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Willamette University

Willamette University among top liberal arts colleges on U.S. News and World Report’s ‘best college’ list

10.13.2023 | University Communications

The university was named one of the top three liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest for the fifth year in a row and excelled in “social mobility” and “best value” categories.

Willamette University

Willamette University’s The Conversation Project celebrates diversity through storytelling and music at The Immigrant Story Live

10.10.2023 | Linda Lenhoff

The event will be filled with storytelling and music that honors the diverse members of the community in hopes of spreading understanding and acceptance.

Willamette University

Hispanic Heritage Month: Q&A with Nairobi Aguilar JD'25

09.14.2023 | University Communications

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month (also known as Latinx/e Heritage Month), Willamette University asked Nairobi Aguilar JD'24, president of the Latinx Law Student Association, about why the month is meaningful.

Willamette University

Camille Mercier MBA’09 earns her “seat at the table”

09.05.2023 | Sophie Cipolla

With a Willamette MBA in hand, Mercier makes history as the first female CEO of Spirit Mountain Casino.

Willamette University

Willamette University receives grant from Howard Hughes Medical Institute to advance inclusion in STEM

02.28.2023

The grant will support Willamette’s ongoing efforts to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for STEM students.

Willamette University

'The Conversation Project' prepares students for crucial dialogues

11.08.2022 | Linda Lenhoff

Willamette professors recognized the need for active listening and constructive discourse at this divisive historical moment.

Willamette University

Willamette ranks high for LGBTQ-inclusive efforts

09.01.2021

Willamette was among 10 universities nationwide recognized for positive policies, programs and programs for LGBTQ youth.

Willamette University

Campus leadership, experiential learning strengthen grad’s future in healthcare 

04.30.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Noelle Medina ’21, a recent Willamette University graduate, is poised to make a difference with a commitment to community and inclusivity within their community

Willamette University

Willamette University College of Law Faculty adopts Statement on Racism, Hate, and Violence

04.22.2021 | Willamette University College of Law

The Willamette Law faculty acknowledges the college's historic obligation to eradicate racism, hatred and violence and calls for action to achieve that end.

Willamette University

University Chaplain Karen Wood to retire in July

03.22.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

After two decades of devoted service, Chaplain Karen Wood's retirement leaves a profound impact on the Willamette community. She reflects on her lasting legacy.

Victoria Black Horse (Photo by Dominick Reuter)

Alumna builds bridges to a healthier future

07.01.2019 | Rosemary Camozzi

Medical resident Victoria Black Horse ’13 laid her foundation for medical school at Willamette University and continues to mentor Native American students entering the field.

Raul Marquez ’22

Representing diversity and fighting for more equitable resources in schools

05.08.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

First-year student is among youngest candidates ever to run for Salem-Keizer School Board.

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.

Confetti by George Rodriguez

Museum welcomes Spanish speakers to new ceramics exhibit

04.23.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Experience "George Rodriguez: Embellished Narratives" at Hallie Ford Museum of Art. A ceramics-only show featuring 41 works including a gargantuan mariachi band

Pow wow

Generations gather for Social Pow wow

03.20.2019

Experience the culture of Native Americans at Willamette University's annual Social Pow wow, featuring spirited dancing, regalia, food, and arts and crafts.

Gov. Kate Brown and former Gov. Barbara Roberts

Oregon governors explore inclusion and overcoming challenges

03.13.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Law students bring Oregon governors to share experiences for Women’s History Month in diversity speaker series.

Norma Paulus JD’62

Remembering Norma Paulus LLB’62, Oregon’s first woman secretary of state

03.06.2019 | University Communications

Norma J. Paulus, a Willamette College of Law graduate, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for women’s rights, education, and environmental protection.

Steve Thorsett

Statement on UMC General Conference 2019

02.27.2019 | President Steve Thorsett

President Thorsett responds to the United Methodist Church’s decision not to embrace full inclusion of LGBTQ members and leaders.

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.

Students hang out along the mill stream

Willamette to survey community on diversity, equity

01.28.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Survey link will be emailed in February to students, staff, administrators and faculty.

Carina Comer MBA’15

Resilience baked in — the GOOD food and drink guide

01.01.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Carina Comer MBA’15 promotes resiliency by employing people with disabilities at her business, Carina’s Bakery.

Mai Hiwatashi speaks at podium

Willamette celebrates 30th class of American Studies Program

12.18.2018 | Tina Owen

The students who made a positive impact on the university and Salem communities returned to Japan and other home countries.

Assistant Professor of Biology Rosa León-Zayas, Karen Espinoza ’19, Moncerrad Barajas Gomez ’21, Arianna Cannady ’19, Kat Vazquez ’21, Dayton Towata ’19  and Jash Sekai ’19.

Students find ‘all races, all research fields’ represented at science conference

11.13.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette students present summer research at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science conference.

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.’

Eleven Willamette students stand on the steps of a building at the Pacific Northwest Students of Color Conference at Gonzaga University

Students of color foster community and growth at conference

10.30.2018 | Kawika Kalama ’21

The Pacific Northwest Students of Color Conference empowers students to create change and find solidarity through workshops and shared experiences.

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.

President Thorsett shakes the hand of a new student

Willamette welcomes new students

09.04.2018 | University communications

Undergraduate and graduate students represent 30 states and several countries.

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.

Andy Blevins

Willamette students receive scholarship for supporting LGBT rights

05.07.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Andy Blevins JD’19, MBA’19 and Carrie Elmore JD’19 receive the Bill and Ann Shepherd Legal Scholarship for their advocacy for LGBTQ rights in Oregon.

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.

Andy Blevins

JD/MBA student who advocates for LGBTQ rights presents at Harvard

03.26.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Andy Blevins JD/MBA’19 invited to speak on panel with legal experts.

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.

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.

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.

students viewing Betty LaDuke art exhibition

Exploring social justice through art

10.09.2017 | Tina Owen

Three exhibitions and a panel discussion aim to start a dialogue about critical issues.

Wendy Red Star

Hallie Ford honors 25 years of contemporary American Indian art

09.15.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Art museum has long history with Crow’s Shadow Institute of Arts.

Willamette welcomes incoming students

09.04.2017 | University Communications

Undergraduate, graduate students represent dozens of states and several foreign countries.

Lee and York house renovation

Renovation updates Lee, York houses with more contemporary design

08.21.2017 | University Communications

Willamette University remodels buildings and relocates staff over the summer.

Marie Watt artist at work

Sewing new and old tales into familiar fabrics

07.20.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

In her latest work, acclaimed Native American artist Marie Watt ’90 explores the symbiotic relationships between humans and the natural world.

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.

Equity and Inclusion Task Force report 2017

President’s Task Force on Equity and Inclusion completes report

03.13.2017 | Russell Yost MBA’05

The group’s recommendations were presented to President Thorsett last week.

Official statement in response to the withdrawal of federal protection for transgender rights

02.23.2017

Willamette University reaffirms its commitment to equal protection for all, including transgender individuals, despite recent federal policy changes.

American Studies Program students at PDX

American Studies Program students join the community

02.13.2017

Last week, Willamette University welcomed 119 ASP students to the Salem campus. These students are excited to join the Willamette University community.

Speeches, vigil and social media campaign to celebrate black history

02.06.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Black Student Union club hosts several events in honor of Black History Month.

Standing Rock

Taking a stand at Standing Rock

12.12.2016 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette staff member, students spend holiday break supporting pipeline protesters in North Dakota.

Employee Forum recap

11.14.2016 | Jennifer Johnson

Staff offer input on potential chief diversity officer hire.

Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay delivers Atkinson Lecture

10.07.2016 | Tom Mayhall Rastrelli

The acclaimed author and “bad feminist” inspired laughter, tears, social change and self-reflection.

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.

Leonard Pitts Jr.

MLK celebration to feature Leonard Pitts Jr.

12.23.2015 | University Communications

Discussions, service reflect King's legacy.

Law Student APALSA Event

Law makes history at national events

12.06.2015 | University Communications

Students elected to board seats, have strong showing at NAPABA and NAPALSA conventions.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, Courtesy of Nina Subin

Ta-Nehisi Coates to speak at Willamette University

09.30.2015

The bestselling author will deliver “A Deeper Black: Race in America."

Kaneko Day Camp a summer tradition

08.07.2015 | Erin Dahl

Local youth experience culture and creativity in a unique way.

American Culture Tour arrives on campus

06.09.2015

Tokyo International University students immerse in American culture during Willamette's American Culture Tour. Cultural exchange fosters global community.

Tomodachi Program promotes friendship across cultures

03.02.2015

Tomodachi participants share American culture with ASP students — and find they learn just as much from the experience.

New TIUA class arrives from Japan

02.02.2015

This week, Tokyo International University of America (TIUA) welcomed 132 new students to Salem.

Roger Shimomura discusses how stereotypes have influenced his art

01.26.2015

Explore Roger Shimomura's profound journey as an artist and Japanese-American. From childhood internment to challenging stereotypes through vibrant artwork.

Willamette University

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