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.
English
Increasing the societal impact of CAS research
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES — When the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation recently hosted a Week of Research and Innovation, Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences Jennifer Pfeifer organized a panel session as part of the week’s events to showcase the breadth of the societal impact CAS researchers have.
What would an ant write if it could?
ENGLISH - CAS undergraduate student Sarah Twiggs’ short story takes the perspective of an ant to win flash fiction contest. "The story was also inspired by the work I’ve been doing with posthumanism in a few of my classes," Twiggs said. "I find it really interesting to de-center the human perspective and consider new ways of thinking and being."
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.
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.
London's 18th century theater goes digital
ENGLISH, DIGITAL HUMANITIES — In 2024, the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded $350,000 for the continued development of the London Stage Database, a groundbreaking digital catalog of theater events in London during the 18th century. Learn about the importance of this digital humanities project and its impact on researchers and ancestry sleuths everywhere.
New bootcamp aims to ready students for their dissertation journey
GRADUATE STUDIES - The work of writing a dissertation can be overwhelming, which is why it's important to find innovative ways for students to develop a plan for success. This summer the graduate studies team hosted a bootcamp filled with advice to help make the dissertation writing process easier, more efficient and more enjoyable.
Congratulations, 2025 Seniors!
Celebrate the class of 2025 with a slideshow featuring some of their favorite moments!
Everyone Loves to Hate the Joker
COMICS AND CARTOON STUDIES, DISABILITY STUDIES, ENGLISH - What makes the comic book villain the Joker such a popular antagonist for Batman? It’s one of many questions Professor Elizabeth Wheeler examines in her latest research paper, “The Joker’s Shifting Face: Eighty Years of Mad History in Batman and American Culture.”
The Show Must Go On
ENGLISH - A groundbreaking digital humanities project brings theater history to the public, despite federal funding cuts. “The 18th-century London theater world has it all,” says Mattie Burkert, an associate professor of English and director of the digital humanities minor in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Scandals, government censorship, audience riots, labor strikes, market manipulation, corporate intrigue—you name it.”