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.
News
New maps chart old-growth forests across Alaska and British Columbia
GEOGRAPHY - College of Arts and Sciences researcher James Lamping is leading a comprehensive mapping effort that sheds light on the location, makeup and conservation status of old-growth forests across the region. Forty percent of mature and old growth forests in the study area are in places that lack permanent legislative protection, which also store the most carbon in the study area, according to his data.
CAS sociology professor wins major award for article
SOCIOLOGY - A 2025 research article by College of Arts and Sciences Sociology Associate Professor MacKenzie Christensen’s 2025 article has received recognition from the American Sociological Association (ASA).
2026 Outstanding Research Awards announced
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Research Awards, which highlight notable research activities taking place at the University of Oregon.
Updating core education to help deliver a more modern liberal arts education
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES — As higher education faces pressure to improve affordability, shorten time to graduation and increase student retention, the College of Arts and Sciences is revising its core education offerings. Because CAS is responsible for more than 85% of core ed at the University of Oregon, it has an opportunity to drive meaningful change for students.
The marine biologist who opened a brewery
MARINE BIOLOGY — After an immersive education experience on the coast, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alum Annie Pollard BS ’03 (biology), MS ’05 (marine biology) changed her career plans from becoming a veterinarian to becoming a marine biologist. Her passion was coastal bird nesting habits. Her new passion is brewing beer, still on the Oregon Coast.
Special conference argues for autonomous higher education
SCHNITZER SCHOOL — Around the world, scholars are confronting how authoritarian power reshapes higher education. The “Global Futures of Higher Education: Autonomy in the Crosshairs” conference brought together 32 speakers to examine this challenge.
Three CAS faculty members receive accolades for exceptional teaching
ARCHAEOLOGY, BIOLOGY, CINEMA STUDIES — Alison Carter, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology Laurel Pfeifer-Meister, associate teaching professor in the Department of Biology and Colin Williamson, assistant professor in the Department of Cinema Studies are this year’s College of Arts and Sciences Tykeson Teaching Award recipients.
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.
Renown mathematician speaks at 2026 Moursund Lectures
MATHEMATICS - The Department of Mathematics hosts Victor Reiner for its 2026 Moursund Lectures. Reiner is a Distinguished McKnight Professor in Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. The series of three lectures is 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at 128 Chiles Hall, 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at 125 McKenzie Hall and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at 245 Straub Hall.