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
Might Oregon Tailgate Ducks at Washington text with fans watching the game in the stadium.

Show your Duck pride in Husky territory

October 14, 2025

The flock is flying north to represent the Ducks in Seattle on November 29! Before UO and UW meet on the field, celebrate favorite Oregon traditions with us at the Mighty Oregon Tailgate. Space is limited, so secure your spot.

A before of a couple and a after picture of a couple with a baby.

Bidding farewell to Hamilton Hall

September 16, 2025

This fall, Hamilton Hall is being demolished, making way for a new green space on the UO’s Eugene campus. Alumni reminisce on their favorite memories forever tied to the rooms and halls of Hamilton. 

Person holding a framed drawing of Oregon Ducks mascot with university-themed memorabilia in the background.

Sketching a legacy in green and yellow

September 16, 2025

Claudine Lundgren’s childhood love of Disney cartoons came full circle when her art gave Oregon fans their favorite mascot tees of the 1970s and 1980s.

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.
Head of School Named for BASIS Independent Bothell

Head of School Named for BASIS Independent Bothell

August 8, 2024
BASIS Independent Schools, the world-acclaimed network of private schools, announced that Mr. Robert Runyon, BA ’08, will lead the new Bothell campus opening in fall 2025. Mr. Runyon is an experienced school leader within the BASIS Independent Schools network. He has shaped the trajectory of both new and established schools since joining the network eight years ago.
Video Highlights
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.

Grow With Google

Grow With Google: Power Your Job Search With Google Tools

May 2, 2022

Ducks fly higher in the job search with the help of Google tools! Join UO Bryan Caplan, BA ’07, your Dedicated Trainer for Grow with Google, as he walks you through discovering new job opportunities and how to organize and enhance your job search experience using tools including Google Docs and Google Sheets, as well as Google's Job Search feature.

Say Buh Bye To Burnout At Work

Say "Buh-Bye" to Burnout at Work

April 23, 2022

Tired of letting your job call the shots in your life? Ready to downsize your relationship with work and quit burnout without leaving your corporate job? Grant Gurewitz, BS ’13 shares how it's possible to be well at work AND be successful, with his research-backed and tested playbook to keep burnout on the sidelines.

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

There’s no better way to keep up with what’s happening at the UO or in the lives of your fellow Ducks. Follow us now on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.