

“By being willing to hire people with (criminal) backgrounds,  we had access to great employees other companies were openly discriminating against.” —Shobi Dahl '05

Dave’s killer nephew — the GOOD food and drink guide

12.26.2018 | Erik Schmidt

Working with his uncle at Dave’s Killer Bread, Shobi Dalh ’05 helps people with criminal records start anew.

Amarit Ubhi ’20 holds photo of self with Gov. Kate Brown

In conversation with Amarit Ubhi ’20

12.23.2018 | Tina Owen

Budding public servant Amarit Ubhi ’20 spent the summer working in the Oregon governor’s office.

“(We've helped prevent) the creation of countless tons of emissions and landfill waste.”  —Colin Schilling '10 MBA '12

Crafting a new business approach — the GOOD food and drink guide

12.21.2018 | Erik Schmidt

Colin Schilling ’10, MBA’12 commits to environmental and social sustainability through his business, Schilling Hard Cider.

Jon Steiner (third from left) in the Kenyan village where his nonprofit installed a well to provide clean water.

Not unto ourselves alone with Jon Steiner ’63

12.20.2018 | Jon Steiner ’63

Retired teacher Jon Steiner ’63 uses the international perspective he gained at Willamette to make a difference in the lives of students abroad.

Headshot of Teresa Miller JD'02

Willamette Law alumna Teresa Miller JD'02 leads Pennsylvania DHS

11.28.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

As Pennsylvania's new Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Teresa Miller JD'02 says her learning curve has been steep but rewarding.

Kelli O'Brien ’22

Tutoring program educates and improves the lives of school children

11.27.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette undergrads make connections with local students through Tiger Club.

Ryan Collier and Stephanie Palmblad pose for a photo

Willamette Law alumni honored with OSB awards

11.20.2018 | Logan English

The Oregon State Bar (OSB) recognized three Willamette Law alumni at its annual awards luncheon on Nov. 7.

Michelle Hicks ’20, co-coordinator of the Clothing Share, checks the inventory.

SOAR Center supports basic student needs

11.07.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Free food, books and clothing are offered through a new student-led initiative.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski greets two students with a handshake.

Willamette Law hosts ‘A Conversation with Senator Murkowski’

11.07.2018 | Logan English

Sen. Lisa Murkowski JD’85 returns to her alma mater for an interactive evening with Willamette students.

Native American woman speaks to students

Atkinson Lecture speaker says America has reached ‘a moment’ of decision

10.30.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Native American activist Winona LaDuke discusses climate change, her role as a ‘water protector.’

Willamette grads top Teach For America list

09.12.2018 | Adam Torgerson

Willamette University shares the top spot among small colleges nationally for alumni service to the program.

light post with banner saying "Willamette University Not unto ourselves alone are we born." with Roger's Music Hall in background

Willamette ranked top liberal arts college in Northwest by Washington Monthly

08.28.2018

The university moves up seven spots, boosted by students’ strong commitment to volunteer work.

Featured in Fiske Guide to Colleges logo

Willamette featured in ‘Fiske Guide to Colleges 2019’

07.10.2018

Best-selling guide features some 300 of the “best and most interesting” colleges.

drawing of Scrabble-like letter tiles scattered on a game board with some tiles spelling “Questions of Truth”

Questions of Truth

05.29.2018 | Tina Owen

Willamette faculty and staff discuss how the university prepares students to separate fact from fiction in an information-saturated world.

student smiles after receiving an award

Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence announced

04.27.2018

More than 30 awards were given to students who have made positive contributions to the Willamette community.

Andy Blevins

JD/MBA student who advocates for LGBTQ rights presents at Harvard

03.26.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Andy Blevins JD/MBA’19 invited to speak on panel with legal experts.

Oregon officials, experts to discuss legislative redistricting at April 19 event

03.20.2018 | Tim Johnson

Community, public are welcome to join Oregon officials and experts at Willamette.

Students pack boxes as part of Willamette’s Global Day of Service

Service blooms in Willamette community

03.12.2018

Bearcats volunteer at nonprofits across the country on Willamette’s Global Day of Service.

Willamette ranked in top 10 for Peace Corps volunteers

02.23.2018

The only Oregon school in the top 10 colleges with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates, Willamette has 13 Bearcats serving around the world.

Emilio Solano ’09

In conversation with Emilio Solano ’09

12.20.2017 | Tina Owen

Willamette Academy’s executive director explains how the program helps teenagers — and society — reach their potential.

In the early 1920s, students pose on the front steps of Lausanne Hall, which housed Willamette’s Women’s College.

HerStory: Notable women throughout Willamette’s history

12.20.2017 | Kristin Ohlson

In its 175th year, the university celebrates the presence and impact of women.

Assistant Professor Cindy Koenig Richards

Civic Communication and Media program receives national recognition

12.04.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette’s CCM major prepares students to make influential, ethical contributions to civic life.

Nat Levy (L), runner-up of the Don Turner Moot Court Competition, stands next to the winners, Conor McCahill and Autumn Mills.

Third-year law students named winners of Don Turner Moot Court Competition

11.15.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Following the fourth night of competition last week, the judges recognized third-year law students Autumn Mills and Conor McCahill as the winners of the annual Don Turner Moot Court Competition.

Three 1Ls represented Willamette Law's APALSA student group at the NAPABA Convention: (L to R) Alex Dooley JD'20, Megan Irinaga JD'20 and Noelle Chan JD'20.

NAPABA Convention a success for Willamette Law students

11.10.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Five Willamette Law students represented the school in great fashion last weekend at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention.

David Friedman is a business law professor at Willamette Law.

Final sticker price is what matters, says Prof. David Friedman in holiday advertising story

11.08.2017 | Sarah Carlson

With Thanksgiving and Black Friday just a couple of weeks away, Willamette Law Prof. David Friedman commented in a national Magnify Money story this week on holiday advertising.

Leandro Gonzales ’03 helped organize the delivery of dozens of tents to Mexico and Puerto Rico residents recently struck by natural disasters.

Willamette community unites to support people impacted by natural disasters

11.06.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Families of some students, faculty grapple with aftermath.

Third-year JD/MBA student Andy Blevins serves the LGBTQ military community through his work as an extern at OutServe-SLDN.

Law student and veteran serves LGBTQ military community through fall externship, work on transgender ban lawsuit

11.06.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Third-year JD/MBA student Andy Blevins’ first encounter with OutServe-SLDN occurred in the navy as a cryptologic technician from 2007-11.

Judge Beth Allen JD'96 was surprised with the OGALLA Community Service Award at the organization's annual dinner October 20. She also won the Chief Justice's Juvenile Court Champion Award in August.

Judge Beth Allen JD’96 wins recent awards

11.02.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Judge Beth Allen JD’96 now knows how well her friends can keep secrets from her. The Willamette Law alumna was surprised this fall with not one, but two awards for her work in the community and judiciary.

Erin Greenawald JD'98 (middle), domestic violence resource prosecutor for the Oregon Department of Justice, conducts a training on domestic and sexual violence at the Sexual Assault Training Institute. Pictured with her is Steve Bellshaw, deputy chief of the Salem Police Department, and Jodie Bureta JD'03, former Marion County District Attorney's Office prosecutor and now an employee of the Department of Justice.

Willamette Law alumna seeks to make an impact in domestic violence prosecution

11.01.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Although born and raised in Newport, Oregon, Erin Greenawald JD’98 would tell you she “grew up,” professionally, in the Marion County District Attorney’s (MCDA) office.

Law Prof. Paul Diller submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court for the case Gill v. Whitford. He was assisted by 2L Mick Harris.

Prof. Paul Diller submits amicus curiae brief to Supreme Court

10.25.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Willamette Law Prof. Paul Diller recently submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court for the case Gill v. Whitford, which was argued Oct. 3.

Willamette MBA

Meet our new nonprofit unicorn

09.20.2017 | Lindsay Lennon

The Nonprofit Unicorn

Green Fund awards sustainability grants

05.01.2017 | Joe Abraham

From bike racks outside Montag to a local symposium about refugees, the Green Fund program is sponsoring diverse projects that advance sustainability, equity and social justice on campus and in our community.

Liz Gill

Crafting her own approach

04.17.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

At Willamette, senior Liz Gill found activities that fit who she is and helped define the leader she wants to be.

Day of Service

Bearcats unite for Day of Service

03.13.2017

In Salem and across the country, members of the Willamette country joined together to do good.

April Stone, a first-year student at Willamette Law, will travel to Austria in March as the head coach for the US National Special Olympics snowboarding team at the World Winter Games. (Aubrey Aden-Buie/Special Olympics)

From the slopes to the courtroom

02.21.2017 | Sarah Carlson

Like a snowboarding course, first-year law student April Stone's path to Willamette has been a winding and sometimes difficult path.

Speeches, vigil and social media campaign to celebrate black history

02.06.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Black Student Union club hosts several events in honor of Black History Month.

Nonprofit giving

Nonprofit giving — how to make smart and effective charitable donations

12.13.2016 | Andrew Hickey

Two not-for-profit experts from Willamette University MBA give tips on effective charitable giving.

2016 Webber Scholars

Outreach program encourages girls to consider science

12.12.2016 | Jennifer Johnson

For 20 years and counting, the Webber scholarship has helped female scholars teach elementary students.

TaB Jill Summers

After the Break

11.29.2016 | Marc Covert

Four alumni share how the Take a Break program expanded their worldviews and inspired careers focused on social justice.

Willamette University

Protecting a vulnerable group

05.09.2016 | Mike Russell

Joshua Reams L'16 sheds light on important issues around elder law.

Jessica Weiss

Jessica Weiss ’18 publishes academic paper, lands coveted NYC internship

05.09.2016 | Erin Dahl

Willamette’s liberal arts approach creates opportunities for Jessica Weiss ’18.

Mark Andreoni '16

Mark Andreoni ’16 focuses his talents on helping others

02.29.2016 | Erin Dahl

By exploring new pursuits, Mark Andreoni ’16 discovers his calling

World War II helped shape Sen. Mark Hatfield’s political career

02.01.2016 | Erin Dahl

Hatfield ’43 made significant contributions to foreign policy during his 30-year career as an Oregon senator.

Civic Communications video

New video explores Willamette's connections to the state capitol

02.01.2016 | Michael Beseda

Documentary filmmaker captures Willamette's connections to the Oregon State Capitol.

Leonard Pitts Jr.

MLK celebration to feature Leonard Pitts Jr.

12.23.2015 | University Communications

Discussions, service reflect King's legacy.

Willamette alumnus named leader of independent colleges alliance

11.04.2015 | University Communications

Ron Saxton '76 will lead the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Sonato ’15 works to connect Latinos and environmentalism

05.01.2015

Martha Sonato ’15 takes a person-to-person approach to engage the Latino community with environmental issues in the Columbia River Gorge.

Willamette University

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