Acknowledging Our Past
Founded by frontier-bound missionaries, Willamette University has a responsibility to speak honestly about its beginnings.
FOUNDATION FOR OUR FUTURE
"Every day, I come to work in a building whose cornerstone was laid nearly 160 years ago, a physical reminder of the durability of this institution."
Stephen E. Thorsett
President
Our Mission
Through nationally distinctive programs connecting liberal education to professional practice, Willamette University prepares graduates to turn knowledge into action and lead lives of achievement, contribution, and meaning.
Our Motto
Non nobis solum nati sumus—Not unto ourselves alone are we born. You may not immediately understand its full meaning right away, but its meaning will continue to grow and become a part of who you are. Our alumni embody the ideas and ideals of these words and hold them close long after graduation.
Our Traditions
Traditions literally run through our campus. Take Mill Stream, for example. (Trust us. You should avoid it on your birthday. Instead, stop by the president’s office for a piece of cake.) The opening and closing of each academic year are marked by special events, with plenty of fun in between.
Pride in Leadership
Stephen E. Thorsett is the 20th president of Willamette University. Together, he and the Board of Trustees set the strategic direction for the university—and are supported by a team of vice presidents and deans from across campus. The lasting impact of our past leaders is evident on campus, from new programs to named buildings.