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Willamette University

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.

Willamette University

Students on debate team get their point across

11.29.2022 | Linda Lenhoff

Willamette’s Debate Union is on a winning streak this year as students take on arguments about the country, the world and (sometimes even) other worlds.

Willamette University

Native American Heritage Month: Q&A with Tama St. Onge BS’23

11.16.2022 | Office of Communications

Tama St. Onge BS‘23, co-president of Native and Indigenous Student Union shares the significance of Native American Heritage Month and encourages participation.

Willamette University

Willamette Law Announces 2022 Attorney Mentor of the Year

09.01.2022 | Jessica Rotter

Paul Sundermier JD ‘82 was honored as the 2022 Mentor of the Year. He was nominated by his student mentee, Jim MacDonald JD ‘22.

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

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.

Willamette University

Willamette Law announces new public interest law fellowships

06.08.2022 | Sarah Bello

Associate Dean Jeff Dobbins, inspired by his clerkship with Justice John Paul Stevens, champions public interest law fellowships at Willamette Law,

Willamette University

PNCA honors Class of 2022 in Portland

05.25.2022 | Marketing and Communications

PNCA celebrated 49 students at the Tiffany Center, with Kimberly Howard Wade as keynote speaker. Elizabeth Arzani and Emma Wiseman delivered addresses.

Willamette University

The “pandemic class” of 2022

05.19.2022 | Sarah Bello

A tumultuous journey to a celebratory graduation.

Willamette University

Willamette Law to celebrate its 136th Commencement in person May 15

05.13.2022 | Sarah Bello

Judge Darleen Ortega to give the commencement address; Assistant Professor Kelly Gamble, Megann Elizabeth Meier and Derek Olson recognized.

Willamette University

Welcome to Bearcat Day!

04.15.2022 | Marketing and Communications

Find out more details about today's schedule.

Willamette University

Welcome to Bearcat Day!

04.01.2022 | Marketing and Communications

Find out more details about today's schedule.

Willamette University

Welcome to Bearcat Day!

03.11.2022 | Marketing and Communications

Find out more details about today's schedule.

Willamette University

Willamette University celebrates Class of 2021

05.18.2021

More than 475 students — representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Atkinson Graduate School of Management and the College of Law — graduated from Willamette University on Sunday. 

karen wood, president thorsett, and blitz the bearcat pose in front of Waller Hall

Virtual Star Trees ceremony brings light and warmth to Willamette community

12.08.2020 | Paul McKean '11

Instead of the usual crowd gathered on the north lawn, the 2020 lighting of the Star Trees was broadcast live to a virtual audience on YouTube.

thetford lodge

Remembering Thetford Lodge

10.12.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Students, staff and faculty share photos and memories of Thetford Lodge, which was destroyed by unprecedented wildfires last month.

mosaic of graduates photos

Virtual celebration honors graduates

05.18.2020

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

Two students hold a sign saying "Welcome to Willamette" in both English and Japanese

American Studies Program class arrives

02.03.2020

Bearcats gathered at Hatfield Fountain to welcome the new ASP students to campus.

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.

Fannie Lou Hamer speaking graphic

Willamette’s MLK celebration features screening of ‘Fannie Lou Hamer’s America’

12.18.2019 | Adam Torgerson

Join us Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Willamette's Rogers Music Center for an advanced screening of "Fannie Lou Hamer’s America" followed by filmmaker Q&A. Free event!

Waller Hall at night next to Star Trees illuminated by colorful holiday lights

Star Trees holiday lighting celebration

12.05.2019

Willamette University's Star Trees Lighting and Holiday Celebration drew hundreds on Dec. 4, 2019, spreading holiday cheer among Bearcats and the community.

guests enjoy homecoming

Family Weekend & Homecoming highlights the best of Willamette

10.17.2019 | Paul McKean ’11

Willamette University's Family Weekend & Homecoming was a hit with nearly 1,000 visitors enjoying events like ZenaFest, athletics, and alumni reunions.

Students on the beach leap for a Frisbee

Opening Days and Jump Start gallery

08.22.2019

The Willamette community welcomes nearly 400 College of Liberal Arts students at the student-led orientation programs, Opening Days and Jump Start.

three alumni pose with Blitz the Bearcat

Bearcats come home

06.12.2019 | Paul McKean ’11

Willamette University Bearcats reunited for a memorable Alumni Reunion Weekend, enjoying activities, reunions, and celebrations, fostering lifelong connections.

Students in straw hats dancing

Hawai’i Club presents 30th Lū’au

04.30.2019

Willamette’s Hawai’i Club celebrated its 30th lu’au, themed "Nā One Hānau: The Sands of Our Birth," honoring Hawai’i's sacred lands and cultural heritage.

student explains poster to two gathered students

Undergraduates share their research achievements

04.30.2019

Student Scholarship Recognition Day highlights Willamette students’ intellectual, creative and academic pursuits.

Lynn Nakamoto, College of Law Commencement speaker 2018

Commencement speakers, honorary degrees announced

04.02.2019 | University Communications

Leaders in physics, business and law will address graduates from the class of 2019.

Pow wow

Generations gather for Social Pow wow

03.20.2019

Native and Indigenous Student Union hosts pow wow for 17th year.

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.

student writes a thank you note at a table with many cupcakes

Honoring the spirit of generosity

03.12.2019 | Tom Morlan

Thanks to a matching gift program, students can make every donation count.

Willamette student greets an TIU student in front of a bus

Bearcats welcome ASP class of 2019

02.05.2019 | Tom Mayhall Rastrelli

Warm greetings and a flurry of activity ushered in the 30th anniversary of the American Studies Program.

graduate gets hooded

MBA for Professionals program celebrates commencement

01.29.2019 | Jennifer H. Bush

University recognized the accomplishments of 53 graduates of the Salem and Portland cohorts in a ceremony on Saturday.

Associate Professor of Music John Doan

‘Christmas Unplugged’ makes final appearance at Willamette

12.11.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Hundreds show up for the old-fashioned holiday program to support departing professor.

Sequoias glow with Christmas lights

Willamette’s Star Trees light up the night

12.05.2018

University event features tree lighting ceremony, special dinner and concert.

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.’

A fan in Bearcat attire smiles at cheers among the crowd at a soccer game

Families and alumni celebrate the Willamette community

10.16.2018 | Daniel Johnson

Homecoming and Family Weekend combine for action-packed days of entertainment, commemoration and fun.

Black and white photo of Winona LaDuke speaking before a crowd

Willamette celebrates indigenous people

10.01.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Lectures, presentations and a film commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October.

Hunter Noack plays a grand piano in the middle of a field at Willamette's Zena campus

Students, alumni enjoy music, art and more at ZenaFest

09.10.2018

The annual event at Willamette’s rural facility merged creative arts and abundant natural resources.

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.

Two football players carry bags during move-in of Opening Days

Opening Days begins Wednesday

08.20.2018

Willamette gears up for a new academic year and the arrival of the class of 2022.

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.

2018 AGSM Honors & Awards Ceremony

05.14.2018 | Andrew Hickey

Atkinson Graduate School of Management honored the achievements of students, faculty and staff at a ceremony May 10.

Law graduate gets embraced by woman with a rose

Willamette celebrates the Class of 2018

05.14.2018

Diplomas in hand, graduates move on to the next stages of their lives.

Student stands smiling in Cat Cavern after receiving an award

More than 140 undergraduates honored

04.30.2018

The Willamette University College of Liberal Arts honored students’ academic achievements April 23 in Cat Cavern.

Willamette students dance with fans in the luau

Hawai’i Club presents 29th Lū’au

04.23.2018

The event shared Polynesian music, food and traditions with the Willamette community.

Willamette announces commencement speakers, honorary degree recipients

04.23.2018 | Adam Torgerson

Former governor, community leaders to speak at graduation ceremony

A violinist sings at Wulapalooza

Wulapalooza rocks Brown Field

04.16.2018 | Frank Miller

Students celebrated the 20th annual Wulapalooza — Willamette University’s annual earth, art and music festival — on April 14.

Man dressed in regalia at pow wow

Pow wow brings community together for celebration, sharing and remembrance

03.12.2018 | Russell Yost MBA’05

Hosted by the Native and Indigenous Student Union, the event commemorated its 16th anniversary.

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.

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.

MBA-P graduation class

MBA for Professionals program celebrates commencement

01.22.2018

The university recognized the accomplishments of 59 graduates of the Salem and Portland cohorts in a ceremony Saturday.

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.

Star Trees in holiday lights and Waller Hall

Star Trees shine at holiday celebration

12.04.2017

Roughly 600 people gathered on the North Lawn Saturday to close Willamette University’s 175th anniversary celebration by relighting the university’s grove of 75-year-old giant sequoias.

Wallace Long conducting

Choir alumni celebrate their community of music

11.13.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Former Willamette singers return to campus for a special reunion and a remarkable professor.

Waller Hall

Happy Birthday, Waller Hall!

10.16.2017

The “old historic temple” turns 150.

Parents greet student at Family Weekend

Happy families

10.09.2017

Student-run Family Weekend earns kudos for its organization and events.

Alumni Weekend ’17

Alumni Weekend reunites and reconnects

09.18.2017

The campus community worked together to create a memorable, meaningful weekend for alumni.

alumni weekend Blitz and alumna smile

Alumni Weekend will bring Bearcat grads back to campus

09.11.2017

Events for alumni to reconnect and reunite with classmates kick off on Friday.

Opening Days leaders performance

Opening Days gives the class of 2021 a proper Willamette welcome

08.28.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

New students move in, explore campus and prepare for life as a Bearcat.

person looking at total solar eclipse Willamette University

‘Phenomenon on the Lawn’ — Willamette celebrates the eclipse

08.21.2017

Crowds pack the North Lawn and Quad to view the total solar eclipse.

Willamette University Social Pow wow

Social Pow wow celebrates 15 years

03.13.2017 | Russell Yost MBA’05

Tradition and culture shared through this annual event.

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.

175 photo shoot at Sparks Field

Willamette Day photos

02.06.2017

Willamette Day photos

Willamette University 175th anniversary

Willamette Day celebration events

01.30.2017

Here are the events that kick off a yearlong celebration of Willamette’s past, present and future. Join in the festivities that begin Wednesday.

Robert Krulwich Willamette University Opening Days speaker

Convocation speaker addresses life’s great mysteries

08.29.2016 | Jennifer Johnson

Robert Krulwich of Radiolab urges first-year students to cultivate wonder about the world.

Opening Days 2016 Willamette University

Opening Days gets the class of 2020 off to a good start

08.29.2016 | Tina Owen

The Willamette community welcomes its newest members to campus.

Opening Days

Opening Days begins this week

08.22.2016 | Tina Owen

Willamette gears up for a new academic year and the arrival of the class of 2020.

Anelise Zimmer

In conversation with Anelise Zimmer '16

08.01.2016 | Tina Owen

As the student speaker at Commencement 2016, Anelise Zimmer ’16 drew on her Willamette experiences and urged her fellow new graduates to find the courage to climb life’s mountains.

Lu'au

Willamette’s annual Lū’au connected culture, community

06.02.2016 | Russell Yost MBA'05

The student-run production showcased history and tradition through music, dance, stories, song and food.

College of Liberal Arts commencement ceremony

Willamette celebrates the class of 2016

05.16.2016 | Tina Owen

Undergraduate, law and MBA students celebrated before family and friends.

Pow wow thumbnail image

Annual social pow wow connects culture and community

03.14.2016 | Russell Yost MBA'05

Dancers, drummers and vendors shared traditions and heritage.

Bearcat Days

Willamette welcomes Bearcat Days visitors

03.07.2016

Admitted students and their families arrive this week for the first of three events.

Vandana Shiva

Dempsey Lecture features scholar Vandana Shiva

02.29.2016 | Erin Dahl

Free tickets now available for the March 17 event.

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.

Robert Edsel shares the heroism of World War II treasure rescuers

10.19.2015 | Erin Dahl

The best-selling author and producer spoke as part of Willamette’s Atkinson Lecture Series on Oct. 15.

Stained glass shines light on Willamette’s history

06.01.2015

Stained Glass Gallery

Wulapalooza unites community through music, art

04.16.2015

Wulapalooza, Willamette’s 17th earth, art and music festival, promises another thrilling Saturday of camaraderie and celebration on April 25.

Willamette University

University Communications

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Waller Hall, Fourth Floor
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.