Willamette University Alumni: Staying Connected and Looking Ahead
Willamette University fosters a strong sense of community that extends far beyond graduation. Staying connected with fellow alumni and the university itself offers numerous benefits, from networking opportunities to staying informed about the latest news and developments. Willamette provides various avenues for alumni to remain engaged and contribute to the ongoing success of the institution.
Updating Your Information: Stay in the Loop
The first step to staying connected is ensuring your contact information is up-to-date. This guarantees you receive the latest Willamette and PNCA news, invitations to events, and important updates from the university. You can easily update your information through the alumni portal.
Alumni Activities: Connect, Socialize, and Network
Willamette University offers a diverse range of alumni activities designed to foster connections and celebrate shared experiences. These activities provide opportunities to socialize, network, and engage with fellow graduates.
Alumni Reunion Weekend: A Cohort Model for Enhanced Engagement
Willamette University has introduced a cohort reunion model to enhance the Alumni Reunion Weekend experience. Based on alumni feedback requesting opportunities to gather with classes near their own, this model brings together alumni from multiple reunion cycles. The initial response to this approach, implemented after the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, was overwhelmingly positive.
Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025: Mark your calendars! Due to significant infrastructure improvements and the implementation of the cohort reunion model, Alumni Reunion Weekend will be held in 2025.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Infrastructure Improvements: Willamette is investing in crucial infrastructure updates that will benefit current and future students, alumni, and the broader community. These large-scale projects, impacting the campus-wide boiler system, electricity on the north side of campus, the University Center, and campus Wi-Fi, necessitate limiting campus facilities and support services during the summer.
Milestone Reunions: Classes that would have celebrated a milestone reunion in 2024 will be invited to join the celebrations in 2025. Alumni not in a milestone reunion year are also welcome to attend.
Pre-Register and Invite Friends: Indicate your interest in attending Alumni Reunion Weekend 2025 and check out the "see who's coming" page to view who has already pre-registered. Don't forget to invite your friends!
Volunteer Opportunities: Your contributions as a volunteer are invaluable in making Alumni Reunion Weekend special. Volunteer roles include joining class committees, hosting events, serving as a speaker or panelist, and spreading the word to encourage alumni participation. If you are interested in volunteering, complete the volunteer form.
Celebrating Willamette's Trailblazers: A Legacy of Firsts
Willamette University boasts a rich history of pioneering individuals who have broken barriers and made significant contributions in various fields.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
1859: Emily York - First Graduate: In an era when women were often excluded from higher education, Emily York became Willamette's first graduate, paving the way for future generations of women.
1935: George Cannady - First Black Graduate: George Cannady, a Senior Scholar involved in football and track, went on to become an attorney in Los Angeles, demonstrating the diverse paths Willamette graduates pursue.
1976: Norma Paulus - Female Political Pioneer: Norma Paulus, a trailblazer in women's rights, education, and environmental protection, became Oregon's first female secretary of state in 1976.
1997: Liz Heaston - First Female to Play and Score in College Football: Liz Heaston made history as the first female to play and score in a college football game. Since 1997, Willamette has had two more female kickers, showcasing the university's commitment to inclusivity in athletics.
2017: Carina Corner - Resilience Baked In: Carina Corner's experiences with cancer and navigating a sighted world as a blind person exemplify the resilience and strength fostered at Willamette University.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Engaging with Current Issues: Alumni as Thought Leaders
Willamette University encourages alumni to engage with current issues and contribute their expertise to important conversations.
The Russo-Ukrainian War: Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, faculty from the College of Arts & Sciences participated in a special panel to share historical and political contexts related to the war and answer questions from the audience. The panel was moderated by Sarah Clovis Bishop, Associate Professor of Russian, and included Professors Michael Marks and William T.
Alumni in Action: Sharing Expertise and Passion
Willamette alumni are actively involved in a wide array of fields, sharing their expertise and passion with the world.
Literature and Life-Changing Books: Carol, a Professor of English and avid literature consumer, shares insights into the books that have changed her life and those of her students.
Art and Printmaking: Melanie Stevens MFA’17, PNCA Assistant Professor and Nat Turner Project Co-Curator, engages in a conversation with Portland-based artist and printmaker Alejandra Arias Sevilla BFA’20, whose art has been featured in Melanie's gallery.
The Future of Clinical Law: Willamette University College of Law professors Susan Cook and Sarah Matsumoto discuss the future of the Clinical Law Program at Willamette.
Wildfires and Policymaking: Experts discuss the increasing prevalence of wildfires and potential policy solutions.
Supply Chain Challenges: Eric Forrest, Co-President of Bigfoot Beverages, shares his experience leading a large distribution business and overcoming supply chain challenges during the pandemic.
Digital Finance and Cryptocurrency: Rohan Grey, Willamette College of Law Assistant Professor, guides a discussion on the evolving area of law around digital fiat currency, cryptocurrency, and NFTs.
Sustainability and Environmental Quality: The Willamette University Sustainability Network hosts a comment-writing event for the campus and community, focusing on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Climate Protection Program.
Tarot Art and Mystical Life: Holly Adams Easley BA’09, co-host of the Wildly Tarot podcast, discusses her debut book, "The History of Tarot Art: Demystifying the Art and Arcana, Deck by Deck," and how her passion for tarot has led to unexpected opportunities.
Alternatives to Attorney Licensure: Dean Gallini participates in the national conversation around alternatives to attorney licensure.
Alumni Award Honorees: A special presentation recognizes 13 Alumni Award honorees, celebrating their contributions to their local communities.
Curricular and Experiential Innovations in Management: Professors Ashley Nixon and Romana Autrey discuss the cutting-edge curricular and experiential innovations being offered at Willamette's Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
Racial Justice Task Force: Willamette University College of Law Dean Brian Gallini and select members of the Class of 2020 discuss their work as part of the Racial Justice Task Force of the Oregon Supreme Court Council on Inclusion & Fairness (OSCCIF), focusing on racial biases and inequities in jury selection.
Race and Diversity: Anthony Peterson '80 leads a conversation around race and diversity, addressing racial tensions and exploring ways to move forward.
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