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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.

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Nels Swenson BA’98, MBA’99 advocates for others and promotes inclusion in engineering

01.17.2024 | Sophie Cipolla

As a leader at Intel Swenson uses his platform to advocate for women in STEM.

Willamette University

Conor Foley BA’12 uses his international public health knowledge to help local youth

01.17.2024 | Melanie Moyer

Working at the Marion County Health and Human Services, Foley focuses on preventing tobacco addiction among vulnerable youth populations.

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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.

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Willamette MBA alums address bias in hiring with AI

10.17.2023 | Paul McKean

Andrew Hallberg BA’12, MBA’16 and Malik Kahel MBA’16 have taken their experiences sitting on both sides of the venture capital investment table to found an AI startup.

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Sarah Jenner BA’25 experiences a life-changing public health internship in Ghana

10.17.2023 | Sophie Cipolla

With the support of the Career Development team and Willamette’s pre-health Cahill Internship Fund, Jenner spent her summer in Ghana as an intern at the Princess Marie Children’s Hospital.

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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 University community comes together to achieve record-breaking fundraising year

09.28.2023 | University Communications

Willamette raised more than $27 million in commitments — the majority of which were in support of scholarships — beating the previous record from 2007.

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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.

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Bearcats share stories, relive memories at Alumni Reunion Weekend

06.23.2023 | Paul McKean BA'11, MBA'23

At parties, reunion dinners and faculty lectures, friendships were formed and connections were reforged across campus, all based on one thing: a shared love of the Willamette University community.

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Global interests land alumnus job in sustainability engagement

11.01.2022 | Jennifer Johnson

After earning his MBA and teaching abroad, Michael Chen ’18 now works at Meta.

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A record 850+ alums come home to Willamette for Reunion Weekend

06.24.2022 | Paul McKean BA'11

Bearcats from far and wide converged on Salem to reconnect with classmates and friends at Willamette's largest Alumni Reunion Weekend on record.

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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.

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Cultivating a global community

03.31.2021 | Tom Morlan

Accomplished linguist Elizabeth Guzman Ljubetic ’14 is committed to fostering a more interconnected business world.

Brooke Stearns Lawson ’99

Undergraduate research lays groundwork for career in international development

08.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

As conflict and crime advisor, alumna develops programs to counter violent extremism.

Kimberly Cole ’02

Alumna connects communities with tools to better health

08.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Kimberly Cole '02, fueled by her Willamette education, leads global initiatives in family planning and public health, impacting lives worldwide.

mosaic of graduates photos

Virtual celebration honors graduates

05.18.2020

More than 500 students representing three schools graduated from Willamette University on Sunday. 

Nathaniel Woodward, JD '20

Willamette opens the door to hope and healing for College of Law standout

05.01.2020 | Tom Morlan

In the aftermath of personal loss, Nathaniel Woodward JD’20 found his calling as an advocate for accident victims and their families.

Face mask

Willamette faculty, staff produce hundreds of face coverings for community

04.30.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette University faculty distributed 200+ handmade masks to students while Assistant Professor Daniel Borrero donated 45 face shields to a medical facility

Image of a computer

Willamette computers lend power to COVID-19 fight

04.29.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette University faculty joined the fight against COVID-19 — and so have campus computers.

Rositsa Atanasova ’07

Classical studies major is ‘crucial link’ for refugee rights work

04.23.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette alumna Rositsa Atanasova ’07, guided by the university's motto, has forged a distinguished career advocating for migrants and refugees worldwide.

Lisa Oakley ’04

‘Disease detective’ alumna works at the front lines of COVID-19

04.23.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Lisa Oakley ’04, a member of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, investigates outbreaks like COVID-19, using her diverse Willamette University background.

Professor Kirk pours solution into a beaker

Willamette chemists help distillery boost sanitizer production

04.09.2020

Chemistry department helps Divine Distillers increase hand sanitizer production by donating and prepping materials. The Print Center and graphic designers provided labels.

Conner Mertens ’17

From athlete to advocate

02.25.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Conner Mertens ’17, a politics major, credits Willamette for igniting his passion for advocacy. Now, he fights for patients with chronic diseases.

Student loads brush into truck bed

Willamette celebrates Martin Luther King Day

01.24.2020

Bearcats engage in service projects, book club, documentary screening and more events in the spirit of King’s legacy.

United Nations building

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

11.25.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Report details children’s rights violations at U.S.-run facilities.

A student teaches before a projection screen

Willamette listed among top Teach For America colleges

09.30.2019

Willamette University excels on Teach For America's Top Contributors List, ranking within the top 10 for colleges with fewer than 3,000 students.

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.

Warren Binford

Living Willamette’s motto, law professor protects children’s rights

08.06.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Warren Binford continues to shine light on children’s treatment at U.S. border facilities.

logo: featured in 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges

Fiske guide features Willamette as a top college

07.10.2019

The 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges hails Willamette University for its student-focused faculty, collaborative environment and commitment to service and diversity.

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.

Victoria Black Horse (Photo by Dominick Reuter)

Alumna builds bridges to a healthier future

07.01.2019 | Rosemary Camozzi

Medical resident Victoria Black Horse ’13 laid her foundation for medical school at Willamette University and continues to mentor Native American students entering the field.

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.

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.

anna ayala in the lab

Promoting a healthy future

05.01.2019 | Tom Morlan

Anna Ayala, a senior chemistry major, embodies the fusion of science, compassion, and advocacy, aspiring to be a doctor and a catalyst for social change.

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.

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.

Graphic of hands holding the globe, text: global day of service Willamette University

Join #teamwillamette for the Global Day of Service

02.20.2019 | Paul McKean

Willamette's Global Day of Service on March 9 unites students and alumni worldwide in community service projects, embodying the university's motto.

E.M. Lewis '94 attends a performance of, "The Gun Show."

Playwright champions common ground in controversial topics

01.03.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

E.M. (Ellen) Lewis ’94 sparks conversation surrounding topics such as climate change and the divide on American gun ownership through theatre.

Owen Carver ’03

Be the change — the GOOD food and drink guide

01.02.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Owen Carver ’03 advocates for sustainable practices and social equity in the coffee industry.

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.

“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.

“(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.

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.

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.

Eleven Willamette students stand on the steps of a building at the Pacific Northwest Students of Color Conference at Gonzaga University

Students of color foster community and growth at conference

10.30.2018 | Kawika Kalama ’21

The Pacific Northwest Students of Color Conference empowers students to create change and find solidarity through workshops and shared experiences.

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.

A new student releases her candle to the Mill Stream during Matriculation.

Class of 2022 prepares to “make the whole world” their campus

08.27.2018

Willamette community welcomes new students at Opening Days.

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.

alumni award winners

Bearcats reconnect with alma mater

06.12.2018 | Dan Johnson

Alumni Reunion Weekend celebrates the Willamette community, people and place.

Joni Roberts, Gordy Toyama, Ashley Town Stovin, Chris Sabato. Don Tompson, Jim Ames, Sarah Kutten, Ron Jones

Willamette recognizes staff for outstanding service to the university

06.01.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Eight employees receive Employee of the Year Awards, including the inaugural Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Bioscientist Travis Stiles ’05 stands in his lab

Not Unto Ourselves Alone with Travis Stiles ’05

05.24.2018

Bioscientist Travis Stiles ’05 explains how three professors and a fraternity brother inspired his potentially life-saving research.

Students on Take a Break in Fresno stand in front of a building they painted.

Take A Break combines volunteering, leadership and learning

05.07.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Student-led groups travel to Seattle, Boise, San Francisco and Fresno for spring break.

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.

José Fausto ’18

Jump-starting a career with Willamette networks

04.27.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Alumni office connects José Fausto ’18 to job prospects

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.

Andre E. Johnson

MLK celebration inspires the Willamette community to take action

01.29.2018 | Tina Owen

Events included Into the Streets community service projects, a book club and a lecture.

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.

John Poulsen ’94

Alumnus exposes devastating slaughter of elephants

12.20.2017 | Jen Johnson

John Poulsen ’94 publishes research that leads to crackdown on poachers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

students viewing Betty LaDuke art exhibition

Exploring social justice through art

10.09.2017 | Tina Owen

Three exhibitions and a panel discussion aim to start a dialogue about critical issues.

Eclipse 2017

Willamette Academy makes important progress

10.02.2017

The executive director provides an update on the popular college access program for underrepresented students.

Jim Albaugh ’72

Willamette trustee honors legendary mathematics professor

09.18.2017

A $5.5 million pledge will impact students and faculty in mathematics and physics.

The DiEllos

Developing “curious minds”

04.24.2017 | Tina Owen

Estate gifts of $6.8 million will support generations of Willamette students.

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.

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

Follow the flow to a satisfying career

05.09.2016 | Mike Russell

Andrew Lum ’16 pairs his passion for athletics with academics and service.

Tracy Hoffman Memorial run honors alumnus April 10

04.04.2016 | Erin Dahl

The fraternity hopes to make history by raising $25,000.

 Kip Ioane ’01, MAT ’02

A team built on a lasting foundation

03.25.2016 | Erin Dahl

Head Basketball Coach Kip Ioane ’01, MAT ’02 leads by example.

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

24 Hours of Giving

Willamette tops fundraising goal at Feb. 23 event

02.29.2016 | Nina Lauer, Office of Annual Giving

Willamette raised more than $250,000 to benefit students

Willamette launches second 24 Hours of Giving event

02.19.2016 | Nina Lauer

Celebrate Bearcat pride and the philanthropy that makes it all possible on Feb. 23.

Willamette ranked No. 6 for Peace Corps volunteers

02.18.2016 | Erin Dahl

More than 330 alumni have served the organization since 1961.

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.

Into the Streets

Willamette community gives back for MLK Day

01.25.2016 | Erin Dahl

Nearly 180 students, staff spent an afternoon serving their community.

2015 Video Image

Only at Willamette in 2015

12.07.2015 | University Communications

Celebrating a year of accomplishments and milestones at Willamette.

Cuno ’73 addresses ISIS campaign

11.09.2015 | Tina Owen

Cultural destruction threatens world heritage.

Maya Kaup '17

Maya Kaup '17 stands up to her fears to champion important causes

11.04.2015 | Erin Dahl

Maya Kaup ’17 overcomes her aversion to the spotlight to champion important causes.

Images of WU students volunteering

Willamette earns national recognition for community service efforts

05.29.2015

The university is named on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

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.

Humanity in Action names its first Willamette University fellow

03.30.2015

Through the program, Maria Hernandez ’15 will explore national histories of discrimination and resistance.

Holman KMUZ

Students find their voices through community radio

02.16.2015 | Sarah Evans

What’s it like to host a radio show? Chemistry professor Karen McFarlane Holman’s “Community Radio” students try it firsthand — and learn about themselves along the way.

Willamette University

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