News

Alumni News: Every Duck Has a Story

From campus happenings to fascinating news from around the world, consider the UOAA your source for news about our alumni chapters and networks, updates about on-campus activities and milestones.

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A headshot of a white woman in a pink jacket.

UO alumna drives innovation in aviation construction

October 12, 2026

Caitlin Powell, MBA '24, played a key role in the construction of Portland International Airport's mass-timber roof. She served as the senior stakeholder manager of PDX's $2.2 million Terminal Core Redevelopment project, while enrolled in the Oregon Executive MBA. 

The Oregon Duck stands in front of a crowd of people in front of a stage.

Where spirit meets tradition

October 12, 2026

 Welcome home, Ducks! Flock together with friends and family over Homecoming Weekend, October 30–November 1. Enjoy favorite events like the Homecoming Pep Rally and Run, Walk, and Roll with the Duck 5K.

A group of UO alumni talk at an alumni association reunion tailgate

UO alumni flock home to Oregon

September 9, 2026

This fall, UO alumni and friends are returning to Eugene to soak in the campus and reconnect with friends. Alumni from the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017 reflect on their journeys and share what they’re most looking forward to at their 10-Year Reunion. 

A photo of JJ Birden, a Black man in a 1980s UO Ducks uniform, catching a football.

Oregon football alumnus made his own path inspiring others

September 9, 2026

JJ Birden, BS ’89 (leisure studies & services), never meant to make it to the NFL. Now a retired football player, he’s sharing lessons from his career with thousands of people, so they can conquer their own challenges. 

General News
The Oregon Duck stands in front of a crowd of people in front of a stage.

Where spirit meets tradition

October 12, 2026

 Welcome home, Ducks! Flock together with friends and family over Homecoming Weekend, October 30–November 1. Enjoy favorite events like the Homecoming Pep Rally and Run, Walk, and Roll with the Duck 5K.

Duck Watch Parties

Watch Oregon football with fellow fans in your region

August 10, 2026

Across the country, UO Alumni Association chapters host watch parties during the Oregon football season to cheer on the Ducks. Meet fellow UO alumni, students, families, and fans, and share your Oregon spirit!

A headshot of a white man in a blue button up shirt in front of trees.

UO alum combines data science and sociology

July 1, 2026

When Hunter Everton BS '25 (sociology), BS '25 (data science) arrived at the University of Oregon, he had little idea where his undergraduate education, let alone his career, would take him. Four years later, he is preparing to begin a master’s degree at Oregon Health and Science University in epidemiology.

Media Mentions
'A Time of New Beginnings': Linn County Elected Officials Sworn in on January 2

'A Time of New Beginnings': Linn County Elected Officials Sworn in on January 2

January 10, 2025
Newly elected Linn County Assessor and Tax Collector Matt Pitcher, BA ’06, and Treasurer Michelle Hawkins who has served more than 29 years, were among Linn County elected officials who took their oath of office Thursday morning in the Linn County Circuit Court, the County reports in a media release.
Boost Operational Productivity with Rapid and Reliable NIR Spectroscopic Analysis

Boost Operational Productivity with Rapid and Reliable NIR Spectroscopic Analysis

November 5, 2024
Adam J. Hopkins, PhD ’10, MS ’07, is the spectroscopy product manager for handheld and laboratory instruments at Metrohm USA since 2016. He has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Oregon where he studied nonlinear optical spectroscopy under Geraldine Richmond. Between graduate school and Metrohm, Adam worked developing spectroscopic solutions for standoff and noncontact sensing applications using LIBS, Raman, and other novel techniques. Hopkins is a member of the American Chemical Society, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, Coblentz Society, and SPIE. He is the author of over 20 peer-reviewed papers and proceedings and three patents.
Documentary about Oregon-raised director, James Ivory, to air on Turner Classic Movies

Documentary about Oregon-raised director, James Ivory, to air on Turner Classic Movies

November 5, 2024
As if there weren’t already countless reasons to love Turner Classic Movies, next week the cable channel is airing a documentary that’s likely to appeal not just to general lovers of cinema, but specifically to Oregonians. “Merchant Ivory,” from director Stephen Soucy, is a fascinating look at the life and career of James Ivory, BA ’51, the director known for such films as “A Room With a View,” “Howards End,” “The Remains of the Day,” and many more.
Anthony & Sylvan Pools Announces New Board Member

Anthony & Sylvan Pools Announces New Board Member

November 5, 2024
Anthony & Sylvan Pools, the premier residential swimming pool and spa builder, renovator, and service provider in the United States, announced the appointment of Craig Haydamack, MBA ’95, to its board of directors.
Career News
Media Mentions

Miami Marlins announce 2025 coaching staff under manager Clayton McCullough

February 5, 2025
Bryson Nakamura, MS ’14 (human physiology), PHD ’16 (human physiology), 36, begins his first year as Performance & Data Integration Strategist after serving as Director & Head Sports Scientist at Stanford Baseball Science Core for the last three years (2021-24). Nakamura was a Sport Science Intern with the Tampa Bay Rays (2015) while completing his doctorate in neuromechanics at the University of Oregon.
Boost Operational Productivity with Rapid and Reliable NIR Spectroscopic Analysis

Boost Operational Productivity with Rapid and Reliable NIR Spectroscopic Analysis

November 5, 2024
Adam J. Hopkins, PhD ’10, MS ’07, is the spectroscopy product manager for handheld and laboratory instruments at Metrohm USA since 2016. He has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Oregon where he studied nonlinear optical spectroscopy under Geraldine Richmond. Between graduate school and Metrohm, Adam worked developing spectroscopic solutions for standoff and noncontact sensing applications using LIBS, Raman, and other novel techniques. Hopkins is a member of the American Chemical Society, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, Coblentz Society, and SPIE. He is the author of over 20 peer-reviewed papers and proceedings and three patents.
The Herald Welcomes New Environment Reporter

The Herald Welcomes New Environment Reporter

November 5, 2024
The Daily Herald has hired a new reporter to cover environmental issues in Snohomish County. Eliza Aronson, BS ’24, comes to the Herald with environment knowledge and journalism experience. Earlier this year, Aronson engaged in field work on the coast of Oregon to complete her bachelor’s degree in marine biology.
Video Highlights
Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways

Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways

March 5, 2025

This webinar features inspiring UO alumni who have turned their passion for positive change into impactful careers. These alumni share their journeys into roles that directly benefit their local communities, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of their work. Whether you’re looking to start a community-focused career or seeking ways to incorporate purpose into your current role, this webinar will provide actionable takeaways and inspiration to guide your path.

Ducks in Tech

Ducks In Tech Presents Get Hired in Tech Today: Expert Advice for Landing a Job in 2025

November 13, 2024

Are you looking to break into the tech industry or simply grow where you’re at? Perhaps you're wondering if your non-technical background could lead to a career in tech? This webinar features a panel of UO alumni currently working at top tech companies. Our panelists will discuss their career journeys, guide you through steps to land a job in tech and share valuable insights on how to stand out in this competitive field.

OEMBA webinar

What Your CFO Wants You To Know

October 31, 2024

Join the Oregon Executive MBA alumni group for an exclusive virtual Q&A with Tyler Sloat, CFO and COO of Freshworks. With over 25 years of finance and operations experience, Tyler shares key insights into the CFO’s role as a strategic business partner. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an industry leader!

Legacy of Leadership

A Legacy of Leadership: Reflections From an Experienced Mentor

September 13, 2024

Hear from Vincson Green, BA '83 who spent 25 years as an impactful store director for Target before retiring to focus on building a non-profit organization and serving as a board member with the Black Alumni Network. Vincson shares the key strategies he employed to lead diverse, high-performing teams, while highlighting the importance of diversity, mentorship, adaptability, and resilience in effective leadership.

Securing Tomorrow

Securing Tomorrow: Cybersecurity Trends & Career Paths

June 14, 2024

Hear from a panel of cybersecurity experts from the UO community. Learn about the UO's new cybersecurity major, outreach programs shaping the future of cybersecurity careers, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Oregon’s resilience to cyberattacks. We'll also explore the benefits and challenges of AI in digital security.

Hashtags

#UOAlumni

The official hashtag of the UO Alumni Association is #UOAlumni. Follow along on the #UOAlumni and add your voice to our story when you include #UOAlumni on your social media posts.

#DucksAfield

Ducks are everywhere! This exciting social campaign shows UO Alumni travelling all around the world showing their Duck pride. As you plan your travels, be sure to pack your UO gear and share your awesome pictures with us using #DucksAfield or email alumni@uoregon.edu.

#DuckLoveStories

Did you meet your partner or spouse at the UO? Each year around Valentine’s Day we ask Ducks to share their stories of how they met their special someone through a connection to the UO. Use #DuckLoveStories on social media. Submit your own story to be included in a future campaign.

#DuckBabies and #DuckPets

We can’t get enough of babies...and pets! If you have a new addition to your family and they are in UO gear, share your announcement using #DuckBabies or favorite moment with your pet using #DuckPets.

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