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Willamette University

Global interests land alumnus job in sustainability engagement

11.01.2022 | Jennifer Johnson

After earning his MBA and teaching abroad, Michael Chen ’18 now works at Meta.

Willamette University

Finding a reward in managing risk

11.10.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Janelle Bovell ’08’s journey to vice president at PayPal underscores the power of curiosity and reflects a commitment to growth and community impact.

Willamette University

Nowhere to go but up: From a low GPA to a BA, MBA and JD

07.06.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Geoff Winkler BA ’04, JD ’06, MBA ’08 had a rocky academic beginning, but now he's CEO of American Fiduciary Services.

Willamette University

Switch hitter: Tommy Kawamura ’14 combines baseball with a knack for stats

06.02.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Kawamura now works with data for scouting at the Houston Astros.

Willamette University

Willamette Academy reaches new milestone

06.01.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Academy celebrates largest graduating class ever.

Willamette University

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

04.30.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Noelle Medina ’21 found myriad ways to be active within their major and on campus.

Willamette University

Willamette MBA students and the United Way grant funds to empower local organizations

04.29.2021

Grant funds distributed by Willamette MBA Community Grant program lift up local organizations pursuing diversity, inclusion, racial justice and social equity.

Willamette University

Student leadership roles led graduate to MBA

04.23.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Jarin Kobashigawa BA ’20, MBA ’21 found his path from student leader to business enthusiast, now pursuing a career in marketing with newfound confidence.

Willamette University

Interest in the arts and research led grad to law degree

04.16.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Megan Mizuta JD’21 will soon be a judicial clerk for Judge Steven Powers JD’01 at the Oregon Court of Appeals. 

Willamette University

Graduate's bright future in law started with broadcast journalism

04.16.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

After nearly a decade exploring other careers, Bruce Garrett JD’21 found the right fit in law school.

Willamette University

Ian Scarfe ’05: Creative with classical music and his career

04.15.2021 | Jennifer Johnson

Ian Scarfe ’05, founder of Trinity Alps Chamber Music Festival, credits Willamette University's faculty for steering him towards a career in music.

Waller hall cupola from above, autumn colored trees, Oregon  state capitol in background

U.S. News names Willamette best in PNW for economic diversity

09.14.2020

Willamette also ranked No. 2 for best liberal arts school and “Best Value School” in Oregon.

Brooke Stearns Lawson ’99

Undergraduate research lays groundwork for career in international development

08.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

As conflict and crime advisor, alumna develops programs to counter violent extremism.

Kimberly Cole ’02

Alumna connects communities with tools to better health

08.27.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Kimberly Cole '02, fueled by her Willamette education, leads global initiatives in family planning and public health, impacting lives worldwide.

Dani Cone ’98

In the right place at the right time

08.20.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette’s holistic approach empowered Dani Cone ’98 to become one of Seattle's most recognizable small business owners.

Nathan Love ’05 MBA’06

Alum succeeds by thinking beyond now to 'what is possible’

08.19.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Nathan Love '05 MBA'06 exemplifies the power of networking, leveraging connections from Willamette University to advance at Lionsgate, TiVo, and T-Mobile.

Shana Cooper ’99

Willamette Theatre plays enduring role in alumna's life

05.19.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Undergraduate play leads Shana Cooper ’99 to new career.

Face mask

Willamette faculty, staff produce hundreds of face coverings for community

04.30.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette University faculty distributed 200+ handmade masks to students while Assistant Professor Daniel Borrero donated 45 face shields to a medical facility

Image of a computer

Willamette computers lend power to COVID-19 fight

04.29.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette University faculty joined the fight against COVID-19 — and so have campus computers.

Conner Mertens ’17

From athlete to advocate

02.25.2020 | Jennifer Johnson

Conner Mertens ’17, a politics major, credits Willamette for igniting his passion for advocacy. Now, he fights for patients with chronic diseases.

Alfredo Zuniga ’12

Biology lab guides alum beyond graduation

12.11.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

In his first week as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas, Alfredo Zuniga ’12 relied on old notes from his Willamette biology class to teach students.

A student teaches before a projection screen

Willamette listed among top Teach For America colleges

09.30.2019

Willamette University excels on Teach For America's Top Contributors List, ranking within the top 10 for colleges with fewer than 3,000 students.

Faculty member talks to international students and their families at event he hosts at his house.

Willamette faculty, staff foster strong relationships with students

09.11.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Making students feel supported and welcomed is a priority.

Students talk to representatives from different colleges.

Steps to choosing the right college

09.11.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

You’ve done the research, figured out the pros and cons and maybe even created a spreadsheet, but you still can’t narrow down your list.

Waller Hall on a sunny autumn day with orange-yellow tree in foreground

U.S. News names Willamette among top colleges

09.10.2019 | Adam Torgerson

U.S. News and World Report listed Willamette University in the top tier of liberal arts colleges nationally, ranking the university 68th among the best liberal arts colleges and as a “Best Value School” in the magazine’s 2020 rankings.

Alison Ecker JD’20

U.S.-Mexico border work was ‘most meaningful yet difficult’ experience in law school

08.20.2019 | Alison Ecker JD’20

Alison Ecker JD’20, pursuing a career in immigration law, joined Professor of Law Warren Binford at the border to help protect children’s rights.

Alex Compton ’06

Collaborative research catalyzes career

08.20.2019 | Adam Torgerson

Undergraduate research experiences catalyzed the career of Alex Compton ’06, virologist and lead investigator at the National Cancer Institute.

Jamal Raad ’08 and Gov. Jay Inslee JD’76 in Las Vegas

From Willamette to Washington

08.14.2019 | Adam Torgerson

Jamal Raad ’08 takes on climate change as campaign communications director for presidential candidate and fellow Bearcat Gov. Jay Inslee JD’76.

student and professor crouch over a computer screen next to a microscope

Willamette ranks among the best universities for student and staff interaction

08.06.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Student satisfaction places university at No. 8 nationwide.

logo: featured in 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges

Fiske guide features Willamette as a top college

07.10.2019

The 2020 Fiske Guide to Colleges hails Willamette University for its student-focused faculty, collaborative environment and commitment to service and diversity.

Olivia Scott at the South African coast

Student athlete works to prevent gang violence

07.10.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Olivia Scott ’20 reflects upon interning with a program founded by a reformed gang member in South Africa.

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.

Warren Binford

Professor Binford describes conditions at the border

06.25.2019 | Tom Mayhall Rastrelli

Willamette Law’s Warren Binford and a team of lawyers find hundreds of children being neglected and living in dangerous conditions.

Greg Orzell ’05

History major helped Netflix launch streaming

06.19.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Liberal arts foundation served Greg Orzell ’05 well as he rose up the tech industry’s ranks.

willamette mba pdx center

Willamette rolls out newly designed MBA for Professionals

06.03.2019 | Jennifer Bush

To maximize value for students and employers, Willamette MBA is excited to introduce newly designed curriculum for MBA for Professionals this fall.

Brandon Chinn ’14

From the Bearcats to the Blazers and Celtics

05.14.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

On-campus opportunities opened doors to an NBA communications career for Brandon Chinn ’14.

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.

cordarryl hall new feed

Charting a course to Intel

05.08.2019 | Tom Morlan

From Chicago's streets to Navy sub to Intel, Willamette shaped the journey of CorDarryl Hall MBA’19 as he progressed from Data analyst to storyteller.

anna ayala in the lab

Promoting a healthy future

05.01.2019 | Tom Morlan

Anna Ayala, a senior chemistry major, embodies the fusion of science, compassion, and advocacy, aspiring to be a doctor and a catalyst for social change.

adrian uphoff

Plugging into the power of proximity

04.23.2019 | Tom Morlan

Adrian Uphoff ’19 is pushing legislation at the Capitol and opening doors for future interns.

sarah pope in lab coat

Chasing down a childhood dream

04.15.2019 | Tom Morlan

Sarah Pope '13 credits Willamette University for her journey from biology to veterinary medicine, equipped with skills and confidence for her future.

blue badge logo; text: Peace Corps Top Colleges 2019 Ranked in the Top 10 Peace Corps producing schools peacecorps.org

Willamette ranks No. 9 in US for Peace Corps volunteers

03.22.2019

University has been ranked among the top small colleges 15 of the last 17 years.

Students pack food for Global Day of Service

Bearcats team up for third annual Global Day of Service

03.13.2019 | Paul McKean ’11

Willamette community unites to live out the university motto through service projects across the country and overseas.

Norma Paulus JD’62

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

03.06.2019 | University Communications

Paulus paved the way for women in politics and long supported Willamette.

Graphic of hands holding the globe, text: global day of service Willamette University

Join #teamwillamette for the Global Day of Service

02.20.2019 | Paul McKean

Willamette's Global Day of Service on March 9 unites students and alumni worldwide in community service projects, embodying the university's motto.

Len Reed

The Collegian finds new mission through Pulitzer Prize-winning writer

02.15.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Former Oregonian editorial writer mentors newspaper staff.

Student in cybersecurity club

Students learn cybersecurity skills for competition and careers

02.12.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

Sophia Anderson '19 champions cybersecurity education co-founding the Student Cyber Security League to prepare Willamette University students for future careers

four students converse in Jackson Plaza in spring

Willamette among Princeton Review’s top colleges

02.05.2019 | Adam Torgerson

The university is named among the top colleges, best value colleges and green schools.

E.M. Lewis '94 attends a performance of, "The Gun Show."

Playwright champions common ground in controversial topics

01.03.2019 | Jennifer Johnson

E.M. (Ellen) Lewis ’94 sparks conversation surrounding topics such as climate change and the divide on American gun ownership through theatre.

“When I travel somewhere, I love going to the local store, not the big box — that’s where you see who lives there, what they’re eating, what they’re talking about.” —Dani Cone '98

A not-so-general store

01.03.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Dani Cone ’98 seeks to foster close-knit community in fast-paced Seattle with Cone & Steiner general stores.

Owen Carver ’03

Be the change — the GOOD food and drink guide

01.02.2019 | Erik Schmidt

Owen Carver ’03 advocates for sustainable practices and social equity in the coffee industry.

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.

Nick Schoeppner ’11

Park ranger protects Oregon’s stunning places

12.30.2018 | Tina Owen

Inspired by the community spirit of Willamette’s faculty and students, Nick Schoeppner ’11 built a career in public service.

“By being willing to hire people with (criminal) backgrounds,  we had access to great employees other companies were openly discriminating against.” —Shobi Dahl '05

Dave’s killer nephew — the GOOD food and drink guide

12.26.2018 | Erik Schmidt

Working with his uncle at Dave’s Killer Bread, Shobi Dalh ’05 helps people with criminal records start anew.

Amarit Ubhi ’20 holds photo of self with Gov. Kate Brown

In conversation with Amarit Ubhi ’20

12.23.2018 | Tina Owen

Budding public servant Amarit Ubhi ’20 spent the summer working in the Oregon governor’s office.

“(We've helped prevent) the creation of countless tons of emissions and landfill waste.”  —Colin Schilling '10 MBA '12

Crafting a new business approach — the GOOD food and drink guide

12.21.2018 | Erik Schmidt

Colin Schilling ’10, MBA’12 commits to environmental and social sustainability through his business, Schilling Hard Cider.

Jon Steiner (third from left) in the Kenyan village where his nonprofit installed a well to provide clean water.

Not unto ourselves alone with Jon Steiner ’63

12.20.2018 | Jon Steiner ’63

Retired teacher Jon Steiner ’63 uses the international perspective he gained at Willamette to make a difference in the lives of students abroad.

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 Chemistry David Griffith and research student Logan Vine ’17

Faculty-student collaborative research gains national visibility

12.05.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Study of halogenated estrogens leads to publication, audio story on NPR.

Kelli O'Brien ’22

Tutoring program educates and improves the lives of school children

11.27.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Willamette undergrads make connections with local students through Tiger Club.

Michelle Hicks ’20, co-coordinator of the Clothing Share, checks the inventory.

SOAR Center supports basic student needs

11.07.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Free food, books and clothing are offered through a new student-led initiative.

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.

Willamette grads top Teach For America list

09.12.2018 | Adam Torgerson

Willamette University shares the top spot among small colleges nationally for alumni service to the program.

U.S. News names Willamette among top colleges

09.12.2018 | Adam Torgerson

The university was also ranked highly by counselors and is listed also among the “Best Value Colleges.”

Cindy Richards

Professor Richards receives national award for teaching excellence

09.10.2018

The civic communication and media professor was lauded for using civic engagement and experiential projects to help students learn.

light post with banner saying "Willamette University Not unto ourselves alone are we born." with Roger's Music Hall in background

Willamette ranked top liberal arts college in Northwest by Washington Monthly

08.28.2018

The university moves up seven spots, boosted by students’ strong commitment to volunteer work.

Professor Joseph “Chuck” Williamson

Professor Chuck Williamson appointed to Taul Watanabe Chair in the Sciences

06.01.2018

The chemistry professor aims to increase science research opportunities for Willamette undergraduates.

Bioscientist Travis Stiles ’05 stands in his lab

Not Unto Ourselves Alone with Travis Stiles ’05

05.24.2018

Bioscientist Travis Stiles ’05 explains how three professors and a fraternity brother inspired his potentially life-saving research.

Gabriel Tallent ’10

A first-time novelist earns critical acclaim

05.15.2018 | Joe Donovan

Gabriel Tallent ’10 takes literary world by storm with debut novel “My Absolute Darling.”

José Fausto ’18

Jump-starting a career with Willamette networks

04.27.2018 | Jennifer Johnson

Alumni office connects José Fausto ’18 to job prospects

Willamette ranked in top 10 for Peace Corps volunteers

02.23.2018

The only Oregon school in the top 10 colleges with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates, Willamette has 13 Bearcats serving around the world.

Leandro Gonzales ’03 helped organize the delivery of dozens of tents to Mexico and Puerto Rico residents recently struck by natural disasters.

Willamette community unites to support people impacted by natural disasters

11.06.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

Families of some students, faculty grapple with aftermath.

Opening Days leaders performance

Opening Days gives the class of 2021 a proper Willamette welcome

08.28.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

New students move in, explore campus and prepare for life as a Bearcat.

Green Fund awards sustainability grants

05.01.2017 | Joe Abraham

From bike racks outside Montag to a local symposium about refugees, the Green Fund program is sponsoring diverse projects that advance sustainability, equity and social justice on campus and in our community.

Liz Gill

Crafting her own approach

04.17.2017 | Jennifer Johnson

At Willamette, senior Liz Gill found activities that fit who she is and helped define the leader she wants to be.

Will Nickerson

The Myriad Lives of a Maker

11.23.2015 | Sarah Evans

The more you talk with Will Nickerson ’16, the more you wonder, “What doesn’t he do?”

Willamette University

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