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Willamette In the Media

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Series helps to explain art exhibit
Statesman Journal (Sep 26)

"Willamette University Associate Professor of Rhetoric Jeanne Clark aspires to make literature more accessible to a general audience. Her goal in three upcoming presentations, 'Stories from Ancient Mesopotamia,' is to offer context to the artifacts at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art exhibition 'Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections.'"

Spat Between DA And Judge Ties Up Wasco County Courts
OPB (Sep 17)

"But in the last few weeks, the Wasco County District Attorney Eric Nisley has filed motions to disqualify Stauffer in more than 80 cases now before the court.

"In sworn affidavits, Nisley says he believes the state wouldn’t be able to get a fair and impartial trial with Judge Stauffer presiding.

"Those filings don’t say why the DA believes that, nor do they have to, says Caroline Davidson, Assistant Professor at Willamette University College of Law.

"'Under Oregon statute, there has to be a good faith belief that the judge is unable to be fair and impartial. But that said they don’t actually have to state that reason for that belief,' Davidson explains."

Is International Criminal Court verdict a wake-up call for war criminals?
CBC News (Sep 15)

"Caroline Davidson, one of the Canadians who has been at ground zero for international criminal justice, said it is still too soon to judge the ICC.

"Between 2003 and 2008, Davidson did stints prosecuting alleged war criminals at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the State Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During that time, she also spent a term as an international human rights fellow at the University of Toronto law school. Since leaving the ICTY, she has been teaching law at Willamette University in Oregon."

Pay Forward, Pay Back
The Key Reporter (Sep 12)

"The state of Oregon drew the attention of the national higher education community this summer when its legislature unanimously voted to set the wheels in motion for exploring an income based repayment system called ‘Pay Forward, Pay Back’ to replace tuition at public state universities...

"David Rigsby, Athletic Director and Phi Beta Kappa chapter president at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, said that he was 'proud that Oregon is taking a leadership role in the national discourse on the affordability of higher education' and thought that 'at a minimum, Oregon has advanced the conversation and provided a platform for educators, policy makers, and government leaders to continue working on this important topic.' Likewise, Patricia Alley, the secretary-treasurer for Willamette’s ΦBK chapter, said that despite practical concerns about the 'huge amount of tracking' required to make the system function, she and the rest of 'Oregon are watching the process unfold with eagerness.'"

Series brings respected authors to Willamette
Statesman Journal (Sep 12)

"Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Literary Series plans  three free events this fall with writers who have achieved regional and national recognition."

Willamette U. polishes its new Pearl District space
Portland Business Journal (Sep 4)

"Willamette University's incoming MBA class will be able to stretch out a bit thanks to a move into a larger Pearl District space.

"The university is moving its MBA program into a 5,070-square-foot space in the RiverTec building at Northwest 12th and Kearney streets that was formerly occupied by Keen. The space includes two smart classrooms that can be virtually connected, a conference room that can be converted into a classroom, a student lounge, a kitchen and four administrative offices."

New Hallie Ford show helps visitors connect with daily life across millennia
Statesman Journal (Sep 1)

"Hundreds and thousands of years earlier, in the civilizations stretching from modern-day Turkey to Iran, much of our own culture developed. Cities started there, notes John Olbrantz in the catalog for 'Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth,' the new exhibit at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. So did writing, literature, schools; poetry, philosophy, medicine.

"It’s hard to imagine that distance in time and space. But this exhibit, which opened Saturday, can help bridge the gap."

Willamette University unofficially breaks world record for largest Red Light, Green Light game
Statesman Journal (Aug 30)

"Willamette University could be the new record holder for the largest game of Red Light, Green Light.

"According to coordinator Bryan Schmidt, director of campus recreation at Willamette, 1,061 people showed up to the campus quad to play. The world record is currently held by Manassas, Virginia with 755 people."

Willamette University welcomes freshmen to Salem
Statesman Journal (Aug 23)

"There was no huffing and puffing from freshmen and parents carrying boxes up flights of stairs. Instead, one by one, student volunteers from athletic teams and Tokyo International University of America lifted boxes, suitcases and laundry baskets full of bedding and shoes."

Artifacts settle in at Hallie Ford after a long journey
Statesman Journal (Aug 21)

"It takes steady hands and a confident spirit to handle artifacts that have survived 5,000 years or more. Katy Blanchard, keeper of the Near East collection of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, has both.

She was one of several couriers in Salem this week to install objects for the Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s upcoming show. “Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art From American Collections” opens Aug. 31."

Who Is Nick Symmonds? About The Runner Who Decried Russia’s Anti-LGBT Policies
International Business Times (Aug 14)

"In his less-provocative moments, Symmonds is an accomplished runner and a major star in the running world. He ran the 800 in the last two Summer Olympics and took fifth place last year in London, and his silver Tuesday in Russia is the first world athletics championships medal an American man has taken in the 800 in 16 years.

Born in Sun Valley, Idaho, Symmonds won multiple state championships in various track events before going on to attend Oregon’s Willamette University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He was a stellar college athlete, winning the 800-meter NCAA championship all four years of college, and the 1,500-meter NCAA championship in his freshman, junior and senior years."

Day Eighteen
The Ness of Brodgar Dig Diary (Aug 6)

"We have found a carved stone ball! And the importance of this? Well, hardly anyone has ever found a carved stone ball in a modern archaeological context...

"Below, you have the account from the young Willamette [student], Molly, on her first dig, who found the carved stone ball."

Time is right to consider angel investing
law (Aug 5)

"Angel investments can range from $10,000 to $1 million, but they should come out of a person's surplus. The best way to invest as an angel is in 10 or more deals, says Rob Wiltbank, a professor and researcher at Willamette University in Portland, Ore., and the University of Washington in Seattle.

"His research shows that at least half the time, an investor loses money, and about 10% of investments generate 90% of returns."

UO-led study could push back date for life on land
Register-Guard (Jul 29)

"David Craig, chairman of Willamette University’s biology department, said he was excited by the research for how it raises questions about the origins and diversification of life and pushes the boundaries of conventional knowledge.

"'It’s on the horizons of what we can know and not know, and that’s pushed back all the time by new technology and new and creative ways of people taking and looking at data,' said Craig, who is not connected to Retallack’s study.

Latino high school students practice law with legal elite
Statesman Journal (Jul 25)

"Nearly 50 high school students, most sons and daughters of farm workers, examined witnesses, argued cases and testified in front of Oregon’s legal elite during a mock trial boot camp Wednesday.

"The camp continues Thursday in the lower level of the Willamette University law library. Former Oregon Chief Justice Paul De Muniz and more than a dozen lawyers and judges helped Latino students learn to practice law."

Genpact Names Alex Mandl to Board of Directors
WXVT (Jul 17)

"Mandl currently serves as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Gemalto, the world leader in digital security...

"Mandl was AT&T's president and COO from 1994 to 1996 and its executive vice president and CFO from 1991 to 1993. He received a master's in business administration from the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor's degree from Willamette University."

Program boosts behavior, brain function for kids in Head Start
Statesman Journal (Jul 13)

"Courtney Stevens, a Willamette psychology professor, co-authored the study along with Helen Neville and other researchers from UO’s Brain Development Lab. Their research appeared online July 1 in advance of publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer-reviewed and premier scientific journal."

Willamette MBA program redefines lifelong learning with new alumni benefit
Reuters (Jun 25)

Alumni of Willamette University's MBA programs now have the opportunity to come back and take classes free of charge for life. The Willamette MBA for Life program, launching in fall 2013, allows graduates to register for select courses in the school's full time and evening MBA programs in Salem and Portland, Ore.

The Wings Club Selects Jim Albaugh As Its 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award Recipient
PR Newswire (Jun 19)

"The Wings Club, recognized as the premier aviation club in the world, will honor Mr. Jim Albaugh with the 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award. Acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in the field of aviation, The Wings Club will present this award on October 25, 2013, at its 71st Annual Awards Gala to be held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Following a storied 37-year career, Albaugh retired in 2012 as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a $50 billion business. Albaugh was named to this position in September 2009. He was also Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company.

Albaugh holds bachelor's degrees in mathematics and physics from Willamette University and a master's degree in civil engineering from Columbia University."

Tai Chi Stops Falls, Saves Money
MedPage Today (Jun 18)

"Compared with other forms of exercise, performing the martial art tai chi not only reduced falls among Parkinson's disease patients, it was cost-effective as well, researchers suggested here.

The cost for preventing one fall — using a program of stretching exercise as a base — was $8 less if patients were using tai chi, said Peter Harmer, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Willamette University in Salem, Ore."

Aspiring doctor plans to improve Native health
Indian Country Today Media Network.com (Jun 12)

"Victoria Elizabeth Black Horse, or Pretty Evening Star, a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, recently graduated cum laude from Willamette University, in Salem, Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and minors in chemistry and economics.

Victoria has been admitted to the University of Minnesota, where she will pursue her medical doctorate degree that specializes in the practice of medicine in rural and American Indian communities."

Former Sehome standout to compete for US volleyball team
The Bellingham Herald (Jun 7)

"Willamette University outside hitter and former Sehome standout Madisyn Leenstra has been selected as a member of the 2013 USA Division III Women's Volleyball team for its upcoming tour in Brazil."

Portland playwright Andrea Stolowitz looks at war and friendship in 'Ithaka,' premiering at Artists Repertory Theatre
The Oregonian (May 26)

"Andrea Stolowitz didn’t set out to write a play about soldiers or war or death. She just wanted to write about friends.

“I originally thought I wanted to write about a dissolution of friendship,” she says, sitting in a Southeast Portland cafe, talking about her latest play, “Ithaka,” which gets its world premiere on Friday at Artists Repertory Theatre.

2013 Summer Events Guide: Visual arts best bets
The Oregonian (May 16)

"Holly Andres: 'The Homecoming' In Salem, Willamette University's Hallie Ford Museum gives Portland photographer Holly Andres her first retrospective."

Students' work with Garten impressive
Statesman Journal (May 13)

"This year, more than 30 Willamette students volunteered their time at Garten. What is particularly impressive is that they brought their experiences back to the campus and engaged other students through the powerful “End the R Word” program."

Marks of time, from the Iron Age to ours: James B. Thompson's latest art show considers fragments in a churning universe
Oregon Arts Watch (May 10)

“'It’s all marks,' Salem artist James B. Thompson said, walking through the gallery at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art where his most recent show is entering its final days. 'That’s what I do.'”

Focus on business-travel safety after rail threat
Society for Human Resource Management (May 3)

"HR practitioners have a big role to play in ensuring the safety of employees while they travel for business, since an employer has both legal and moral obligations to its employees as part of its duty of care, observed Lisbeth Claus, Ph.D., SPHR, GPHR, professor of global human resources at Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management in Portland, Ore."

Commencement Speakers Announced: Baltimore City CC, Colby, Episcopal Divinity,Harper, Johnson C. Smith, McNally Smith, NYU, Thunderbird, U. of Richmond, Washington & Jefferson, Wentworth, Willamette
Inside Higher Ed (May 1)

"Willamette University: Kathryn Sullivan, acting under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and acting administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Paul De Muniz, retired chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court."

Wulapalooza gives Willamette students chance to celebrate before finals
Statesman Journal (Apr 28)

"Willamette University students know that finals are just around the corner when Wulapalooza brews up on campus. The annual festival is the penultimate event — but ultimate celebration — that ushers Bearcat scholars into summer.

'This is just a nice break before finals,' said senior Annie Pawlick of Emmett, Idaho, a Wulapalooza co-chair."

Willamette entrepreneurial team gets shot at $215,000
Statesman Journal (Apr 25)

"A team from Willamette University will participate this week in the California Dreamin’ competition, which brings together students from top university entrepreneur programs around the country to prove that they have the best business plan.

Willamette’s team will pitch its business plan for Zoned, a company started and funded by current and former students of Atkinson Graduate School of Management."

Robert Wiltbank honored with 2013 Hans Severiens Award
Angel Capital Association (Apr 19)

"Dr. Wiltbank is associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship for the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in Salem, OR, and an active angel investor.

'Rob Wiltbank’s contribution is unique in the world of angel investing,' said Marianne Hudson, ACA executive director. 'He is an angel investor, founder of funds, professor and mentor to future entrepreneurs, and he has researched and written two of the most comprehensive and widely consulted reports on investments by angels in groups.'"

Grubb named Truman Scholar
Coeur d'Alene Press (Apr 18)

"Grubb was one of about 60 college juniors from across the country to earn the award, which provides up to $30,000 for graduate school. The honor is bestowed to students who plan to pursue careers in government, policy, public health and related fields.

Along with the aid, Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and are granted opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.

Grubb attended Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland, and taught English for three months in a village in Nepal. She has six years of experience as a whitewater rafting guide for ROW Adventures, and she is certified as a wilderness first responder.

She studies anthropology and psychology at Willamette University, and plans on getting a graduate degree in International Sustainable Development."

Oregon's gender pay gap slightly smaller than national average
Statesman Journal (Apr 11)

"Ashley Nixon, a professor of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior at Willamette University, said there’s no question the wage gap does exist — instead, it’s a question of what causes it.

'Do we attribute it to discrimination against women or are there other factors to consider?' she said. 'When we do analysis, we find women make 80 percent of what men do, and there are some well-known differences that account for some of this disparity.'"

Justice with a sense of humor
The World (Apr 4)

"Since joining the office in February, Michael Chartrey, 25, has built a reputation as an office prankster.

Budget space freed up when deputy DA Ryan Hughes moved to the narcotics team. Chartrey clerked at the office in the summer of 2011, and he graduated in May 2012 from Willamette University’s law school.

'I love working in that office with one great group of people to work with,” Chartrey said. “As far as where I would want to be in my career right now, I couldn’t imagine a better place. Everybody around is absolutely phenomenal to work with, from our office to the bench. It’s a great place to be.'"

Atom bomb survivors in Salem
Statesman Journal (Sep 19)

"On Thurday, they visited classes at Willamette University and its sister institution, Tokyo International University of America. Peace ambassador Kaori Kurumaji showed a documentary about Hiroshima.

"Kurumaji’s parents survived the blast at Hiroshima, which killed about 100,000 people. Now she’s part of the peace delegation from the World Friendship Center. It was interesting to visit Hanford, she said."

Governor Kitzhaber Announces the Appointments of Kelly Ravassipour and J. Adam Peterson to Jackson County Circuit Court
Office of the Governor (Sep 16)

"Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointments of Kelly W. Ravassipour and J. Adam Peterson to fill vacancies on the Jackson County Circuit Court created by the retirements of Judges G. Philip Arnold and Daniel L. Harris."

Crowd welcomes new Hallie Ford exhibit
Statesman Journal (Sep 14)

"There was barely room to take a breath at the opening reception for the “Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth” exhibit at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University on Sept. 6.

"The museum is named after the late Hallie Ford, a trustee of Willamette University. She was one of the founders of the Ford Family Foundation. Situated at the corner of State and Cottage streets, you might regularly drive past this local treasure."

Treasures given to museum
Statesman Journal (Sep 12)

"The Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University has recently been given 11 Chinese artifacts from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation in New York.

"These objects have been on long-term loan since 2006. They include two figures of musicians on horseback from the 6th century, a sandstone stele fragment with a seated Buddha and two standing attendants from the Wei Dynasty, and a magnificent head of Buddha from the Tang Dynasty.

"'The donation of these exquisite Chinese art treasures greatly enhances our small but choice collection of Asian art,' said John Olbrantz, Hallie Ford Museum of Art director, in a release."

‘Breath of Heaven’ Showcases Ancient Art From Civilization’s Cradle
OPB (Sep 5)

"'Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections' features small, iconic pieces rarely exhibited in the Pacific Northwest, according to museum director John Olbrantz, who co-organized the exhibit with Trudy Kawami, research director at the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation.

"The two began working on the exhibit in 2007, eventually securing pieces dating between 6000 B.C.–500 B.C. from 21 different lenders, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago.

"'We wanted the exhibit to represent the very best that’s available in American collections,' says Olbrantz. 'The objects are exquisite; they have incredible presence.'"

Rise of the mayors: How a once-ceremonial job became a powerful force in American politics
Boston Globe (Sep 1)

"American cities have been active in the realm of public health as well—none more so than New York, which under the Bloomberg administration has enacted a ban on trans-fats, limited the sale of flavored tobacco, and started requiring restaurants to list calorie counts on their menus. Most recently, Bloomberg tried unsuccessfully to limit the sale of large-sized sugary drinks. 'What most public health regulations are trying to do is change the regulatory status quo, and it’s getting increasingly hard to pass any kind of affirmative legislation at the federal level,' said Paul Diller, a professor at Willamette University College of Law who has studied the role of local government in public health policy."

Summer of the interns at city hall
Keizertimes (Aug 27)

"But aside from getting to see the interaction between councilors and staff, there was another reason for Kendrick to enjoy the meeting. She got the chance to meet current councilor and former Keizer mayor Dennis Koho, a local attorney who got his law degree from Willamette University.

"By the end of the week, Kendrick landed a job as law clerk with Koho’s firm."

Leave our visitors with a good impression
Statesman Journal (Aug 21)

"Thousands of visitors will be traveling through town during the next few days.

Of course, the big event is Friday’s opening of the Oregon State Fair. But today also marks the start of Opening Days for Willamette University undergraduates.

Those events speak not only to Salem’s past but also to its future."

Willamette grad Nick Symmonds speaks out on gay rights after Russian race
Statesman Journal (Aug 15)

"Willamette University graduate and runner Nick Symmonds drew international attention Tuesday when, after winning silver at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow, he dedicated his medal to 'his gay and lesbian friends back home.'

"According to several news agencies, the announcement makes Symmonds the first foreign athlete on Russian soil to criticize the country’s recent anti-gay propaganda law."

Sport court: Where international sports and legal systems converge
University of Melbourne (Aug 9)

"Sports law can make it easier for sports federation officials, sports association officials and so on, to make a decision that otherwise might be controversial. They have no choice. They need to follow the law and I think that's been another byproduct of this whole movement of international sports law." - Willamette University College of Law, James Nafziger

Ellis McCoy took bribes, but Portland is readily buying more parking meters under infamous contract
The Oregonian (Aug 5)

"But Portland's decision to readily buy meters under a cooked contract raises moral and legal issues, said a Willamette University professor who specializes in contract law, and calls into question whether taxpayers are getting the best deal when city officials won't seek competitive bids.

"'If the city wanted to get out of this, there are probably ways to press it,' said David Friedman, director of the university's Law and Business program. 'You could craft a case that would be credible. I don't know if it would be winning, but it would be credible.'

"...Friedman, the law professor, isn't so sure. He said the city would have an "excellent case" to void the contract 'if -- I want to emphasize that' someone from Cale is also charged and convicted."

Editor's note: The city decided not to proceed. See the story below for video of Friedman's comment on KOIN (CBS Portland, channel 6):

Camp Teaches Teamwork, Fundamentals
OPB (Jul 27)

"James, a member of Willamette University Bearcat Athletics’ Hall of Fame, said the community aspect of Hoopla, in a sense, is what the sport is all about.

"'The game of basketball teaches us how to share; we learn how to be part of a team,' James said. 'For the players to come back out and give back to the younger kids echoes that spirit of the game.'"

Driven to dream: American by birth, Ellie Calixtro has journeyed far to learn who she really is
Statesman Journal (Jul 21)

"For a long time, Willamette University was Ellie’s dream school. She would drive through Salem and see the campus neighboring the Oregon State Capitol and think, 'That’s my long shot.' It was such a long shot that she didn’t apply."

Building a Research Base for Sustainability Management
Huffington Post (Jul 15)

"Many universities have begun to offer professional masters programs in environmental science and policy and sustainability management. At Columbia University, the Earth Institute has developed several of these programs in partnership with some of the university's professional schools. Similar programs are now offered at American University, Arizona State University, Willamette University, Bren School of Management at UC Santa Barbara, Bard College, The New School and MIT's Sloan School of Business (to name a few)."

ASA - Smith gives back to American Samoa basketball on return home
FIBA (Jul 10)

"Former 2011 Oceania All Star, Talanoa Smith, returned to American Samoa recently and showed his dedication to inspire and help develop the next generation of players from his homeland, by participating in the 2013 Summer Youth project.

"The talented guard will soon enter his junior season in the NCAA with Willamette University of Salem, Oregon, and is hoping to become a starter for the Bearcats during the forthcoming campaign.

"But during his off-season, Smith has been happy going back to his roots and was particularly delighted to have had the chance to give something back to aspiring young athletes."

Food Share making better boxes for diabetics
Statesman Journal (Jun 24)

Marion-Polk Food Share for years has made nutrition a priority in its food inventory, and it is now taking that commitment another step further. It’s called the Better Box, which is an emergency food box made specifically for people who are diabetic. The program was spearheaded by Marie Olsen, a 2012 Willamette University graduate and an AmeriCorps VISTA member. She started in August with a goal of understanding how the regional food bank could better meet the nutritional needs of families.

Science of Summer: Why Big-Budget Action Blockbusters Rule the Season
Live Science (Jun 18)

The fantastical sense of mystery and the supernatural that comes across in "Jaws" and other blockbuster movies appeals to broad audiences, said Peter Wogan, a professor of anthropology at Willamette University and co-author of "Hollywood Blockbusters: The Anthropology of Popular Movies" (Bloomsbury Academic, 2010).

"People want to sort of have their minds messed with," Wogan said. "I think that is a common theme."

When does insurance take effect? Your agent's word might dictate
The Oregonian (Jun 15)

"'If a consumer has language in front of them that's quite clear, and the agent says the opposite, I'm not sure the consumer always wins,' said Keith Cunningham-Parmeter, associate law professor at Willamette University in Salem. 'There's no iron-clad rule here. It's going to depend on how strong the agent's assurances were and how clear the language in the policy was.'"

AMR Corporation and US Airways Announce Board of Directors for the New American Airlines
CNBC (Jun 10)

"James F. Albaugh...is also President Elect of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society; an elected member of the International Academy of Aeronautics and the National Academy of Engineering; a member of the Board of Governors of the Wings Club; a member of the board of trustees of Willamette University and a member of the board of visitors of Columbia Engineering School."

Ellen Eisenberg selected for “Jews of Oregon” historic sequel
Oregon Jewish Life (Jun 1)

"'Oregon Jewish Life' covers work by Ellen Eisenberg, Scott Nadelson and Andrea Stolowitz."

Ore. House backs Hatfield statue in US Capitol
The World (May 20)

"The Oregon House voted Monday to pull a statue of Oregon pioneer Jason Lee from a prominent place in the U.S. Capitol and replace it with one of the late Mark Hatfield, one of the most influential politicians the state has seen.

Statue of Mark Hatfield may replace state pioneer
The Register-Guard (May 14)

"Oregon lawmakers are forging ahead with a plan to erect a statue of former Sen. Mark Hatfield in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., a move that will require them to yank a statue of pioneer and missionary Jason Lee that’s been there since 1953.

Each state gets two statues in the National Statutory Hall Collection, which are displayed throughout the Capitol.

Oregon’s representation is Lee, who founded a Methodist missionary school that later became Salem’s Willamette University and helped early U.S. settlement of Oregon, and John McLoughlin, a fur trader known as the 'Father of Oregon.'"

A local civics lesson
Albany Democrat-Herald (May 11)

"In Brandon Johnson’s experience, student government classes tend to focus on national politics and the structure of government in Washington, D.C.

So when the Willamette University master’s degree candidate landed a student teaching job at South Albany High School, he decided to bring the government experience closer to home."

Trio to help others while hiking 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada
The Bellingham Herald (May 7)

"Peter and Wynne Wimberger of Tacoma used vacations with their kids to show them nature and the love of a good hike.

Next week, Peter Wimberger will load daughter Elena, 22, (who will graduate from Willamette University on May 12) and son Gus, 18, into the car, drive them to the Mexican border and leave them. By mid-October, give or take a month, the siblings should make it home."

Chapman University's California Dreamin' Investor and Fast Pitch Business Plan Competition draws 25 universities competing for $230,000 in prize money
equities.com (May 2)

"The California Dreamin competition, now in its second year at Chapman University, brought together students from top university entrepreneur programs around the country to prove that they have the best business plan.

Finalists were: Willamette University, USC, and UC Berkeley who won $30,000 each ($15,000 cash and $15,000 equity) and $1,000 of Amazon Web Services Credits."

New Book on Zena Reminds us of Great Riding and Great History
Salem Breakfast on Bikes (May 1)

"There's a new book out that offers all kinds of riffing on the notion of "a sense of place"!  Finding a Sense of Place: An Environmental History of Zena looks terrific."

Santa Cruz native wins Fulbright grant
Santa Cruz Sentinel (Apr 27)

"Santa Cruz native Kathryn Burns is to receive a $30,000 Fulbright grant to research women's roles in modern Russian society and the ways those roles have changed in recent history...

Burns, a 2012 Willamette University graduate, also plans to conduct conversational classroom activities and give presentations on American culture and society."

Saxon turned Bearcat headed to Germany to play football
Statesman Journal (Apr 24)

"Dominic David doesn’t speak German, not even a little. But he is about to get a crash course thanks to a contract he signed to play for the Hamburg Huskies of the German Football League...

To land the deal with Hamburg, David and the staff at Willamette put together the highlight video above [see story]. Look for a feature story on David in the coming weeks."

A national popular vote would make every vote for president count
The Oregonian (Apr 19)

"The National Popular Vote bill is not complicated. It involves a matter reserved to the states, and it should easily withstand any constitutional challenge. It would ensure that every vote -- in every state -- matters in every presidential election. The candidate who gets the most votes wins.

Oregon's Legislature should vote to enter into this compact to make sure Oregon and its residents get the national attention we deserve."

Driver's license debate continues
Statesman Journal (Apr 11)

"Gilbert Carrasco, a professor of law at Willamette University and a member of the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, said the presence of immigrants without documents is a fact.

He said, 'We have resolved there are some people who do not have documents and are going to be allowed to remain here, so the state has a responsibility to its residents to ensure public safety and make sure people are tested before they get on the highways.'"

Salem Chamber Orchestra's new season covers varied lands, eras
Statesman Journal (Apr 5)

"Nikolas Caoile has been the Salem Chamber Orchestra’s principal conductor for nearly a year, but the recently announced 2013-14 season marks the first one he has fully shaped. 'I wanted to combine old and new music, things that would be interesting and engaging for the audience,' he said...

Caoile is a Willamette University alum who earned a bachelor’s degree in music composition in 2000. He went on to earn his master’s in conducting at the University of Washington (2003), then his doctorate in orchestral conducting at the University of Michigan (2007)."