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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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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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Willamette University generates economic impact for Oregon

11.14.2023 | Paul McKean

New report illustrates Willamette University’s economic impact on the state of Oregon.

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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.

Willamette University

Former transfer student and BA/MBA alum works to solve clients’ problems and give them peace of mind

08.07.2023 | Linda Lenhoff

The 3+2 MBA grad utilizes the life skills he learned in the business school to solve clients’ problems and give them peace of mind.

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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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Recovering “ghost pots” to protect coastal ecosystems

03.28.2023 | Hannah Wallace

Sophomores Ella Ashford and Riley Forth used a grant to study and salvage abandoned crab pots from the Salish Sea.

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Nourishing refugees, broadening his worldview

06.14.2022 | Jennifer Johnson

Aiden Dopson ’25 volunteered with World Central Kitchen aiding Ukrainian refugees. Dopson encourages others to join volunteer organizations to support others.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tova Hershman ’19

Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence presented

04.29.2019

Congratulations to the students recognized at the Honors and Awards in Bearcat Excellence event for their positive contributions to the Willamette community!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Headshots of the seven faculty award winners

2018 Faculty Awards announced

08.23.2018

The university celebrated seven outstanding faculty members at Opening Convocation.

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.

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.

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.

Willamette Law Dean Curtis Bridgeman hands Salem attorney Nani Apo JD’13 the 2018 Mentor of the Year award.

Mentor of the Year provides a “home away from home” to students

04.13.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette Law selects Nani Apo JD’13, honors three others for Hon. Mary Mertens James award.

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.

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.

Willamette Academy Class of 2017

Willamette Academy celebrates graduation

05.22.2017

Families, friends and teachers gathered to honor graduates.

Alika Masei ’17

A passion for social justice

05.08.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Alika Masei ’17 has dedicated his college career to creating a better place for all students.

SARAs

SARAs celebrate a decade of service

05.08.2017 | Adam Torgerson

Sexual Assault Response Allies provide victims of sexual assault the option of speaking confidentially and anonymously to a fellow student.

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.

The 2016 recipients of WUPILP fellowships were (left to right): Paloma Dale, Erin Roycroft, Melissa Vollono, Olivia Godt and Jessica Ismond.

Training grounds for good

02.23.2017 | Raymond Penney

The public interest law project serves a dual purpose: train tomorrow's lawyers and serve the community.

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.

Service project

Day of Service connects Willamette, its motto and the community

02.17.2017 | Russell Yost MBA'05

Sign up now for Salem-based service projects on March 11.

Two college guides note Willamette’s positive impact

02.03.2017

Princeton Review and Washington Monthly rank Willamette among top schools for community service and student engagement.

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

During ‘Bearcats Give Back,’ new students are drawn to tradition of volunteering

09.12.2016 | Jennifer Johnson

About 110 students donated their time Saturday.

Melissa Michaux

Questions of justice

08.01.2016 | Kristin Ohlson

An unusual class takes Willamette students inside prison walls to discover a new perspective on crime and punishment.

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.

Willamette University

Protecting a vulnerable group

05.09.2016 | Mike Russell

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

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

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.

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.

Students encouraged to reduce waste by donating unwanted items

05.07.2015

A joint rummage sale and donation drive is benefiting Greek life and the Union Gospel Mission.

Willamette ranked No. 10 for number of alumni serving in Peace Corps

02.19.2015

With 11 alumni serving overseas, Willamette snags the No. 10 spot among small schools.

Two students earn fellowships to study public policy this summer

02.18.2015

Juniors Grecia Garcia and Julian Juarez will learn about public policy and international affairs this summer.

Green Initiative Fund promotes sustainability efforts across campus

02.16.2015

The Green Initiative Fund is promoting social and environmental sustainability on campus.

Former Oregon Governor believes the fight for equality must continue

01.20.2015

Former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts shares her personal story as part of a MLK celebration.

Willamette University

University Communications

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