As the University of Oregon marks its sesquicentennial, elected leaders are joining the UO community in celebrating 150 years of impact, innovation, and service.
On October 16, the official date of the 150th anniversary of the UO, the Oregon Historical Society opened an exhibit titled “Unstoppable: 150 years of the University of Oregon.” In attendance of the opening day were alumni and university leadership, including the President Karl Scholz, Provost Chris Long, and members of the University of Oregon’s Board of Trustees. The event also included state and federal legislators, including Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) and State Rep. April Dobson (HD-39). The exhibit is open to public now through March 29 in downtown Portland.
Speaking from outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Val Hoyle (OR-04) posted a video about the University of Oregon and its contributions to the state and beyond. She highlighted the university’s leadership in zebrafish research, its work advancing youth behavioral health, and its role in driving economic innovation through initiatives such as the Southern Willamette Innovation Corridor. The congresswoman also arranged for a flag to be flown over the US Capitol to commemorate the sesquicentennial. She presented the flag to UO President Karl Scholz on campus in October.
During an October 12 Eugene City Council meeting, Mayor Kaarin Knudson recognized the university’s milestone anniversary and spoke about a proclamation designating October 16, 2026, as the “University of Oregon 150th Anniversary.”
A video produced by the UO commemorating 150 years can be found here.