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Willamette Cares About

Regional Impact

Willamette University actively engages with the Pacific Northwest, preparing students to become leaders who contribute to the region’s growth through hands-on learning, local partnerships, and community service.

Riley Lankford sitting at desk smiling at camera head on
Featured Story
Meet Riley Lankford BA’22, MBA’24

Willamette University’s commitment to the Pacific Northwest is reflected in its educational approach, emphasizing place-based pedagogy that leverages the region’s environmental, social, and cultural resources. The university builds strong relationships with local companies and organizations, creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience while addressing regional needs. By preparing students to excel in the Northwest’s evolving economy and cultural landscape, Willamette ensures that its graduates are equipped to make a positive impact on the region.

Regional Impact in Action
Willamette Graduates Shaping the Future of the Northwest
    1 /
    Giving Back in the PNW

    Madeline Hueske JD'24 finds support at Willamette and is ready to pay it forward.

    Madeline Hueske JD'24
    2 /
    Data Science for Oregon’s Future

    Colleen Smyth MS’21 uses her data science skills to improve education in Portland Public Schools.

    Colleen Smyth MS’21
    3 /
    Addressing Bias in Hiring With AI
    Willamette graduates Andrew Hallberg BA’12, MBA’16 and Malik Kahel MBA’16 leveraged their education and connections from the university's Angel Fund Program to co-found HirelyAI, a startup using artificial intelligence to address bias in hiring.
    Malik Kahel and Andrew Hallberg
    4 /
    Combating Adolescent Tobacco Use in Marion County Through Public Health Initiatives
    Conor Foley BA’12 applies his Willamette education and public health expertise to address adolescent tobacco use in Marion County as the Chronic Disease Prevention Program coordinator.
    Conor Foley

Regional Leadership

"I ran a global company. It was in 150 countries. I never moved to New York. I never moved to London. I ran it from Portland, Oregon."
Punit Renjen MBA ’86
Former CEO, Deloitte
Punit Renjen
Hands-On Learning in the Northwest
Turning Knowledge into Action Locally
    1 /
    Local Internships and Community Engagement

    Willamette students have access to numerous internships and volunteer opportunities within walking distance of campus, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

    Students at the State Capitol
    2 /
    Student Organizations Supporting Local Communities

    Student organizations at Willamette, like the Restorative Justice Coalition and Best Buddies, work to improve the lives of local residents through advocacy and service.

    A student working in a garden
    3 /
    Willamette Emergency Medical Service

    Willamette Emergency Medical Services (WEMS) is a student-run, professionally licensed EMS agency that offers free, confidential Basic Life Support to the Willamette University community. Founded in 1997, WEMS provides on-campus emergency care and health education, while also offering students valuable leadership and medical training opportunities.

    Students from WEMS practicing medical services.
    4 /
    Hands-On Investment Experience

    The Willamette MBA Angel Fund program, the first student-run angel investment initiative in the U.S., offers students hands-on experience in angel investing, venture capital, and entrepreneurial development, preparing them for impactful careers in finance and business.

    MBA Students in Portland
Oregon State Capitol in the Spring

News That Makes a Regional Impact

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Study

Degree Programs

Students across all academic programs can make a meaningful difference in the local region and community. Here are some of the most popular programs where students create impact.

Public Health Printmaking (PNCA) Graphic Design (PNCA) MBA for Professionals