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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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!

UOAA Online Book Club text next to the book cover of We Meant Well.

Read, reflect, and connect with fellow alumni

August 10, 2026

The UOAA Book Club's July-October selection, We Meant Well by Erum Shazia Hasan, is underway, and there's still time to jump in. Connect with fellow alumni through our virtual, asynchronous discussion of this compelling novel exploring charity, power, and contradiction.

A woman in a life vest and sunglasses takes a selfie with three other people on a boat on the water.

The marine biologist who opened a brewery

June 9, 2026

After following her passion for marine biology from Bandon, Oregon to Antarctica, Annie Pollard, BS '06, MS '08 (biology), decided to settle down and pursue her other passion: brewing beer. Pollard and her husband opened 7 Devils Brewery in Coos Bay.

Bailey Holloway, a white woman with long brown hair, speaks into a microphone.

Staying connected through service

June 9, 2026

The New York Ducks Intern Scholarship helped Bailey Holloway, BS ’19 (international studies), launch her career in the Big Apple. After graduation, she became the group’s scholarship chair, supporting fellow Ducks on similar journeys. 

General News
Three people digging in dirt

An archaeology field school for today’s students

February 10, 2026

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s commuter-style program at the historic Applegate House makes fieldwork accessible. Discover how the program supported 2025 anthropology graduates Emerald Marx and Addie Kosterman on their archaeology career paths.

Packed stadium in Autzen

2026 Oregon football schedule announced

February 10, 2026

Oregon’s 2026 slate features seven home games and five away, beginning with a September 5 kickoff against Boise State and culminating in a high‑profile trip to face Ohio State.

Two women with broadcasting headsets

Celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day

February 10, 2026

All 17 members of the broadcast production for the February 4 Oregon women's basketball game were female. From the camera operators, to on-air talent, and behind-the-scenes production, students are behind the broadcasts for the B1G+ streaming service through the Big Ten's "StudentU" program.

Brandon Rigby and his family at an Oregon football game

UO alum turned his love for Spanish into a global career

January 20, 2026

Brandon Rigby, MA '10 (Spanish), MNM '10 (nonprofit management), PhD '17 (romance languages), never imagined making Spanish his career. Now, the triple Duck and his family of six have called three countries home through Rigby's career as a diplomat.

Media Mentions
Heisman Trophy winner Mariota donates to Southern Oregon football

Heisman Trophy winner Mariota donates to Southern Oregon football

August 22, 2024
Marcus Mariota, BS ’14, will donate new Nike cleats for every member of the Southern Oregon University football team, a total of 140 pairs valued at about $16,500. Mariota is a member of National Football League’s Washington Commanders and former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at the University of Oregon.
Charley Royer, Seattle’s longest serving mayor, dies at 84

Charley Royer, Seattle’s longest serving mayor, dies at 84

July 31, 2024
Charles “Charley” Royer, BS ’66, who served as Seattle’s mayor from 1978-1990, died Friday morning at his home in Gearhart, Oregon. Royer was born in Oregon, where he studied journalism at the University of Oregon. He worked at KOIN in Portland, and later KING in Seattle, where he worked closely with his brother Bob, who died before him.
Alphabet’s Precision Health Company Verily Moving HQ to DFW

Alphabet’s Precision Health Company Verily Moving HQ to DFW

July 31, 2024
North Texas has landed another headquarters from California, as precision health company Verily announced its headquarters will move from South San Francisco, California to Dallas later this quarter. The company is led by CEO Stephen Gillett, BS ’98, who moved to Dallas after the company opened its North Texas operations in 2021.
Joey Harrington, Ashton Eaton among newest Portland Thorns investors

Joey Harrington, Ashton Eaton among newest Portland Thorns investors

July 31, 2024
The Bhathal family announced Thursday that for the second time in as many months, they are adding more Portland Thorns investors to their group, including a trio of names most Oregon sports fans would recognize. Joey Harrington, BS ’01, along with two-time gold medalist Ashton Eaton, BA ’10, and bronze medalist Brianne Theisen-Eaton, BA ’11, are a part of the latest round of investors.
Steakhouse celebrates its home on Washington Street

Steakhouse celebrates its home on Washington Street

July 18, 2024
Today, Debi and Glen remain owners the steakhouse and are slowly stepping back from running the day-to-day operations in favor of the next generation, daughter Lauren Hoefler, BA ’12, and her husband Adam, BS ’12. While they joined the business 12 years ago, Debi recalls Lauren pitching in long before that.
Career News
Kevala Names Lauren Wilson VP, General Manager

Kevala Names Lauren Wilson VP, General Manager

August 8, 2024
Lauren Wilson, BS ’96, has been appointed vice president and general manager at Kevala, a workforce management start-up based in Seattle. In this role, Wilson will lead Kevala’s growing senior housing / long-term care business.
PeaceHealth Medical Group Appoints Chief Executive

PeaceHealth Medical Group Appoints Chief Executive

August 8, 2024
PeaceHealth recently announced that Melissa Edwards, MD, BA ’89, has been named as the chief executive for PeaceHealth Medical Group. An innovative, experienced leader who is passionate about ensuring patients have access to safe, efficient and respectful healthcare, Dr. Edwards has demonstrated her skills and abilities as the interim chief executive for the medical group over the past several months.
Fermenting the Future

Fermenting the Future

August 8, 2024
Linfield University recently named Anna Maria Ponzi, BA ’87, permanent director of its Center for Wine Education, an interim position she held for two months.
Eugene Opera names new executive director

Eugene Opera names new executive director

July 31, 2024
Eugene Opera has named longtime Eugene resident and local arts administrator Kari Welch, CG ’19, as their new Executive Director. Welch holds a bachelor’s degree in theater and dance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Oregon. She has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations in Eugene, including Lane Arts Council, Wellsprings Friends School, and The Very Little Theatre.
Video Highlights
Intel's Young Alumni Panel

Intel's Young Alumni Panel: Navigating Your Career Path

October 26, 2022

Hear from three young alumni making an impact at Intel Corporation. This moderated discussion covers topics ranging from navigating your first job out of college and avoiding imposter syndrome, to removing the intimidation factor from networking. Laurin Maurer, Vivek Sharma and moderator Max Green look forward to sharing their advice with fellow Ducks, no matter the major or career focus.

The Creator Economy

The Creator Economy: From TikTok Stars to Business Leaders

October 14, 2022

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make it big in content creation and social media entrepreneurship? Join us for this skill-sharing workshop where we’ll learn from two recent grads turned TikTok entrepreneurs. Adam Faris, BA ’20 and Connor Bussey, BS ’19 will discuss their early beginnings in startups and the path they have taken to scale a social media side hustle into a successful business, now partnering with brands like Sports Illustrated, Road & Track, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Grow With Google

Grow With Google: Use YouTube to Grow Your Business

October 7, 2022

YouTube isn't just a place to watch cat videos - it's also the second largest search engine in the world! Join Bryan Caplan, BA ’07, your Dedicated Trainer for Grow with Google, as he shares ways you can tap into the power of YouTube to grow your business.

Embracing a growth mindset

Embracing a Growth Mindset

October 1, 2022

Together, we will learn how the phrase 'not yet' can change your mindset. In a flourishing culture that embraces a growth mindset, the word 'no' is replaced with 'not yet.' Just because you or your team have not yet accomplished something, that doesn't mean it's impossible! When we embrace this shift in mentality, we are more willing to explore new possibilities and outcomes, and create an environment where everyone is supported in gaining new skills, insights, and perspectives.

UO Alumni Association

Up Your LinkedIn Game

May 2, 2022

LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help you build your professional network, learn what you need for career advancement, and even find new opportunities in your next job search. You know that, but so does everyone else. James Chang, Director of the Duck Career Network, teaches you how to maximize your LinkedIn profile, connect with fellow UO alumni using powerful search tools, and navigate the world of online networking.

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.

Social Media Feed

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