Check out the scenes from recent Willamette alumni events!
On September 3, a group of current students, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends of PNCA gathered at the Lemelson Innovation Studio on the PNCA campus for an evening of painting. The creations were inspired by the spirit of Bacchanalia. The event was a part of PNCA's ongoing First Thursday series.
On September 10, a celebratory reception and final lecture for John Olbrantz, the Maribeth Collins Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, was held. The events took place at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and Cone Chapel on Willamette's Salem campus. John was instrumental in shaping the HFMA into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Nearly 200 people attended both events.
On September 14, President Steve Thorsett addressed a group of more than two dozen alums in Cat Cavern on the second floor of the Putnam University Center in Salem. Discussions were held about the upcoming merger with Pacific University and the impact that the two universities coming together will have.
On September 17 and 18, at least 18 Willamette Law alumni from the class of 1976 came together across four different events for their 50th Anniversary. The group attended Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel, a steak BBQ dinner hosted by Elana Graham, lunch on the Salem campus and a cocktail reception and buffet dinner at Bryn Mawr Vineyards
From September 17-27, the Willamette Explorers travel program brought together 12 travelers for a journey through Bordeaux and the Basque Country, filled with the food, wine, art and culture of southwestern France and northern Spain. Highlights included wine tastings in Saint-Émilion and Laguardia, visits to Arcachon Bay and Bayonne, an exploration of wine history and culture at Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin, a visit to Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, and time exploring Bordeaux and San Sebastián. Along the way, travelers rekindled longtime friendships, formed new ones and created lasting memories together, a wonderful reminder of the connections that continue to bring the Willamette community together.
On September 19, more than twenty Willamette football alumni were in person for the current football team's game against La Verne. The group greeted the team, was recognized at halftime and watched the game from a VIP section in the north end zone.
On September 22, a number of PNCA community members attended an event hosted by PNCA's Office of Career Design, bringing together Portland’s advertising & branding community. The event included a panel of professionals representing the likes of Wieden + Kennedy, Murmur, HAPPYLUCKY, Manifold, OMFGCO, Polara Studio, and Industry.
On September 26, more than a dozen Willamette swimming alumni gathered at Sparks Pool for an alumni meet. The current teams interacted with past swimmers and got in the pool for some friendly competition.
On September 29, a group of alumni got together at Metro City Restaurant & Bar in Sunnyvale for an evening of drinks, conversation, and community. Willamette's Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Community Engagement, Eric Lassahn, hosted the group of Bay Area alums.
On October 1, a group of alumni gathered at Southside Spirit House in Downtown San Francisco for a happy hour. The evening of drinks and food was hosted by Willamette's Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Community Engagement, Eric Lassahn.
On August 12, Willamette Heritage Club members came together at the locally owned winery Lane Cellars in Camas, Washington, for a private tasting. Memories of the members' time at Willamette were shared over handcrafted wines and charcuterie.
On August 22, more than two dozen alumni helped welcome the newest incoming class of Willamette students by volunteering at the annual "Not Unto Ourselves" (formerly Matriculation) ceremony. Alums handed the newest students candles to float down the Mill Stream, representing the start of their journey at Willamette.
On August 25, more than 80 Willamette alumni in the Portland area gathered for a rooftop happy hour at the Ecotrust Building in the Pearl District. As the sun went down, graduates across all of Willamette's schools and generations connected over HOTLIPS Pizza.
On August 28–29, a team of Willamette alumni competed in the annual Hood to Coast Relay. The 196-mile relay race was completed by a group of varying ages and running experience, with the team finishing faster than their anticipated finishing time.
On August 29, alumni of the Willamette volleyball team played a match at Cone Field House in Sparks Athletic Center. The volleyball team alumni were able to connect with Willamette's current team and staff, while also taking the court for some friendly competition.
On June 4, members of the PNCA community came together to honor David Eckard. The event included a tour of the works of the late artist and educator, along with a private reception for alumni and faculty to honor his impact.
On June 10, Willamette alumni in the Washington, D.C. area came together for a happy hour at Calico, which was hosted by Lopaka Purdy BA'05.
On May 1, PNCA alumni got together with creative writing Professor Bradshaw for a lecture, exercise and forum.
On May 9, Willamette Athletic Hall of Fame member, former director of athletics, football and baseball coach, Bill Trenbeath, had Willamette’s baseball field named in his honor in a dedication ceremony.
On May 10, Willamette University held graduation ceremonies in Salem and Portland, which included an alumni march attended by 12 Willamette graduates.
On May 17, Willamette alumni gathered for a night at the Tacoma Rainiers baseball game.
On May 30, more than 40 recent grads attended the first-ever Willamette Young Alum Party in Southeast Portland.
On April 7, President Thorsett gave a university update to members of the Willamette community in Seattle.
On April 8, Willamette alumni came together over a video call to discuss the current state of renewable energy.
On April 12, Willamette Heritage Club members and graduates ot the theater program came together for the performance of Apple Hunters! by alum Ellen Lewis BA’94 at the Artists Repertory Theatre in Portland.
On April 15, Cat Cavern in the Putnam University Center hosted the annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon.
On April 21, President Thorsett gave a university update to members of the Willamette community in Portland.
On March 2, former Bearcat student-athletes returned to campus for the Willamette University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Professional Development Night.
On March 11, the Willamette University Career Center hosted a Humanities Career Night featuring multiple alumni panelists.
On March 12, the Willamette University Career Center hosted a networking event for MBA and MSDS alumni on data-driven leadership in the public sector.
On March 17, Laurie Hall BA’66, an accomplished jewelry artist and distinguished alum, was honored amid some of her recent works being featured in an exhibition in Munich at Galerie Handwerk.
On March 19, a group of alumni came together for the annual gathering of the Willamette community in the Colorado Desert.
On March 21, Willamette alums and family came together for the Salem Cherry Blossom Festival and received a tour from Professor David Craig.
On March 24, President Thorsett gave a university update to members of the Willamette community in the Bay Area.
On February 4, Willamette's Executive Director of Career Initiatives, Anne Lapour, Contributing Assistant Professor for the MBA program, Jasmine Ames, and Global Talent Acquisition Executive Heather Flynn held a talk on salary negotiation tips.
On February 10, MBA alumni got together virtually and participated in the latest career conversations series.
On February 18, Heritage Club alumni were led on a private tour of French Impressionists Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot exhibitions at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.
On February 21, more than twenty alumni came together for a happy hour at Hi-Top Tavern in Portland, OR.
On December 9, 100 alumni & guests gathered for the Portland Alumni Holiday Party to celebrate the season with the Willamette family and hear an update from President Thorsett.
On December 6, hundreds of students, alumni, faculty, staff and neighbors took in the official Star Tree Lighting ceremony.
On November 6, 30+ alumni & friends gathered with Levi Query BA'67 and her son, Nate, the bassist for The Decemberists, at a reception before heading over to watch the band perform with the Oregon Symphony.
On November 13, 20 Willamette Law alums joined Mick Harris JD'19, Dean Dobbins and more at Tonkon Torp HQ in Portland to hear the latest from the school and network.
On October 24, alumni, faculty and staff celebrated the official opening of Willamette's brand new Career Center.
On November 13, alumni and students met at the new Career Center on the Salem campus for a panel on developing careers in sustainability.
On September 27, 23 alumni and their families enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch at Frog Pond Farm.
On September 27, the annual Alumni Swim Meet saw a stellar turnout and lots of friendly competition.
On September 30, 24 alumni gathered at Dani Cone BA'98's market, Cone & Steiner, for the 2025 Seattle Happy Hour!
On October 8, 28 alums joined our webinar with Executive Director of Career Initiatives Anne Lapour to level up their LinkedIn and more.
On October 10, there was a great turnout for the School of Computing and Information Sciences' annual speaker/networking event!
On October 11, six alumni 50+ years out from graduation cheered on Willamette Football vs. Lewis & Clark.
On October 14, 15 alumni 50+ years out from graduation spent the day at The Oregon Garden, which coincidentally included a tour by a fellow alum!
On October 15, 13 PNCA alums and friends gathered for an exhibition tour and panel talk on campus before heading to a happy hour in Portland's Pearl District.
On October 22, 10 alumni met at Mars Bar in San Francisco for the 2025 Bay Area Happy Hour.
On September 17, 60+ alumni with graduation years spanning 60 years enjoyed the Ecotrust rooftop during our 2025 Portland Alumni Happy Hour
On September 18, 35+ alumni came together for the 2025 Salem Alumni Happy Hour.
On September 13, the Alumni Board of Directors gathered on campus and online for its fall meeting.
In addition to traditional business, the group took in part of the WU Football game and toured the law school.
On September 3, 40+ alumni joined our virtual talk with Professor Richard Ellis, hosted by Joe Mello BA'05.
On August 23, Men's Soccer hosted a spirited alumni game, with a group of 19 alumni earning a 1-1 draw with the current squad.
On May 3, 54 alumni gathered on the Salem campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Atkinson School of Management. The festivities began with the annual Brownwater Regatta where alums floated down the Mill Stream.
The Regatta was followed by a reception, BBQ, and casino night where there was plenty of food, history, and hanging out.
On May 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.
On May 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.
On May 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.
On May 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.
On May 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.
We are so excited to welcome these new alumni to the community!
On May 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.
On May 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!
On April 2, 13 alums and friends gathered online to hear from PNCA graduate cat ross, BFA’18.
cat completed a six-week residency with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she helped to identify noncommercial fishing communities — a group systematically excluded from communications around ocean and seafood safety . She then turned that experience into a multi-media art project.
A recording of cat’s talk is available on our YouTube channel .
On April 8, before attending an Oregon Historical Society-hosted lecture with Steve Inskeep, 35 members of the Willamette community gathered for a reception at the Heathman Hotel and heard brief remarks from Hatfield Professor of Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics Richard Ellis .
Professor Ellis gave them a glimpse into President Lincoln as an expert orator and strategic communicator willing to talk with anyone, and had varying levels of success.
The group enjoyed drinks and appetizers before relocating to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to hear from Steve.
He referenced his book, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America, and highlighted over ten conversations that helped shape Lincoln as a leader and a person.
It was a great evening filled with insight, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
From April 8 to April 16, 16 Willamette alumni and friends traveled to the Netherlands and Belgium to explore the Dutch waterways.
While on their adventure, they took a scenic boat tour of the canals in Amsterdam, marveled at masterworks by Vermeer in The Hague, participated in a Gouda tasting (in Gouda), learned about how the Dutch manage the levy's with a visit to the Delta works, and sampled beer and chocolates in Bruges.
Above all, they connected with each other, shared memories from their time at Willamette and PNCA, and strengthened the Willamette family.
Are you interested in exploring with the Willamette family? Visit our upcoming travel page to see where we're headed next!
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