On Feb. 17, 2026, the Willamette University and Salem community came together for a powerful night of storytelling.
The Immigrant Story Live, a collaboration between Willamette University’s Conversation Project and the Immigrant Story, was a powerful celebration of storytelling, culture, music, and community. The event brought together Oregonians to share the places they’ve built, the traditions they carry, and what it truly means to belong.
“This year's event marks the fourth year of partnership between The Conversation Project at Willamette and The Immigrant Story — and this year’s event was especially important,” said Professor David Gutterman and Professor Wendy Petersen Boring, co-founders of The Conversation Project.
The event reflects the values and approach of Willamette’s Conversation Project. In an increasingly polarized world, the project is leading the discussion about how to have difficult dialogues across differences by helping students and community members cultivate the capacity for honest, transformative dialogue. Over a two-semester course, students have traveled across the state and around the world to host events and facilitate discussions that aim to build connection, solve problems, and celebrate community.
This year’s Immigrant Story Live featured four powerful stories that shined a light on the lived experiences of migrants, alongside the vibrant performance of Mariachi Tradición & Alumni, directed by Lesslie Nuñez of the Forest Grove High School Mariachi Band. The night reflected the color, spirit, and many journeys that shape communities and the people who live in them.
“In the face of broad attacks against American immigrant communities, we gather together to stand with and for immigrants, to honor their voices, experiences, and culture,” said Petersen Boring and Gutterman. “We believe that storytelling and story-listening creates belonging — and is at the heart of pluralist democracy.”
This event was made possible with the support of the Ronald W. Naito Foundation and contributions from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and the Collins Foundation.
Photography by Henry Jensen BA’26
