Willamette University Alumni

06/10/2025

What was your favorite extracurricular activity?

06/08/2025

More than 3,500 families, friends, mentors and supporters came to celebrate the graduates during the commencement ceremonies.

At Willamette's annual spring commencement ceremonies, newly-minted graduates received their charge: to build a more just, sustainable, and humane world.

06/06/2025

University Hall, now Waller Hall, in the 1860s. The campus used to be fenced to prevent farm animals from wandering onto campus!🐄🐑🐎

06/03/2025

Recapping recent events for Willamette alums! ⬇️

📷 1️⃣ On 5/3, 54 Atkinson alums gathered on the Salem campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Atkinson School of Management. The festivities began with the annual Brownwater Regatta, in which alums floated down the Mill Stream. The Regatta was followed by a reception, BBQ, and casino night, during which there was plenty of food, history, and hanging out.

📷 2️⃣ On 5/7, a small group of PNCA alumni and friends visited the campus for a private tour. After coffee, tea, and pastries from Elephants Delicatessen, the group joined the Chair of BFA Thesis, Ardis DeFreece, for an hour-long journey through the undergraduate students' thesis projects throughout the building.

📷 3️⃣ On 5/8, over 30 new Atkinson alums gathered at the Grand Hotel in Salem. The event offered the opportunity to mingle and talk directly with Dean Romana Autrey while they enjoyed small bites and drinks. To close the event, Romana gave encouraging remarks about growing as people and the future business for social good.

📷 4️⃣ On 5/9, over 25 new Law alums gathered at the convention center in Salem. They enjoyed time together while they ate and talked before Dean Jeff Dobbins spoke about the extraordinary changemakers that have come before them. He knows the class of 2025 will continue that legacy.

📷 5️⃣ On 5/14, over 35 new Willamette undergraduate alums gathered in the basement of Smullin, where they watched Disney Pixar's The Incredibles! A childhood throwback, they had a great time laughing and spending time together.

📷 6️⃣ On 5/16, over 40 new PNCA undergraduate alums gathered after their commencement rehearsal in the Lemelson Innovation Studio. They got to spend time together, eat, and get some swag while discussing programming and professional supports as they launch creative careers.

📷 7️⃣ On 5/18, 15 alums returned to the Salem campus to lead the class of 2025 in and out of commencement. It’s lovely to have members of the Willamette alum community there to greet the new class as they take the first steps toward turning the knowledge they have gained into action.

📷 8️⃣ On 5/31, 35 alumni and friends gathered at Cheney Stadium to watch the Rainiers take on the Salt Lake Bees. The group had a great time hanging out and watching the Rainiers win the game 5-4!

06/01/2025

Learn how the Collegian Launched Three Journalism Careers!

In February 1996, when the Salem campus was hit with historic flooding, the Collegian student newspaper jumped into action.

Three former editors reflect on how their time at The Collegian prepared them for successful careers in journalism working for some of the nation's top news outlets.

05/31/2025

Did you know Bob Packard, one of this year's Alumni Award winners, designed Goudy Commons?⬇️

Before Goudy, the designated eating area was the Student Center. Construction of Goudy began on October 30, 1991, and was finished on March 9, 1992. The dedication happened on October 16, 1992.

Willamette's mess hall is named in honor of Elmer and Grace Goudy, who were the university's benefactors and trustees.

05/27/2025

Thank you to all the alumni who joined us at commencement for the tradition of leading the graduates out after the ceremony!

It’s lovely to have members of the Willamette alum community there to greet the new class as they take the first steps toward turning the knowledge they have gained into action.

Get in touch if you want to help welcome the Class of 2026 next year!

05/25/2025

Career Readiness Begins at the Renjen Career Center! The final step in expanding career services reinforces Willamette’s commitment to turning knowledge into action.

Opening in Fall 2025, the Renjen Career Center will empower students to pursue their career aspirations with resources and advising under one roof.

05/24/2025

The deadline to register for Alumni Reunion Weekend is quickly approaching (5/30). Check out the event schedule and register here: https://bit.ly/3FgrfnM. We can't wait to see you on campus in less than a month!

05/22/2025

Congratulations to Kelli J. Cammack BS'88, this year's Distinguished Alumni Citation, Alum of the Year recipient, awarded to an alum who has achieved tremendous accomplishments in the last 1-3 years!

Kelli began her journey as an aviator shortly after graduating from Willamette. She has spent the last two decades pursuing her career as a commercial airline captain.

In an industry where only 5% are made up of women, Kelli is recognized as a leader and a mentor dedicated to teaching and empowering the next generation of First Officers and Captains.

Celebrate Kelli and all the other Alumni Awards recipients at Alumni Reunion Weekend this June: willamette.edu/go/arw2025

05/19/2025

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2025! 🎓

Welcome to the Willamette Alum community.

05/18/2025

Faculty members from all five schools shared their approach to AI in the classroom and how they prepare students for a world where these technologies are no longer optional, but essential tools.

Faculty across Willamette's five schools find ways to use artificial intelligence to enhance learning and critical thinking while maintaining educational integrity.