Mohammed Murshed: A Celebration of UO Alumni Artists

EMU McMIllan Gallery from February 3rd - March 15th

In 2019 the McMillan Gallery Team requisition UO Alumn Artist, Mohammed Murshed to create images of UO student artist alumni who had exhibited in our galleries. Mohammed described the process as “I painted portraits of them with their art; in the background of each portrait, I honored their work that was exhibited in one of the EMU’s two galleries: the McMillan Gallery and the Aperture Gallery.  I enjoyed the process of doing this because it was challenging due to researching what their artwork looks like, how they do it, and how they got there. They each have their own inspiring story, and it was an honor to paint them.” Student and alumni artists featured in this exhibit include Mohamed Murshed (self-portrait), Ugo Akabike, Daniela Cardenas-Riumallo, Elexus Greene, Polly Irungu, J.Jackson, Jenny Kroik, Meerah Powell, Grace Kwon, Anne Magratten, Sophie Navarro, Sergio B. Sanchez, Allison Shukis, Mary Vertulfo, and Andrew Young. 

 

Artist Bio: 

My name is Mohammed Murshed. I am a Yemeni American visual artist currently based in Portland, Oregon. I graduated with an MA from the University of Oregon Art and Technology Department and an MFA in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art. My artistic practice spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, textiles, sculpture, video, sound, computer programming, writing, poetry, and video games. The primary focus of my work is to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, exploring its roots and presenting this narrative through a didactic lens. I incorporate historical and archaeological evidence, such as Carbon Dating, to convey facts using the scientific method. This approach helps to dispel misconceptions and romanticized versions of historical events, which have been passed down through oral traditions, literature, and folklore. Rather than relying solely on ingrained traditions, I aim to share my personal experiences growing up in Yemen and my journey as an immigrant to the United States due to the ongoing war. I consider myself fortunate to have escaped the conflict in time, but many of my family members remain in Yemen, living amid destruction and uncertainty. In my artistic exploration, I challenge myself to experiment with new approaches. Textiles play a significant role in my work, serving as a medium through which I examine cultural and gender inequalities in Yemen. Patterns and colors are central to my artistic process, as they have been integral to human civilization since its inception. By integrating these elements into my work, I strive to convey their cultural significance and create a deeper understanding of the patterns that define our shared history. 

Explore Oregon

Experience the dynamic forces that shape Oregon’s landscapes, climate, and ecosystems. Meet giant salmon, Ice Age sloths, and other amazing animals from across the millennia. Through interactive displays and rare specimens, you’ll go deep into Oregon’s past and join a conversation about our collective future.

UO Hockey Club Watch Party @ Rennie's Landing

Come support UO Hockey at Rennie’s as they take on Utah! Enjoy $8 appetizer deals, great company, and the chance to win a UO Hockey jersey! Don’t miss out—let’s pack Rennie’s and cheer on the Ducks! 🏒💚💛

The party starts at 6:30 PM!

University Theatre Presents: "The Long Game for Women in Politics" Panel Discussion

Join us for a post-show panel with politically minded women active in our community after the University Theatre’s February 22nd performance of POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger.

Participants will include (in alphabetical order): Representative Lisa Fragala (State Representative for House District 8), Mayor Kaarin Knudsen (Eugene Mayor), Councilor Lyndsie Leech (Eugene City Councilor), Dawn Lesley (former candidate for Lane County Commissioner and Professional Engineer for Jacobs Engineering), Councilor Kori Rodley (Springfield City Councilor), Claire Syrett (former Eugene City Councilor and Union Representative for the Oregon Nurses Association), Commissioner Laurie Trieger (Lane County Commissioner), Councilor Jennifer Yeh (Eugene City Councilor).

Light snacks provided.

Wrangling Data with Python in Pandas (Workshop)

Get ready to strengthen your Python skills! UO Libraries hosts a free, hybrid workshop series designed to follow our Introduction to Python workshop series (or another introductory Python course such as CS 122). Participants will develop the skills they need to clean, analyze, and visualize tabular data with the popular package Pandas by working through hands-on exercises with real data in Python.

Topics covered include:

    Reading data in Python from multiple input formats     Data cleaning and standardization     Aggregating and transforming data     Data visualization

Before this workshop, you should be famliar with variables, data types, functions, and data structures in Python. As a refresher, we recommend reviewing the Software Carpentries Python curriculum.

Please come with Anaconda and JupyterLab pre-installed on your laptop. If you would like assistance configuring your Python environment, please arrive 15 minutes early for the workshop or schedule a consultation.

Register through the UO Libraries' website.

Physical Chemistry Seminar Series - What’s spin got to do with it? Using organic semiconductors to manipulate spin for novel high-efficiency electronics   

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Seminar Series

Professor Oliver L.A. Monti, University of Arizona Host: Elana Cope—PChem Student Group

What’s spin got to do with it? Using organic semiconductors to manipulate spin for novel high-efficiency electronics                                     

The rapid growth of computing and communication capabilities creates enormous demand for power, and with that is beginning to make a sizeable contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. To overcome this challenge, entirely novel concepts are needed for electronic devices whose power consumption is drastically reduced, if possible, by orders of magnitude. This will be impossible to accomplish within the existing framework of existing semiconductor technologies. One possible alternative might be to use spin as an information carrier. Though switching spin uses much less energy than switching e.g. voltages, it conventionally requires large magnetic fields which are difficult to miniaturize to the scale of conventional electronics.

In this talk, I will introduce new ideas of how one may achieve this without external magnetic fields. Instead, I will show how by appropriate choice of organic semiconductors and their interfaces with other materials one may control spin in transport, in the spin degrees of freedom of the electronic structure of a material, and on femtosecond timescales. I will showcase recent work from LabMontiTM how we achieve this at the single molecule level, in 2D materials and in quantum materials.

Chinook Justice: A Survivance Journey—Native American and Indigenous Studies Research Colloquium

Join Rachel Cushman (enrolled citizen of the Chinook Indian Nation) for a works-in-progress presentation of her dissertation project's history, methodology, and current state. 

After more than a century of struggle, the Chinook Indian Nation achieved a moment of justice in the form of federal recognition at the close of the Clinton Administration in 2001. The triumph was short-lived. Just eighteen months later, the celebration turned into heartbreak as the Bush Administration, under the influence of another tribe, rescinded our hard-earned acknowledgment. Betrayal by the federal government not only upended my nation's future but also disrupted generations of resistance efforts. The loss of federal recognition encapsulates the Chinook’s enduring struggle with the United States government. This dissertation delves into structures, processes, and critical moments in the Chinook Indian Nation’s determination for justice. What signifies justice has changed over time and generations due to the shifting and permeating nature of settler colonialism; however, the protection of our sovereign authority over our people and place of origin, as well as our Indigenous rights, have been centered. Throughout this decolonial justice journey, we have continued to center and preserve the well-being of the Chinook people, the other-than-human world, and our epistemologies. To illustrate this, I will employ a multimedia mixed-method approach, drawing from historical and contemporary voices within the Chinook Justice Movement. This survivance narrative not only adds to but also reshapes our comprehension of coloniality and Indigenous resistance, making a unique and significant contribution to the fields of Native American and Indigenous Studies, Settler Colonial Studies, Political Science, and others. ​

Bingo

Join the fun at the University of Oregon's Bingo Nights! Mark your calendars for an evening of prizes, and good company. Whether you're a bingo pro or a newcomer, everyone's invited. Win duck bucks and learn about different events happening on campus.

 

Don’t know how to play bingo? Our team of student leaders can help. 

As always, our events are FREE for UO students. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event! 

Each Monday throughout the term, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

At the EMU O Desk.

Tuesday Treats

Satisfy your sweet tooth every Tuesday at the University of Oregon's "Tuesday Treats" featuring irresistible donut holes. Join us for a tasty break that'll sweeten your Tuesday.

As always, our events are FREE for UO students with UOID.

   *Dietary substitutions for gluten and vegan diets will be available. 

Industry Bites: Business of Services and Causes - Non-Profit, NGO, Government

Join industry professionals and alumni working for and in government, non-profit, and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) during this Industry Bites event.

From arts, environment, economic development, human service, roads, planning, and more, government and non-profits do important and essential work everywhere! Mohr Career Services invites you to join us for pizza, a panel of guest speakers, and conversation with leaders in the government and non-profit sectors. You won't want to miss learning how our guests navigated their career journeys, what helped them stand out and move up, and what the industry is looking for from emerging talent like YOU.

Many of these employers also host interns!

Guest Speakers:

Karmen Fore, Chief of Staff, Office of Congresswoman Val Hoyle Joe Moll, Executive Director, McKenzie River Trust Dan Whelan, Director of Government Affairs, Sustainable Northwest/a> Brittany Quick-Warner, President and CEO, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Alma Fumiko Hesus, Director of Resource Development, United Way of Lane County Nadia Ahmed, Management Analyst, City of Eugene John Garbett, Director, Membership and Investor Relations, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Michelle Meador, Director of Advancement, O'Hara Catholic

World Poetry Night 2025

The Mills International Center would like to invite you to World Poetry Night 2025 on Tuesday, February 25th in the Redwood Auditorium (EMU 214). The World Poetry Night celebrates our diversity through poetry as UO students, staff, faculty, and community members recite poems in various languages. English translations will be provided for any poems not in English. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of spoken English will also be provided. The event starts with a dinner at 5pm and the formal session begins at 5:30pm.

Community Action Team "CAT" Planning Meeting

The Clark Honors College Peer Mentors are leading the Community Action Team (CAT) this term. We’re inviting anyone in the first-year cohort to join. We plan to meet on Tuesdays at 5:30pm in NRH 127 weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 with the goal of planning a service project in cooperation with a nonprofit in the Eugene community. I think your leadership skills would make you a great fit for the team!

Check your email or the CHC Peer Mentor Instagram @CHC_PeerMentors to fill out the interest form.

Email us at CHCPeerMentors@uoregon.edu with any questions.

Disruption vs. Stability: Impacts on People and Policy Under a New Republican Majority

This free event is in person and available via livestream. 

A panel discussion featuring: 

Bruce Blonigen, Edward Maletis Dean of the Lundquist College of Business and Philip H. Knight Professor of Social Science, on economy/tariffs  Melissa Buis, professor of politics and chair of the Politics, Policy, Law and Ethics Department at Willamette University, on health and welfare  Peter DeFazio, former U.S. representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district, on Congress  Greg Dotson, associate professsor of law at UO, on climate/energy Alison Gash, professor of political science at UO, on LGBT health/safety  Chandler James, assistant professor of political science at UO, on the Presidency  Daniel Tichenor, Philip H. Knight Chair of Social Science and Wayne Morse Center codirector, on immigration

Part of the Wayne Morse Center's 2023-25 theme of inquiry, Defending Democracy. 

Catalysts for Impact Information Session

Are you interested in going abroad, meeting with meet with nonprofit/nongovernmental organization (NGO) leaders, and working on a hands-on project for a local organization in Cambodia? If so, the Catalysts for Impact: Nonprofits in Southeast Asia program might be a good fit for you! Join us for an information session to learn more about the program.

This program has a rolling admission process, and the final deadline to apply is March 15.

Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Galapagos Info Session

Join us for an information session on the Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Galapagos program. We'll discuss more about the program dates, details, and experiences!

To learn more about the Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Galapagos program, visit the program page here: https://geo.uoregon.edu/programs/americas-ecuador/sustainable-cities-and-landscapes-galapagos

The Duck Store's DEMO DAYS

Join us as we open up the toolbox for a free afternoon demo! Try out writing tools from Writech on journals of all kinds, including Leuchtturm, Cavallini and more. 

Plus, enjoy 30% OFF all of the brands featured Feb 7 - 28*, and get a FREE mystery bag of supplies when you purchase $50 or more in Art & School Supplies*.

* No additional discounts apply. See UODuckStore.com/discounts for all conditions and exclusions. While supplies last.

Create a Strong Study Plan for Finals

Unlock Study Success: Join our chat cafe for a hands-on learning workshop on effective study techniques!

This week we are teaming up with a Peer Academic Coach to share study trips that actually work, plus we'll chat about how to prepare for finals!

We’ll cover practical strategies that help you stay focused, retain information, and make the most of your study sessions. All of these strategies will help you prepare for finals week whether you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to organize your time, or want to tackle preparing early on!

Come join us in a relaxed, interactive setting with fellow students.

🗓 When: Wednesday, 2/26. 

🕞 Time: 3:30 - 4:30 

🏫 Where: Duck Nest (EMU 041)

Clark Honors College Craft Club

The CHC Craft Club is back for another year of cozy and productive meeting times. Bring your knitting, crocheting, sketching, embroidery, weaving, jewelry making, or any other craft and art project that you want to work on to sit and socialize with likeminded people. Some materials will be available to play around with if you aren’t currently working on a project, and absolutely all are welcome.

Wednesdays starting Week 2 in NRH 127 at 4:00pm. And stay as long as you’d like.

Public Lecture: Modern Japan through the Lens of Frank Lloyd Wright

Professor Ken Tadashi Oshima will examine the history of Japanese architecture and urbanism through the lens of Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel and its transpacific legacy, connecting scholars and practitioners across the Pacific.

The event is open to the public. Beverages and light bites will be provided.

Event Sponsors:

Department of History

School of Architecture and Environment

Yoko McClain Lecture Series, Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures

Center for Asian and Pacific Studies

Student Food Pantry

The Student Food Pantry is open to all college students in the greater Eugene area. The pantry provides free supplemental food for college students. Depending on availability, this may include canned fruits and vegetables, frozen and fresh vegetables; bread, rice, pasta, and cereal; canned beans, soups and other protein sources; dairy products, frozen means and meat substitues. 

Hours: Wednesdays during winter term (closed when classes are not in session), 3:30-6:00pm.

Bring: Bag for food.

A physical student ID Is not needed, but be sure to know your student ID number (95#).

Enter from alley, accessible via 17th Avenue between Alder and Hilyard streets.

Lecture and Book Launch: "Ghosts of a Holy War" by Yardena Schwartz

Long before the State of Israel was born, British Mandate Palestine was the scene of one of the worst pogroms ever perpetrated outside of Europe. The 1929 massacre of the ancient Jewish community of Hebron, the burial place of Abraham, was one of the most crucial events in the Arab-Israeli conflict -- until October 7, 2023, and Hamas's gruesome massacre. Award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz draws on her extensive research and wide-ranging interviews with both sides to tell the story of the world's most enduring conflict. She shows how the issues today cannot be fully understood without the context of ground zero of this century-old war.

Trivia in the EMU

Trivia in the EMU is coming back for the winter term. Every week is general knowledge. So, bring a friend or three and test your knowledge. Grab a friend (or three) and join the competition—every round your team wins scores each member $5! Are you up for the challenge?

 

Don't have a team? Our team of student leaders can help. 

As always, our events are FREE for UO students. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event! 

Each Wednesday throughout the term, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

At the EMU O Desk.

Book Publishing Workshop

Join the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS) for a special book publishing workshop designed for University of Oregon faculty and advanced PhD students from all social science and humanities disciplines. Meet with Kristen Buckles, Editor-in-Chief at University of Arizona Press, and Elizabeth Ault, Senior Editor at Duke University Press, to discuss options for book publishing and gain valuable insights into the world of academic publishing. This interactive workshop will cover essential topics, including:

Selecting a press for your project Crafting a convincing book proposal  Understanding contracts and timelines Navigating the publishing process

Our guest speakers will share their expertise and answer your questions, providing practical advice on:

Navigating the publishing process Crafting a compelling book proposal Working with editors and publishers

Kristen Buckles oversees the editorial program at University of Arizona Press, acquiring scholarly titles across Latinx studies, border studies, and Native American and Indigenous studies. Elizabeth Ault, Senior Editor at Duke University Press, is interested in interdisciplinary projects that connect historical and emerging conditions, with a focus on race, gender, sexuality, and (dis)ability. All UO faculty, Postdocs and advanced PhD students are welcome to attend this open event. No RSVP is necessary.

Higher Ed Virtual Career Fair - Early Career and Career Changers

Is it time to pursue a fulfilling career in higher education? The upcoming HERC Jobs Higher Ed Virtual Career Fair is for early-career professionals and career changers! On February 27, 2025, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, connect with leading universities, research institutions, and more — all from the comfort of home. Free registration: https://www.careereco.com/Fair/EventDetails?fairId=9a788ad3-7d69-4634-8f94-b22200efd8fb

Diverse Employers: Engage with a variety of higher education employers, including top universities, colleges, research institutions, and educational organizations in the U.S. Discover roles in administration, faculty positions, research, student services, IT, and more. Interactive Rooms: Visit virtual rooms hosted by participating institutions. Each room offers detailed information about the employer, current job openings, and insights into their work culture. Chat live with recruiters and access other resources and materials. One-on-One Interviews: If offered by the employer, schedule personal interviews with recruiters and hiring managers. This is your chance to make a strong first impression and discuss your qualifications and career goals in detail. Career Resources: Access career resources, including articles, ebooks, and tools to help you succeed in your job search. Get tips on crafting compelling applications, negotiating job offers, and advancing your career in higher education.

Food Studies in Costa Rica Information Session

Join Global Education Oregon for an information session on the summer 2025 Food Studies in Costa Rica program!

To learn more about the Food Studies in Costa Rica program, visit the program page here: https://geo.uoregon.edu/programs/americas-costa-rica/food-studies-costa-rica

Join the virtual information session here: https://uoregon.zoom.us/j/98781786065

Anthropology in Barbados Information Session

Join Global Education Oregon for an information session about our summer 2025 Anthropology in Barbados program!

To learn more about the Anthropology in Barbados program, visit the program page here: https://geo.uoregon.edu/programs/americas/anthropology-barbados

Join the virtual information session here: https://uoregon.zoom.us/j/92431985792

Understanding the Latina/o Right

Cecilia Márquez is the Hunt Family Assistant Professor in History at Duke University. Her research focuses on the history of Latinxs in the U.S. South from 1940-present. Márquez writes and teaches about the formation of Latinx identity, Latinx social movements, and the importance of region in shaping Latinx identity. Her work has been supported by the Mellon Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. She is the author of Making the Latino South: A History of Racial Formation.

Sponsored by the Wayne Morse Center as part of its 2023-25 theme, Defending Democracy. Cosponsored by the Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies and the Department of History.

Tea Party

The Student Activities Board brings you the Thursday Tea Party. This term, enjoy a cozy tea drink every Thursday! Stop by the EMU Steps near the O Desk, where a variety of teas will be available. While supplies last!

As always, our events are FREE for UO students with UOID.

UO Portland Soaring Together Featuring Vanessa Gidden

Join us for "Elevating Women's Sports, Empowering the Next Generation," a fireside chat-style conversation with Vanessa Gidden, during our annual UO Portland Soaring Together event celebrating leaders impacting the sports product industry and beyond.

Vanessa Gidden is the Lead Global Merchant of Jordan Women's Sport Footwear and Apparel at Nike, a trailblazer whose journey spans from professional athlete to global leader in sports product merchandising. From the court to the boardroom, Gidden drives the future of sports product innovation while championing athlete development and industry growth.

With a career that bridges the worlds of elite competition and business innovation, Gidden has shaped the future of women's sports footwear and apparel, and she has also dedicated herself to empowering the next generation of athletes. Don't miss hearing her story of resilience, leadership, and the power of sport to create opportunities and drive change.  

Event Overview

We are offering this event both in person and virtually. The virtual session is from 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT. Virtual attendees will receive a UO Business YouTube link upon registration. The in-person event will be held at UO Portland, Library and Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty St., Portland, OR. Please choose virtual or in-person attendance during registration.  

Schedule

4:15 p.m. - Doors open 4:30 p.m. - Vanessa's session begins, moderated by SPM student Jordan Wilmoth 5:30 p.m. - Mix and mingle, hors d'oeuvres 6:30 p.m. - Event wraps up

Study Abroad Club

Are you interested in studying abroad or international travel? Check out Study Abroad Club! Our meetings for winter term are on Thursdays (January 16, January 30, February 13, and February 27). Join us for trivia games, alumni panels, and workshops to help you plan for studying abroad.

Sound Lounge: Open Mic Night

Calling all vocalists, musicians, and performers! Get ready to share your creativity and captivate the crowd at our Open Mic Night. It's your time to shine! ✨ Don't miss out on this opportunity to express yourself through music!

As always, our events are FREE for UO students. 

Sign up forms will be available on our Instagram account seven days prior to the event. https://www.instagram.com/uo.sab/

Locations:

January 16 EMU Redwood Auditorium

February 27 Outdoor Program Barn

March 13 EMU Redwood Auditorium

gradCONNECT: International GE Time Together

Connect with International GEs across campus to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and develop a sustainable professional practice with a network of support. Collaborate on skills and lessons learned at the Teaching Engagement Program's International GE Winter Workshop. Drop-ins are welcome and lunch will be served.

RSVP

Body Doubling Study Hours

Explore the Power of Body Doubling at AEC & Duck Nest's Neurodivergent-Friendly Study Space! Body doubling involves working alongside someone independently to promote accountability, foster focus and motivation, and reduce isolation. If you get easily distracted while studying, if it is helpful for you to have a quiet environment to study in that’s not the library, or if you want to explore the benefit of fidget tools while studying, this is the place for you! The Duck Nest and AEC will provide the space, facilitators, and some materials to help you start or complete your academic tasks, or to provide support with things like goal setting, breaking down tasks, and more. The Study Hours will occur every Friday from Week 2-10 from 12-2pm in the Duck Nest Wellness Center (Emu 041). If you are interested in joining, there is no need to RSVP. You also do not need to have accommodations through the AEC to attend, it is open to all students so please bring a friend or two with you! Snacks and fidget tools will be provided. Additionally, students present can also enter a raffle that will occur at the end of the term for a DuckBucks gift card.  

Duck Nest Gentle Yoga

Join us for the Duck Nest's free gentle yoga class! Peer-led, this yoga class is open to students with all levels of experience--no prior background in yoga necessary. 

For the winter term, this class will be held Weeks 1-10.

Sign up via Calendly here: https://calendly.com/ducknest/duck-nest-yoga-winter-2025

To get to 302 Gerlinger--you can go in the main doors and take the elevator up to the third floor, or take the stairs on the side of the building (the first outer side doors to the right of the main entrance) for stairs up to the third floor.

Duck Nest Study Hours

Body doubling involves working alongside someone independently to promote accountability, foster focus and motivation, and reduce isolation. If you get easily distracted while studying, if it is helpful for you to have a quiet environment to study in that’s not the library, or if you want to explore the benefit of fidget tools while studying, this is the place for you! The Duck Nest and AEC will provide the space, facilitators, and some materials to help you start or complete your academic tasks, or to provide support with things like goal setting, breaking down tasks, and more. Snacks and fidget tools will be provided!

Ring Lecture: Utopia/Heterotopia/Dystopia

Utopia/Heterotopia/Dystopia

Professor Ken Calhoon

German and Scandinavian

Savage Places: The Witch-Themed Film as "Crisis Heterotopia"

My proposed lecture is part of a current project examining cinema with respect to the aesthetic conventions of landscape. This tradition readily suggests itself to a discussion of utopia, a concept that has often been summoned to illuminate the socio-political import of the idyll, the locus amoenus, and other generic components of literature, painting, garden design, even music. I am interested in the ways in which these dimensions acquire a sharpened relevance for a certain sub-species of the horror genre, namely the "witch-themed" film. The rupture that would spell the end of an approach that cast the natural setting as benign invitation is emblematized by the "deep Romantic chasm" of Coleridge's "Kubla Khan," which affords a portal to what would become a requisite topos of such films -the underneath: "A savage place! as holy and enchanted/ As e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted/ By woman wailing for her demon-lover!" In the ambivalence surrounding the word "holy" we may already detect a precursor to Michel Foucault's understanding of "crisis heterotopias," which he characterizes as "privileged or sacred or forbidden places, reserved for individuals who are, in relation to society and to the human environment in which they live, in a state of crisis: adolescents, menstruating women, pregnant women, the elderly, etc." This description is a close approximation of the scenario of Lukas Feigelfeld's student­film titled Hagazussa (2017). The title is an Old High German compound whose etymology adjoins the witch to a wooded enclosure, which is the meaning of the root-word Hag. The hagazussa was the "fence-sitter," that is, a female figure who straddled the divide between society and the wilderness. With a focus on Foucault's discussion, I will analyze Fegelfeld's film alongside two others: The Blair Witch Project (1999) and The Witch (2015).

Associate Professor Nathalie Hester

Romance Languages

Uchronia and Alternate Empire

Uchronia, a word formed by analogy to "utopia," signifies an alternate history. This presentation focuses on uchronia in the reception of early modern European colonialism. Pre-modern European expansion prompted the production of a vast array of texts chronicling and legitimizing conquest and Christian conversion. However, some publications offered divergent, deliberately non-historical accounts of European expansion. This presentation looks at representations of the early encounter with the Americas and what can be termed "alternate empires," in which authors of different time periods create imaginary historical episodes that re­write or disrupt narratives of European navigation and domination. Are these works wishful thinking, escapist art, or expressions of critique and contestation? Baroque Italian epic poetry on Vespucci's voyages and Laurent Binet's recent novel,Civilizations (2019), will serve as anchors for considering the meaning and significance of alternate empires in fiction about early modern global encounters.

Mingling with light snacks, lecture, discussion

Book Club: "The Promise of Access"

✨ Join UO Libraries' Book Club: “The Promise of Access” ✨

Are you curious about how technology intersects with inequality and the political economy of hope? Join our book club this season as we delve into Daniel Greene’s thought-provoking book: The Promise of Access: Technology, Inequality, and the Political Economy of Hope. Whether you’re a technologist, an educator, or simply someone who cares about building a more equitable world, this book club promises to be an inspiring journey. 

📚 About the Book: Daniel Greene examines the paradoxical relationship between digital technology and economic inequality. Drawing on ethnographic research, Greene explores how institutions like schools, libraries, and startups perpetuate the dream of technological empowerment while ignoring the systemic issues that sustain inequality. This compelling book challenges us to rethink the role of technology in our society and its impact on marginalized communities.

❗ Why Join?

Engage in meaningful discussions about technology and social justice Enjoy complimentary refreshments during each session Meet like-minded individuals passionate about equity and critical thinking Deepen your understanding of how digital tools shape our society and future

🔔 Book Club Details:

Dates:  Friday, January 17 Introduction: “The Internet: Your Future Depends on It” Chapter 1: Discovering the Divide: Technology and Poverty in the New Economy Friday, January 31 Chapter 2: The Pivot and the Trouble with “Tech” Friday, February 14 Chapter 3: “More Than Just a Building to Sit In for the Day” Friday, February 28 Chapter 4: Flexible Classrooms Friday, March 14, 2025: Chapter 5 & Conclusion Chapter 5: Bootstrapping Conclusion: Reproducing Hope   Time: 1:00 PM Location: Hybrid - Knight Library DREAM Lab or Zoom Format: Guided discussions led by Data Services Staff. All perspectives are welcome!

☕ How to Participate:

Get the book: UO members can access the ebook here: https://alliance-uoregon.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01ALLIANCE_UO/1ej399r/alma99900763979801852.

Management Seminar: Tristan L. Botelho

The Lundquist College of Business welcomes Tristan L. Botelho, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Yale School of Management, during a seminar presented by the Department of Management.

Contact assistant professors of management Khonika Gope or Natasha Overmeyer for additional information.

SSC Book Swap

Join the SSC Climate Anxiety & Resiliency team for a Book Swap on Friday, February 28th from 2-3:30 in the SSC office (EMU 005)! We will be exchanging books, resources, and connections in an effort to reduce waste and practice sustainability within our communities. Learn about other resources on-campus and beyond for free books, textbooks, and more! We will be crafting, snacking, and making our own bookmarks as well! All are welcome, we hope to see you there :)

Break and Flow: Latin American Hip Hop Poetics with Charlie Hankin

Hip hop is a global form of creative expression. In Cuba, Brazil, and Haiti, rappers refuse the boundaries of hip hop’s US genesis, claiming the art form as a means to empower themselves and their communities in the face of postcolonial racial and class violence. Despite the geographic and linguistic borders that separate these artists, Charlie Hankin finds in their music and lyrics a common understanding of hip hop’s capacity to intervene in the public sphere and a shared poetics of neighborhood, nation, and transatlantic yearnings. Situated at the critical intersection of sound studies and Afro-diasporic poetics, Break and Flow draws on years of ethnographic fieldwork and collaboration, as well as an archive of hundreds of songs by more than sixty hip hop artists. Hankin illuminates how new media is used to produce and distribute knowledge in the Global South, refining our understanding of poetry and popular music at the turn of the millennium. Published in 2023 by the University of Virginia Press, Break and Flow was awarded the Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Prize for Comparative Literary Studies by the Modern Languages Association.

Charlie Hankin (Assistant Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, UC Davis) specializes in music-literature relations in the twentieth and twenty-first century Caribbean and Brazil. His research and teaching bring together sound studies and ethnomusicology, Afro-Latin American thought and poetics, hip hop studies, and comparative literature. 

Gender as Target: US 2024 Elections and Aftermath

CSWS hosts a teach-in on gender and politics in the 2024 election cycle and how the new political landscape is shaping up for important feminist issues. Panelists: Professor Alison Gash, Political Science; Associate Professor Anita Chari, Political Science; Kaito Campos de Novais, Anthropology; Brennan Fitzgerald, Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

Free and open to the public.

Tree Planting with Friends of Trees

The UO Natural Areas Program and Friends of Trees are teaming up for the first-ever tree-planting event here at the University of Oregon! We have been given the opportunity to help create natural habitat and shade for the Willamette River Natural Area. 

We will meet at 10 am on Saturday, March 1, at Frohnmayer Bridge and plant until 1 pm.  

We will provide snacks and a water station, as well as all the tools, safety gear, and materials needed to manage the planting efforts. Anyone is welcome to join us! No experience is needed. We’re happy to invite enthusiastic volunteers and are always excited to see the impact of our collaborative efforts.   

Remember! Come prepared with close-toed shoes, water bottles, and weather-appropriate clothing. 

We hope to see you there!  

For more information on the UO's natural areas you can visit: https://cpfm.uoregon.edu/willamette-river-natural-area

Bollywood Ball

This is SACA’s biggest event of the year and we are excited to continue the tradition of bringing a formal South Asian-inspired ball to campus. We will have a DJ, a Dhol player, a photographer, catered South Asian food and drinks, and Emerald Photobooth. We love creating a fun and social environment for all (students and community members) who wish to engage in a formal and cultural event on campus.

Semester at Sea (Study Abroad) - UO Visit

Semester at Sea is a multi-country, full semester study abroad experience based on a ship. This study abroad experience is open to any major and focuses on a cross-cultural experience, visiting three different continents and 10+ countries. A representative from Semester at Sea will be hosting an information table for students to come by and learn more, pick up free swag, and ask questions!

Stop by while on the UO campus to learn more/bring questions:

11am-2pm - Tabling @ the EMU 2:15-3:45pm - Drop-in hours @ Tykeson Hall Commons, 1st floor 4-5pm - Information session @ 189 PLC

Questions/contact info: Marin Maxwell (she/her/hers) ISE / SAS Reg Director of Enrollment & University Relations (West) Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea® Academic Partner: Colorado State University Toll-free: 800.854.0195 | Direct: 970.372.1232 Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter semesteratsea.org

The Sanctification of the Earth: The Genesis of Franconia’s Late Medieval Sacred Landscape

 

Join us for a lecture by Achim Timmermann on March 3 in LA 115. Courtesy of the Department of the History of Art and Architecture.

Using Wordpress for Open Pedagogy (In Person)

From blog posts to term projects, WordPress can serve as the basis for open pedagogy assignments large and small. Join us for this short session to see examples of collaborative blogs, digital portfolios, public projects, and open educational resources that students have helped build to share with the wider community. Register here. You can also attend a virtual session and explore more Open Education Week events. 

Using Wordpress for Open Pedagogy (Virtual)

From blog posts to term projects, WordPress can serve as the basis for open pedagogy assignments large and small. Join us for this short session to see examples of collaborative blogs, digital portfolios, public projects, and open educational resources that students have helped build to share with the wider community. Register here. You can also attend in person and explore more Open Education Week events.

Dept. of History Seminar Series: "Syracuse, City of Unwilling Immigrants"

Join the Department of History and Tim Sorg, Senior Instructional Designer with UO Online, for a talk on "Syracuse, City of Unwilling Immigrants."

Classical Syracuse was a city of immigrants. Some came seeking work and high wages, others as refugees fleeing the Carthaginians’ advance across Sicily. But most arrived unwillingly. During the fifth and fourth centuries BCE, the Syracusans regularly forced the people they conquered to immigrate to Syracuse as landowning citizens and then gave away the land they left behind to people from outside of Syracusan society. In this talk, we explore why the Syracusans considered imperial land to be less a source of wealth than the people taken from it. Through it all, we learn what was so distinctive about Syracusan imperialism in the ancient world and what set the Syracusans apart from their imperial contemporaries at Athens and Rome.

The Department of History Seminar Series runs throughout the academic year and features guest speakers from the top universities who share their perspectives on history. Visit history.uoregon.edu for more information about the seminar series. 

Candace Bond-Theriault: “Queering Reproductive Justice: An Invitation to Create Our Collective Future”

Presented by the Oregon Humanities Center

Reproductive justice is a critical framework that was developed in response to reproductive politics in the US. Three core values of reproductive justice are the right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to parent a child or children in safe and healthy environments.  

LGBTQIA+ individuals need and deserve unimpeded access to full spectrum reproductive health care services. Far too often the movements for reproductive health and rights only center the needs of cisgender and heterosexual individuals and couples. Yet, the reality is: everyone needs reproductive health care regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. 

Candace Bond-Theriault will discuss the need to center LGBTQIA+ communities in the conversation about reproductive health, rights, and justice in a talk titled “Queering Reproductive Justice: An Invitation to Create Our Collective Future.” As this year’s Colin Ruagh Thomas O’Fallon Memorial Lecturer on Law and American Culture, Bond-Theriault will extend an invitation to all people who care about justice and equity to stake a claim in the fight for collective liberation. 

Bond-Theriault asserts that for reproductive justice to be truly successful, we must acknowledge that members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face distinct, specific, and interlocking oppressions when it comes to these rights. Family formation, contraception needs, and appropriate support from healthcare services are still poorly understood aspects of the LGBTQIA+ experience, which often challenge mainstream notions of the nuclear family.  

Candace Bond-Theriault, JD, LLM, is a queer lawyer, writer, mother, and social justice advocate working at the intersections of law, policy, reproductive health rights, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ liberation, economic justice, and democracy reform. She is Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Howard University, and Associate Director for Movement Building at Dēmos, a think tank for the Racial Justice Movement.

Her book Queering Reproductive Justice: An Invitation (2024), blends advocacy with a legal, rights-based framework and offers a unified path for attaining reproductive justice for LGBTQIA+ people. Drawing on US law and legislative history, healthcare policy, human rights, and interviews, Bond-Theriault presents incisive new recommendations for queer reproductive justice theory, organizing, and advocacy. 

Bond-Theriault’s talk, part of this year’s “Re-imagine” series, is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed and recorded. Please register.

Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways

Join us for a virtual panel event, Do Good, Work Local: Impactful Career Pathways, featuring inspiring University of Oregon alumni who have turned their passion for positive change into impactful careers. These alumni will share their journeys into roles that directly benefit their local communities, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of their work.

During the session, panelists will discuss:

How they found and pursued careers focused on community impact. The skills, experiences, and networks that helped them succeed. Practical advice for transitioning into or advancing in careers that make a difference at a local level.

Whether you’re looking to start a community-focused career or seeking ways to incorporate purpose into your current role, this webinar will provide actionable takeaways and inspiration to guide your path. Engage with our panelists, ask your questions, and leave with a renewed sense of how your work can contribute to meaningful change.