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Oregon’s oldest private universities agree to merge to become its largest

July 14, 2026

Willamette and Pacific Universities have formally confirmed their intent to expand opportunity, broaden academic pathways, and deepen their commitment to the region together.

Collage of student photos with Willamette University and Pacific University logos
Hallie Ford Museum
University News

Curating a legacy: John Olbrantz to retire after 28 years at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art

August 7, 2026

After expanding Willamette University's permanent collection to over 12,500 objects and curating nearly 100 exhibitions, founding Director of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art John Olbrantz will retire, concluding a 50-year career in the arts.

Students with a laptop
University News

New AI minors at Willamette University blend engineering and ethics

July 30, 2026

New Engineering AI and Understanding AI minors enable students to study AI through technical and non-technical approaches.

Josh Torres
The College

Not unto ourselves alone: Joshua Torres BA’27 reflects on how he came to belong at Willamette

July 23, 2026

Coming from a small town in Nebraska, serendipitous moments of connection and a supportive community made all the difference as Joshua found his place at Willamette.

Carlee Wright
MBA

Press Play founder Carlee Wright MBA’26 leverages Willamette MBA to champion Salem’s arts and culture

June 22, 2026

Community leader Carlee Wright MBA’26 applies lessons she learned from Willamette’s MBA for Professionals program to help make Salem both culturally rich and economically vibrant.

Salem Riverfront Carousel
University News

Willamette University mascot to bring delight and school spirit to Salem’s Riverfront Carousel

June 12, 2026

Thanks to a gift from the Class of 1978, Blitz the Bearcat will join the herd at Salem’s downtown Riverfront Carousel.

Tom Farley accepts a teaching award
The College

Award-winning teacher credits Willamette’s liberal arts education with his creative approach to the classroom

June 3, 2026

Although his path began as an Economics major, Tom Farley BA’19 used his Willamette education and Arts, Technology, and Multimedia minor to thrive as an elementary school teacher in an age of rapid tech innovation.

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