Welcoming the class of 2025 to the alumni flock
By April Miller, UO Alumni Association associate director of marketing and communications; Hana Mazur, UO Alumni Association student associate, class of 2025; and Olivia Arciniega, UOAA student writer/editor, class of 2026
On June 16, more than 5,000 graduates join the UO alumni community. A few soon-to-be Duck alumni share their dreams, plans, and favorite Oregon memories.
Every June, the UO community celebrates the newest group of graduates, as they turn their tassels and embark on a new chapter of their lives as Duck alumni. Most graduates agree that their time at the UO goes by in the blink of an eye. One day, they’re a first-year student arriving at IntroDUCKtion or a graduate student immersing themselves in advanced research for the first time. And then seemingly the next day, they’re taking that last final, applying to post-grad jobs, and celebrating the moment with friends and family.
The transition from student to alum is a major milestone—one filled with feelings of pride and excitement, but also sometimes sadness for the end of an era and anxiety about the future. Commencement is a wonderful time to reflect on years of UO memories, look forward to the future, and connect with fellow Ducks.
For those who already call the UO their alma mater, it’s also a great time to get connected to new graduates and be part of their success stories; to think back five, ten, twenty-five, or fifty years on how you felt crossing the commencement stage and to impart some of the things you’ve learned since to the next generation of UO alumni. More on how to do that below!
Looking back on favorite UO memories
At the UOAA’s New Grad Gift Pickup on June 5, we asked graduating students about their favorite memories at the UO. Common themes include meeting new people and making lifelong friends, walks to Autzen Stadium for football games, and rushing the field after Oregon’s October 2024 win over Ohio State.
Looking forward beyond commencement
As evidenced by our map at New Grad Gift Pickup—where graduating students could indicate where they are headed next—Ducks are flocking all over the world after commencement. Luckily, 44 UOAA chapters, professional networks, and cultural, identity and affinity networks across the globe await them. Each Duck’s journey is as unique as they are. Here are the post-grad plans of a few members of the class of 2025.
Joining the UO Alumni Association community
When students graduate from the UO, they are both accomplishing a significant, individual achievement and collectively joining a supportive community that wants to see them succeed. So far, nearly 300 class of 2025 graduates have joined the UO Alumni Association as Life and Annual members, where they’ll get a lifetime of alumni connections, career development, and exclusive experiences. A few graduating students share why they decided to join the UOAA and what they’re most looking forward to in becoming part of the alumni community.
UO alumni can get connected to new graduates by volunteering their time and talents with the Duck Career Network; getting plugged in with a regional or international chapter, professional network, or cultural, identity, or affinity network; or giving the gift of Life membership to a graduating student.
Graduating Ducks who've made a difference
The UO Alumni Association and Student Alumni Association recently partnered with Emerald Media Group, The Duck Store, and OCCU to present 25 deserving students with the 25 Ducks award for 2025. The award recognizes Ducks showing impressive leadership, innovation, and passion.
Several of the award recipients are graduating this June 2025, preparing to take their passion and ambition into the next chapter of their lives. Below are just five of this year’s 25 Ducks who are members of the class of 2025. Click here to read all 25 stories of Ducks who are making a difference on campus, in their communities, and for future generations.
Daisy Saucedo class of 2025 (advertising)
What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?
I came to the University of Oregon knowing my time was limited, but I was determined to make it count. What I am most proud of is cofounding the UO Poet Society, where students come together to share their voices and feel seen. I also worked with the Suicide Prevention Lab, creating content that supported mental health awareness. Along the way, I was honored with the First-Generation Leader Award from Muxeres and the Woman of Excellence Award from Women in Business, two communities that have shaped me and pushed me to lead with purpose. One of the most unforgettable parts of my time here was traveling to New York City with Women in Business, where I saw firsthand how far passion, creativity and drive can take you.
How do you hope to change the world?
I want to change the world by shifting the narrative for young Latinas, especially those who do not always see themselves represented in powerful or creative spaces. I want to be someone who inspires and supports women, not just by saying it but by actively creating opportunities, opening doors, and showing what is possible. I believe in the power of storytelling, especially when it comes from voices that are often overlooked. I want to tell human stories that matter, that reflect real experiences and that connect people on a deeper level. Whether it is through writing, media, or creative work, I want to make things that make people feel something. Seen, understood, hopeful, or even just a little less alone.
What are your goals after college?
There are so many paths I’m excited to explore. I’m determined to move to New York City and build a career in creative storytelling through marketing and advertising. I want to help shape more inclusive narratives and show what’s possible for women of color in leadership. There’s still progress to be made, and I’m hopeful about being part of that change. I want to lift up voices that haven’t always been heard and help create a future where more people like me feel seen and valued.
Issiah Scarborough class of 2025 (cinema studies, business administration)
What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?
The Student Veterans Center has been an essential part of my UO career. Here, I have learned from many different wise and experienced mentors and peers, who’ve given me the opportunity to expand into different roles throughout the UO. I also get to serve such a vibrant and inspiring community of military affiliated students who are the best people to be around (Army Strong). I have learned what it means to be a team player and how to lead through adversity, no matter the odds.
How do you hope to change the world?
I hope to bring joy to the world. Every day, I try my best to put a smile on someone’s face or make someone laugh. In my future, I dream of being a movie producer and hopefully making a memorable comedy film!
What are your goals after college?
I want to get into the sports industry as either a corporate sponsorship intern or an events/marketing associate.
Analise Levy, class of 2025(psychology), pursuing a JD
What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?
There is so much that I am proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon. UO has been my home for four years, and I have been so grateful to be a part of many different organizations within the UO community. I am especially proud of my involvement as a Clark Honors College (CHC) Peer Mentor. As a Peer Mentor, I had the opportunity to work alongside other students in the Honors College to provide academic and personal support to incoming first-year CHC students. We hosted many events throughout the year to help guide students through the often tough transition into college life. It was incredibly meaningful to grow alongside these students, serving as a support system and a resource for each wonderful individual.
How do you hope to change the world?
I hope to help change the world by doing the little things. I think it’s so important to recognize all the simple joys and be grateful for them. I hope I can make the world a kinder place and bring light to others’ lives, helping them see all the joy there is to be found in life. Whether that’s through complimenting a stranger, handing out flowers, or inviting someone to sit and talk with me on a sunny day, I just hope to make more people feel seen and loved. In my career, I hope to help change the world for the better by working to make the law more accessible for underrepresented voices and advocating for justice within the legal system.
What are your goals after college?
After graduating from law school, I hope to take some time to achieve my goal of traveling to all of the national parks in the US. After that, I plan to pursue a career in the legal field. Although I’m not yet sure which area of law I want to practice, I hope to find a role that allows me to work closely with people and help them access the legal support they need. Eventually, I would love to return to academia as a law professor, incorporating my passions in both psychology and law into my teaching.
Ana Burt class of 2025 (communication disorders and sciences)
What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?
I am most proud to have been involved with the Holden Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. I started working there winter term of my first year as a Clifton Strengths Program Assistant and got to give Clifton Strengths Consultations to over 100 students, staff, and faculty members. Being able to uplift and show
people how powerful and unique they are was incredibly rewarding for me. This past year, I have been an Emerging Leadership Project Program Assistant and have gotten to work with an incredible cohort of students, leading them in leadership development workshops, service opportunities, and other personal and professional development opportunities alongside my amazing coworker Corrin and our supervisor, Amélie Bernhard.
How do you hope to change the world?
I hope to change the world through kindness and hope. A small smile or wave goes such a long way in making the people around you feel appreciated. That feeling of appreciation can lead to others passing the love on to others. Showing you care is the best way to build a community, and the world would be nothing without connection. I strongly believe the best part of life is the people you share it with, and as long as I can show my loved ones that they matter, the world is a better place.
What are your goals after college?
After college, I hope to continue working with college students. Ideally, I’d love to keep working with leadership development and community engagement to help make a
difference in more campus communities.
Alex Aghdaei class of 2025 (political science)
What are you proud to have been involved with at the University of Oregon?
One of the things I’m most proud of is my work to register hundreds of students to vote in the 2022 and 2024 elections! I’m most proud of our voter registration drive at College GameDay, which included Bill from Schoolhouse Rock.
How do you hope to change the world?
I want to help end college hunger and make sure every student has access to the food, housing, and support they need to succeed. Through my work with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, I’ve seen how policy and organizing can directly improve students’ lives, and I plan to keep pushing for expanded SNAP access, stronger basic needs programs, and a higher education system that actually supports the people in it.
What are your goals after college?
I plan to keep working in the anti-hunger space as a lobbyist, pushing for policies that make sure students and low-income communities have access to food, housing, and basic dignity. I want to keep organizing, keep fighting, and make sure public systems actually serve the public.