OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City of Eugene, Oregon
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in 1872, the Oregon Legislative Assembly authorized the establishment of a state university in Eugene on the condition that local residents provide land and construct its first building, beginning an extraordinary partnership between the university and the community; and
WHEREAS, the people of Eugene and Lane County rallied to make the university possible, contributing land, funds, and agricultural goods—including a remarkable $1,000 raised by local schoolchildren—and on October 16, 1876, the University of Oregon opened its doors to its first students; and
WHEREAS, over 150 years, the University of Oregon has become deeply woven into Eugene’s civic and cultural life through institutions and traditions including the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Oregon Bach Festival; and
WHEREAS, generations of Oregon Ducks have made college athletics an enduring part of Eugene’s identity, while Hayward Field, built in 1919 and home to track and field since 1921, helped establish Eugene as TrackTown, USA and continues to bring athletes, fans, and international competition to our community; and
WHEREAS, from its home in Eugene, the University of Oregon has advanced research, discovery, education, and public service, extending its impact across Oregon and around the world; and
WHEREAS, today the University of Oregon is Eugene’s largest employer, more than 45,000 UO alumni call Lane County home, and the university’s students, employees, graduates, and visitors contribute significantly to the economic vitality, civic life, and distinctive character of our community; and
WHEREAS, as the University of Oregon celebrates its 150th anniversary, the City of Eugene recognizes the community partnership that made the university possible, honors the generations who have sustained it, and celebrates the university’s enduring contributions to our city and our shared future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kaarin Knudson, Mayor of the City of Eugene, Oregon, do hereby proclaim October 16, 2026, as
“UNIVERSITY OF OREGON’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY”
in Eugene and invite our community to celebrate the University’s remarkable history, enduring partnership with Eugene, and continued contributions to education, innovation, culture, and civic life.
Mayor Kaarin Knudson
City of Eugene
October 16, 2026