CAS 2026 Commencement Highlights
Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.
Asian Studies
CAS professors use mahjong to connect culture, history and community
EALL, HISTORY — A century after its first surge in popularity in the United States, the game Mahjong is once again having a cultural moment. At the University of Oregon, faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are using this renewed interest as an opportunity to help students explore history, culture and identity through hands-on experience.
Embracing the impact of Japanese pop culture
ASIAN STUDIES - This popular course on Japanese popular culture taught by Alisa Freedman examines icons like Hello Kitty, Pikachu and the Oregon Duck can transform global politics and people’s identities.
Preparing to meet the moment now and beyond
On the cusp of a new year, Tykeson Dean of Arts and Sciences Chris Poulsen took time to share what he is most excited about in the College of Arts and Sciences, now and into the future. "The success of this strategy doesn't depend on a few leaders. It depends on all of us," Poulsen said.
What is behind the Labubu craze?
ASIAN STUDIES - Professor Alisa Freedman explains how pop-culture trends like Labubus become a global phenomenon. “I think Labubu represents a very different Gen Z or Gen Alpha, even, way of consuming media,” she said. “For example, they might learn about trends by following celebrity influencers and watching short, attention-grabbing videos.”
Celebrate Research Progress
Researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences secured $83 million in sponsored grants to fund 199 research projects across the three divisions: Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. This year’s annual report provides a glimpse into the curious minds of researchers and their work.
Congratulations, 2025 Seniors!
Celebrate the class of 2025 with a slideshow featuring some of their favorite moments!
Expanding Our Global Reach
SCHNITZER SCHOOL OF GLOBAL STUDIES AND LANGUAGES - After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
Elevating Women Scholars Around the World
EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES, ASIAN STUDIES - Fulbright Scholar and CAS Professor Alisa Freedman is chronicling the rise of women’s scholarship during a five-month trip to Vietnam, where she's helping women professors find their footing in the academic publishing world.
UO, Pakistan university partner to help confront climate change
GLOBAL STUDIES, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - Scholars from the two universities have spanned that global gap, most recently when six faculty members from KIU spent two months this winter at the UO with a shared goal of confronting climate change through research and enhancing teaching.