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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General News
Jackie Gutierrez

Jackie Gutierrez

October 3, 2023

Jackie Gutierrez, MA ’21 (journalism), is the founder of Women Kick Balls, an independent media company focused on authentic storytelling centered around women’s soccer. Despite growing up with a host of academic challenges and often being the only Hispanic woman in the room, Gutierrez now has more than 3,150 subscribers, a successful magazine, and, most recently, had the privilege of covering the 2023 Women’s World Cup. “I have taken my identity as a young Hispanic female and owned it. I already stick out like a sore thumb, so it fuels me to think that my voice is important. I would get really discouraged earlier in my career walking into a room that was full of old, White men, but now I think ‘who cares?’. I have the experience and the credibility . . . and people know my character.”

Aurora Diaz

Aurora Diaz

October 2, 2023

Aurora Diaz, BA ’12 (public relations), is the founder of The Jefas, a first-of-its-kind beauty platform aspiring to be the Sephora for Latina-founded brands. She’s also a steering committee member for the Patos Alumni Network. “I think if you have an idea and you are persistent and you really feel like that’s what you need to go out and do, it’s there for a reason. It’s your calling; it’s a product you must bring to life."

Shout
Jerry Allen pictured is one of the honorees of UO Athletics

Distinguished Ducks: alumni honored by UO Athletics

September 16, 2025

Jerry Allen, the "Voice of the Ducks," offensive lineman Michael DeLaGrange, and soccer goalkeeper Sarah Peters, have been selected to receive the UO Athletics' distinguished alumni awards. Photo by Geoff Thurner, Copyright 2012

Jaida Ross throws her O at Hayward Field

Ducks compete in the World Athletics Championships

September 16, 2025

Sixteen UO alumni and current student athletes are competing on the global stage this week at Japan National Stadium. Check out the full list of Oregon athletes here, along with competition times to cheer them on.

Get a free beanie when you join or renew your membership with the UOAA

Show your Duck pride with a UOAA membership—beanie included!

September 16, 2025

It’s that time again—the air is getting cooler, Autzen is roaring, and Oregon alumni are beaming with Duck pride. Join the UO Alumni Association by September 30 and get an exclusive double-sided Oregon beanie to keep you warm all season long! 

Media Mentions
Beloved member of Eugene’s Black Community dies at 78

Beloved member of Eugene’s Black Community dies at 78

September 9, 2024
Lyllye Reynolds-Parker, a well-loved member of the Eugene community, died Thursday night. The news was shared by her niece in a Facebook post. Reynolds-Parker grew up in Eugene. She was born at Sacred Heart Hospital, and may have been the first Black child born there, according to the University of Oregon.
57 Oregon authors to appear at Oregon State Fair

57 Oregon authors to appear at Oregon State Fair

September 9, 2024
With 57 Oregon authors appearing at the Oregon State Fair in Salem from Friday to Sept. 2, this year there's something for everyone to read — literally. Here's a sampling of newly released books by five local authors who are new to the fair this year. Leslie Barnard Booth, MS ’12, MFA ’10, of Portland earned a degree in creative writing at the University of Oregon and has put it to use composing a series of children’s books published by Simon & Schuster. “One Day This Tree Will Fall” is the life history of a tree, and “A Stone Is a Story” tells the history of a rock. Booth will be at the fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the final day on Sept. 2.
PRWeek unveils Hall of Fame class of 2024

PRWeek unveils Hall of Fame class of 2024

August 22, 2024
PRWeek is recognizing its 12th Hall of Fame class — six inductees who have made outstanding contributions to the PR industry over the course of their extensive careers. Thirty-year comms veteran Corey duBrowa, BA ’88, is global CEO of Burson, which encompasses agency brands under the Burson umbrella including Hill & Knowlton, GCI Health, Axicom and Burson Buchanan. He is also a member of the executive committee of Burson parent company WPP.
Career News
Finalists announced in college president search

Finalists announced in college president search

August 22, 2024
The Oregon Coast Community College Board of Education has named three finalists in its search for a new college president. Marshall Roache. BA ’97, is the executive dean of career and technical education and public safety at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Roache holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University.
PRWeek unveils Hall of Fame class of 2024

PRWeek unveils Hall of Fame class of 2024

August 22, 2024
PRWeek is recognizing its 12th Hall of Fame class — six inductees who have made outstanding contributions to the PR industry over the course of their extensive careers. Thirty-year comms veteran Corey duBrowa, BA ’88, is global CEO of Burson, which encompasses agency brands under the Burson umbrella including Hill & Knowlton, GCI Health, Axicom and Burson Buchanan. He is also a member of the executive committee of Burson parent company WPP.
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.

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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