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.

Submit a story idea Submit a class note


Shout
'2026 Alumni Awards' on green background

Nominate a distinguished young alumni

March 10, 2026

Know a UO alum under 40 who’s making a powerful impact in their field or community? Nominate them for the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award. Nominations close March 31.

A man in a purple shirt wears a headpiece with dark glasses-like lenses and a band around the head.

Building the future of empathic AI

March 10, 2026

Alec Freudenstein, MS '24 (immersive media communication), turned his master's project—an emotionally aware AI financial advisor—into a prototype that has been recognized by leading AI firms.

Gray castle on the side of a river

Travel with the UOAA in 2026!

February 10, 2026

See the world with fellow Ducks through the UOAA's Travel Program! Embark on a Danube River cruise, witness a total solar eclipse in Iceland, or choose one of our other 15+ tours scheduled for this year.

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.

General News
A large group of University of Oregon Ducks fans gathering in an event space wearing Ducks gear.

Stay game day ready this postseason

November 19, 2025

Wherever Oregon football goes, the UO Alumni Association brings alumni together through tailgates, travel, and exclusive fan experiences. Sign up now for exclusive updates and first access to postseason events.

Patty Krier and Tom Connolly pose in front of Kalapuyan Land sign

A museum love story

November 19, 2025

After meeting at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and building its research and education programs, UO alumni Patty Krier and Tom Connolly are leaving an enduring legacy through philanthropy. 

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
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.