Over 700 Bearcats and guests gathered in Salem to celebrate their collegiate years and their lifetimes of connection to Willamette University at Alumni Reunion Weekend. Alums traveled from around the world to reconnect with their campus — some for the first time in 50 years.
Friends new and old sat on adirondack chairs by the Mill Stream enjoying the sunshine, while current students shuttled alums across campus on golf carts as Willamette stories were swapped between generations. Torches were also passed from past to future members of the Alumni Board of Directors, and alums of the Atkinson Graduate School of Management were introduced to the school’s new home in Kaneko Commons.
In addition to celebrations, Bearcats continued their Willamette education at sessions with Willamette faculty on topics such as the history of the American presidency with Professors Richard Ellis and Seth Cotlar, a tour showcasing the bird life of the Willamette campus led by Professor David Craig, and the hidden costs of prison labor with School of Law Professor Laura Appleman.
Two Willamette icons were also honored. Beloved former University Chaplain Charlie Wallace returned to campus to share memories and lessons from his 27 years of service to Willamette using his trademark mix of humor and wisdom. The distinguished and consequential career of Professor and Provost Carol Long was also celebrated as she retires from the university.
At a special convocation honoring this year’s reunion classes, President Steve Thorsett spoke about how Willamette is continuing its legacy of innovating in the face of global challenges and preparing leaders to solve humanity’s biggest problems.
“Educating the leaders, the problem solvers, the caregivers of tomorrow is one of the best things any one of us can do to build a better and more just world,” Thorsett told the alums gathered for the weekend’s Convocation celebration. “And the fact that you believe it too, and that you are here, that you are engaged with your alma mater, that you are engaged with us in this work, is something for which I am profoundly grateful.”
Alumni leaders honored
Seven exceptional alums were honored with Alumni Awards for their achievements, leadership, service, and commitment to the Willamette community.
Award recipients were emotional as they recalled their deep connections to Willamette and told stories of the challenges they had overcome throughout their life journeys.
John West BM’73, winner of the Distinguished Alumni Citation, recounted how Willamette helped him achieve his dream of becoming a Motown artist, professional musician, and prolific songwriter.
“Willamette was instrumental in me becoming me, both as a musician and as a person,” West said. “At Willamette I learned how to be a decent, caring, giving human.”
Several Bearcat athletes as well as the 2004 Men’s Track & Field team were inducted into the Willamette Athletics Hall of Fame. The late Damian Williams, beloved Women’s Softball Coach and the winningest coach in Willamette history, was also inducted with an emotional speech by former player and coach Kelli Snyder-Gilliland BA’13.
“Trust, loyalty, and patience were the foundation of WU Softball,” Snyder-Gilliland remembered. “I can’t think of any coach more deserving to be inducted into the Willamette Athletics Hall of Fame.”
A special weekend
As the weekend wrapped up and guests travelled home, the spirit of the Willamette alumni family was strong.
“The joy our alumni experienced during these two days — their sense of belonging, their gratitude, their awe at how welcoming the campus still feels — is what makes Alumni Reunion Weekend so special,” said Tyler Reich BA’06, Associate Vice President of Advancement. “I am grateful for the support of everyone who helped make this weekend possible.”
Save the Date for Alumni Reunion Weekend 2027
All alumni are welcomed back to campus June 11–12, 2027 with special celebrations for the following cohorts:
- Heritage Club: Classes prior to 1975
- 50th Reunion: Classes of 1976 and 1977
- 45th Reunion: Classes of 1981 and 1982
- 40th Reunion: Classes of 1986 and 1987
- 30th Reunion: Classes of 1995, 1996, and 1997
- 25th Reunion: Classes of 2001 and 2002
- 20th Reunion: Classes of 2006, 2007, and 2008
- 10th Reunion: Classes of 2016 and 2017
Alumni Award Recipients and videos
Robert G. Packard BA'73 - Lestle J. Sparks Medallion
Robert “Bob” Packard B.A 1973 has served as a leader and supporter for WU since his graduation. He has served as a trustee and is a national leader in urban planning and architecture, continuing to live the WU motto and contribute to a better community for all.
Kelli J. Cammack BS'88 - Distinguished Alum Of The Year Award
Kelli Cammack has spent 20+ years pursuing her dream career as a commercial airline captain for Frontier Airlines. In an industry where only 5% of pilots are women, she is a recognized leader and mentor dedicated to teaching and empowering the next generation of First Officers and Captains.
David J. Moran BA'79 - Distinguished Alumni Citation, Professional Achievement Award
Following graduation, David worked for the State of Oregon and obtained his International Relations MA from Sussex University. He spent 38 years in the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, consistently rising in appointments placing him on the world stage.
John A. West BM’73 - Distinguished Alumni Citation, Professional Achievement Award
An international performer, John has toured throughout the world. Performance credits include solo appearances with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and as a featured artist of American Guild of Organists as well as Canadian Royal College of Organists.
Jeffrey J. Cain BA’81 - Distinguished Alumni Citation, Non Nobis Solum Award
Dr. Jeffrey Cain is a family physician and clinical professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. After leading the effort to pass the nation’s first law requiring insurance coverage for prosthetic arms and legs in Colorado, he was the founding chair of the Amputee Coalition’s Advocacy Committee whose efforts have resulted in the passage of prosthetic insurance laws in 22 states.
Janna B. Lopez MFA'21 - Recent Alumni Leadership, Innovative Achievement
Janna Lopez is a trailblazing advocate for the power of writing and poetry. She was recently named Creighton University’s inaugural Poet-in-Residence for its globally renowned Medical Humanities program. Janna will bring her revolutionary Poetic Intelligence thought-model to medical faculty and students, across multiple healthcare disciplines, using poetry to foster compassion and reflective thinking in healthcare.
Conner J. Mertens BA’17 - Recent Alumni Leadership, Innovative Achievement
Conner Mertens is known as the vocal activist who made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ NCAA football player (and helped secure a three-point upset win over #5 ranked Linfield in 2014). He earned Outsports’ 2014 “Hero of the Year” and Queerty’s 2018 “Up & Coming” award.
Willamette Athletic Hall Of Fame
Kim (Clarkson) Phillips BS'80, Women's Swimming
Clarkson was a three-time national team member (1977, 1978, 1980) and a two-time All-American (1978, 1980). She won four NWC titles, including the 100m and 200m breaststroke and 100m individual medley in 1978, and the 200m breaststroke in 1980. At the time of her graduation, she held Willamette records in the 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke, and 400m medley relay.
Michaela Freeby BA'15, Women's Cross Country/Track & Field
Freeby won the Jean Williams Award in 2015 and competed in eight consecutive NCAA Championships (four in cross country and four in track & field)—the only Willamette athlete to do so. In cross country, she placed 8th at the NCAA Championships and won the NWC Individual Championship in 2013 while helping her team secure conference titles in 2013 and 2014. In track & field, she was a three-time NWC Champion in the 3,000m steeplechase (2012, 2013, 2015) and won the 1,500m NWC title in 2014. She competed in four NCAA Championships for the steeplechase, finishing 4th in 2013 and 2015.
Fidel Gaviola BA'62, Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field
A standout multi-sport athlete, Gaviola's all-conference recognition in three sports is a rarity in Bearcat athletics. His name was listed on the Willamette and NWC track record boards in 1958. He was First Team All-NWC in basketball in 1961, the second leading scorer in the conference, and was named to the All-NWC baseball team in 1960 and 1962. In a clutch performance, his 10 points in the four minutes of the championship game against Linfield in 1959, enabled Willamette to overcome a late nine-point deficit and win the NWC Championship.
Tyler May '05, Men's Track & Field
May was a two-time NCAA All-American in the decathlon, finishing 3rd at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in both 2004 and 2005. He won the 2004 NWC Decathlon Championship with 6,507 points and earned top finishes in other events, placing 2nd in the high hurdles (2005, 14.44) and 6th in the 400m (2005, 48.70) at the NWC Championships. He set a Willamette record in the decathlon with 7,107 points, which ranked #7 all-time in NCAA Division III at the time.
Damian Williams, Softball Coach (1999-14, 2016-19)
Willamette University's winningest coach in a single sport, he set the school record with 358 career wins on April 13, 2019, finishing with a career record of 361-365 (271-249 in NWC play). He led the Bearcats to six consecutive 20-win seasons from 2005 to 2010, during which the team posted a combined record of 143-74 (.659). Under his leadership, Willamette earned NWC Tournament berths in 2011, 2012, and 2014. In 2000, he was named NWC Coach of the Year after guiding the Bearcats to a 25-10 overall record and a second-place conference finish at 15-6.
1971-72 Men's Basketball
The 1971-72 Willamette men's basketball team finished with an impressive 23-6 overall record, capturing the NWC co-championship with an 11-3 conference record and winning the NAIA District 2 title. This marked the Bearcats' first conference championship in over a decade and their last until 1988. In the District 2 playoffs, Willamette defeated George Fox 69-60 and co-NWC champion Lewis & Clark 89-71, securing a spot in the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.
2004 Men's Track & Field
The 2004 men's track team had a historic season, tying for 3rd at the NCAA Division III National Championships and winning the Northwest Conference title. Nick Symmonds led the way with a national title in the 800m, while Jake Stout (4th), Aaron Hollingshead (6th), and Scott Overby (7th) dominated the 3000m steeplechase. Tyler May's 3rd-place decathlon finish and h3 performances from Nate Matlock (hammer, 6th) and Zach Larsen (high jump, 8th) added key points.
