Celebrating Our Graduates: University of Oregon Commencement 2020

 

 
Celebrating Our Graduates
For so many reasons, 2020 is the class that will never be forgotten. As a global audience tuned in for the UO’s virtual commencement ceremony, speakers honored graduates for overcoming unprecedented obstacles and navigating new challenges, encouraging them to stand up for their principles, reach for ever higher goals, and make the world a better place.

While this year’s Commencement is extraordinarily different from previous years, one thing has not changed: our desire to celebrate and acknowledge all the hard work that brought you, our graduates, where you are today.

The late nights. The study sessions. The endless coffee breaks. Whatever it took for you to get here, your day has finally come.

We recognize that our nation and our world are facing challenging times. As you graduate from the University of Oregon, we not only celebrate your successes; we look forward to the difference you will make in the world.

 

2020 Grad
 
“I sense your disappointment and concern about the future, but even more so, I feel your pride, your determination, and your incredible sense of accomplishment at overcoming challenges no other class has experienced.”
President Michael H. Schill

Watch Virtual Commencement

 
“I’ve said many, many times — without Bill Bowerman, there is no me... I am eternally grateful to President Schill and the university, not only for this award, but for what they’ve meant to me and my life.”
Philip H. Knight, BBA ‘59 (Business Administration), Honorary Degree Recipient
 
3,938
Bachelor's Degrees
835
Master's Degrees
160
Doctoral Degrees
130
Law Degrees
 
 
Sabinna Pierre wearing her commencement regalia throwing the O behind a University of Oregon podium
“As you go into this world there will be people who will have preconceived notions about you before you have a chance to prove them wrong. Go on and confidently set your path aflame.”
Sabinna Pierre, BA ‘20 (General Social Sciences); President, Associated Students of the University of Oregon (2019-20)

Senior Spotlights

As our seniors graduate into a profoundly uncertain world, we would like to take a minute to celebrate a few who, we believe, represent the best of our university. The seniors profiled in this series are representative of the class of 2020, and during their time at the UO demonstrated resilience, creativity, hard work, and perseverance.

They explored a broad range of majors and spent their time at the UO pursuing passions that will change their lives and the lives of others.

School of Journalism and Communication
Fars Woldai
Fars Woldai

Fars Woldai is graduating with a degree in advertising this spring. A first-generation college student, he was a part of the National Association of Black Journalists and the SOJC United Nations Team. He co-founded Global Citizens, a group that gives international and domestic students a chance to collaborate on real client projects. After Fars graduates, he will be taking an internship at Droga5 in New York City.

“What made my time at UO special,” he said, “was all the connections I made. I found my best friends here and the most supportive faculty at UO. I have forever friends and forever connections.”

Lundquist College of Business
Jazmine Council
Jazmine Council

Jazmine Council is graduating with a major in business administration and a minor in psychology. She has served on the membership development committee of her sorority, worked at The Duck Store, and served as a fan experience and promotions intern for the UO Athletic Department’s marketing office. Jazmine is inspired by our women’s basketball team because she can remember when only a few hundred people attended the games, and this season, fans packed Matthew Knight Arena!

Being a Duck, she says, “means being a part of something so much bigger than yourself. It means being a part of an incredibly passionate and supportive community.”

College of Arts and Sciences
Alex Metzel
Alex Mentzel

Alex Mentzel is graduating from Clark Honors College with a major in German literature and culture and a minor in theater arts. While a student at the UO, he acted in the TV series "Grimm" and "Glee," researched performance and dramaturgy in Frankfurt, and welcomed the class of 2022 as the student keynote speaker at Convocation. Alex also co-founded a conflict mapping app called Averto to warn members in Libya about conflicts in the area.

 

He says that he can't choose one favorite memory because “there were just too many great classes, incredible guest campus speakers, fun times studying abroad, and thrilling moments performing on stage.”
College of Design
Xander Cuizon Tice playing Ultimate
Xander Cuizon Tice

Xander Cuizon Tice is graduating from the School of Art + Design with a major in product design and minors in art and entrepreneurship. He has been interested in design since he was exposed at an early age to textiles, drawing, woodworking, metals, and art. When he arrived at the UO from Seattle, he realized his passion for design and began to create products.

Xander is on the Ultimate club team at the UO and was the Northwest player of the year in 2019. His favorite memory during his time at the UO is making the national championship semifinals when he was a junior.

College of Arts and Sciences
Desirae Brown
Desirae Brown

Desirae Brown is graduating with a major in sociology and a minor in French. Desirae began her time at the university by living in the Umoja Black Scholars Academic Residential Community, a space she says, “helped me find community easily and connected me to resources that I still use as a senior.” She has been very involved on campus, being both the communications correspondent and co-director for Black Women of Achievement, a student advocate for her community for the Office of the Dean of Students and a McNair Scholar. Desirae says that the opportunity to study abroad made her undergraduate degree very special.

School of Journalism and Communication
Iman Al Khachi
Iman Al Khachi

Iman Al Khachi is finishing her bachelor's degree with a major in public relations and a minor in economics. In addition to her studies, she worked as a tutor for student-athletes, as a teacher's assistant and as public relations practitioner for different professors. She also participated in the New Zealand Alternate Break program. Half Filipina and half Syrian, Iman is a first-generation college student and immigrant who has spent a lot of time at the UO learning Arabic.

One thing she's learned at the UO is how to “overcome navigating the world as a woman of color and creating my own foundation and connections.”

 
 
Sabrina Ionescu wearing her commencement regalia and holding a basketball behind a University of Oregon podium
“I’ve realized that life is about more than hanging up a banner, a win-loss record, or crossing a stage. When things don’t go as you plan, you discover life really is about your family and friends, and the community we have together.”
Sabrina Ionescu, MS ‘20 (Advertising and Brand Responsibility)
 
354
Double Majors
9
Triple Majors
15
Graduates Celebrating Birthdays

Faculty Celebration

As we celebrate our graduates, we also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our faculty. For a number of our students, the connections they’ve built with their professors, instructors, and mentors will stretch far beyond the perimeters of campus.

Whether offering support on projects, encouraging their ideas, or simply providing a safe space to feel heard, our faculty have filled many roles. It’s fitting to include a few messages from our faculty, for our newest Duck alumni to carry with them on their next big adventure.

 

A professor wearing commencement regalia with their child holding a sign that says You Did It!

 

Professor Christi Boyter with a sign that says Congrats Class of 2020 FHS

 

Professor Beth Harn in commencement regalia with a sign that says Congrats Class of 2020

 

Angie Whalen with a sign that says Congrats SPSY Class of 2020

 

A professor with a text bubble that says You Did It! Now go out there and be amazing!

 

Professor Elizabeth Raisenen with a sign that says Congratulations, CHC class of 2020

 

A professor holding a sign that says You have greatness within you

 

Faculty from the School of Journalism and Communications holding individual signs that spell out SOJC Class of 2020 We're So Proud of You

 

Carol Paty with text that says Congratulations Class of 2020

 

Professor Nancy Golden with a sign that says You Did It! Congrats! Go Ducks! COE 2020

 

Professor Deanne Unruh with a sign that says Congrats Class of 2020

 

Professor Ruby Batz Herrera with a sign that says Congrats COE Class of 2020. So proud.

 

Professor Tiffany Brown with a sign that says Once a Duck, Always a Duck 2020

 

Display Your Duck Spirit

To add some Duck spirit to your graduation celebration, download printable signs, digital wallpaper, and Zoom backgrounds.

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University of Oregon Class of 2020

 

Duck in cap and gown that says Once a Duck, Always a Duck!

 

Duck Grad 2020
 
66
Countries Represented
50
US States Represented
3
US Territories Represented

#DuckGrad20

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The Duck with a UOAA membership card balanced on his bill
#OnceADuckAlwaysADuck

When you become a UOAA life member, you join a worldwide network of more than 20,000 alumni members who will fly with you on your journey.

Membership ensures you stay connected to the UO and that all alumni are heard and supported. For recent grads, our Duck Career Network can help you land that first job, network with alumni in your field, and give you advice to help you succeed. Plus, we have other great benefits, including early access to football and basketball tickets; member-only events; and access to Nike and Columbia employee stores.

Together, members advocate for the UO, promote excellence, and help the UO support the best and brightest students through scholarships. If you love your Ducks, you’ll love your membership in the UOAA!

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