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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Shout
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. 

A white woman smiles holding a microphone.

Japanese language alum found her niche in Japan

September 8, 2026

Meg Tsukamoto, BA ’00 (Japanese), has spent the last 25 years living and working in Japan. She is a professional emcee, serving as both interpreter and facilitator for large events. 

A green t-shirt with yellow varsity font text that says Oregon Gives Blood.

Ducks give blood

September 8, 2026

The Big Ten and Abbott are again partnering for the "We Give Blood" drive through December 3. Donate to a location near to save up to three lives—and support your alumni association. Abbott will give $1 to the UOAA for every UO alum who donates, up to $10,000. Show proof of your donation and score a specially-designed t-shirt.
 

General News
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.

A young blonde woman in a brown cardigan poses with her head resting on her hand in front of green trees in the background. Text in white outlines says mother nature versus mother culture.

Alum turns undergrad project into a new magazine

April 14, 2026

Jack Whayland transformed a layout for the UO's Align Magazine into a concept for a full-fledged magazine. To create the publication, he works with friends and classmates from the School of of Journalism and Communication.

Media Mentions
Minot native’s music featured with MSU choir

Minot native’s music featured with MSU choir

March 6, 2025
Visual artist and photographer Rosanne Olson, MS ’81, will be featuring her original pieces in the Minot State University Concert Choir’s performance of “Crossings: Toward the Light” this week. The concert explores the rich heritage of Norwegian-American music.
Two candidates named for Lewiston superintendent position

Two candidates named for Lewiston superintendent position

March 3, 2025
The Lewiston School Board had a special meeting Thursday in executive session to discuss the applicants, and after the executive session, the board announced Lisa Fenter, BS ’91, and Tim Sperber as the two candidates.
How Craft Lake City’s Scholarship Helped One Artist Reclaim Her Craft

How Craft Lake City’s Scholarship Helped One Artist Reclaim Her Craft

February 27, 2025
What if the biggest obstacle to becoming an artist wasn’t talent, but money? For Steph Alpizar, BS ’19, a local painter and crochet artist, financial limitations dictated everything from the materials she used to the way she shared her work. But a scholarship from Craft Lake City helped her overcome financial roadblocks and reconnect with her purpose — creating art that connects with others.
Small-town Skagit ‘Theatre School’ Supports Big Imaginations

Small-town Skagit ‘Theatre School’ Supports Big Imaginations

January 10, 2025
Under the helm of Executive Director Damon Morris, CG ’13, PHD ’13, Lincoln Players continues the theater’s “long tradition of providing educational opportunities and community support to the residents of the Skagit Valley and beyond.”
Career News
Picture of Megan Perdue smiling

Inspiring Minds: Megan Perdue

February 5, 2025
This school year, KLCC is celebrating educators through our series Inspiring Minds: Spotlighting inspiration through education. In this installment, we hear from Sheldon High School parent Liz Bruno, who shares her appreciation for her daughter's choir teacher at Sheldon High School, Megan Perdue, BA ’07 (music).
uoaa news

Gentle Chiro Welcomes Dr. Jared Urbach to the Team

February 5, 2025
Gentle Chiro is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Jared Urbach, BS ’20 (human physiology), to its chiropractic care team. A native of Sherwood, Oregon, Dr. Urbach brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to patient care, making him a perfect fit for Gentle Chiro’s patient-first philosophy.
Picture of Will Fleming standing in a doorway

Beyond the Classroom with Will Fleming

February 5, 2025
Will Fleming, MFA ’09 (creative writing), has been teaching writing at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) for over a decade, but his journey to becoming an educator has been anything but conventional.
Video Highlights
The Rush to Nowhere event graphic

Breaking Free from Hurry Sickness

October 24, 2025

Tune in for a powerful, research-based session with alumna Kandi Wiens on breaking free from the pressure to always do more, and learning how to move at a sustainable pace—without sacrificing success.

Ducks in Sales event graphic

Ducks in Sales: Career Paths, Progression, and Payoffs

October 24, 2025

Sales is a dynamic, accessible, and fast-moving career path. Whether you're selling software, services, or sustainable solutions, sales can lead to leadership roles, financial growth, and in-demand skills that transfer across industries. Hear from Duck alumni who have found success in sales careers.

Finding Fulfillment Using Values as a Compass to Navigate Your Career

Finding Fulfillment: Using Values as a Compass to Navigate Career

September 24, 2025

Are you craving more purpose in your career? In this interactive webinar with UO alumna Lindsay Stamm, JD ’05, you’ll reflect on your core values, uncover where your work may be out of sync, and learn practical steps to realign your path. Whether you’re considering a career change or simply seeking more fulfillment, this session will give you clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

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.

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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