“You’ve got to be willing to stand in the middle,” says one of the most important leaders of our era.
Adrian Uphoff ’19 leveraged Willamette’s proximity to the Oregon State Capitol to spearhead universal health care legislation and improve student access to legislative internships. His passion for public health and politics has already left a lasting impact on Oregon's policy landscape.
Leo Ortega JD’24 discovered faith, community, and a renewed sense of purpose at Willamette University, deepening his commitment to law and service. His transformative journey has taken him from Willamette's classrooms to the Marion County District Attorney’s office to the Broward County State Attorney’s Office in Miami.
Akilah Deernose BA'04, inspired by her personal experiences and Willamette’s motto, has dedicated her life to advocating for marginalized communities. Recently appointed as Executive Director of the ACLU of Montana, she continues to embody a deep commitment to civil rights and community service, building on the formative lessons learned during her time at Willamette.
...taking class[es] that teach you things like listening, how to ask good questions, how to embark on curiosity in a productive way, I found myself being able to want to ask questions and learn more about other people, instead of immediately shutting down when something was said that I didn't immediately agree with.
Enhance your public speaking and critical thinking skills through British Parliamentary Debate, with opportunities to compete and practice within a supportive community.
Gain hands-on legal experience through Willamette’s Clinical Law Program, where students learn to "be a lawyer" by providing legal services to real clients.
Join Willamette’s student-run newspaper to learn journalistic skills, ethics, and contribute to important campus conversations.
The Conversation Project helps students develop the skills to facilitate difficult conversations, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.
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Degree Programs that Support Democratic Institutions
Willamette’s comprehensive programs develop the critical thinking and practical skills needed to strengthen democratic institutions. Our focus on law, communication, and public policy prepares graduates to lead with integrity and inclusivity.