Oregon's Famous Notable Alumni
Distiniguished Graduates of the University of Oregon in Eugene
Discover the well-known Ducks of the University of Oregon who have helped make the school standout, through their work in sports, literature and business.
Discover What Makes the School Standout
Founded in 1876, the University of Oregon, also called UO, is located in Eugene, Oregon, commonly referred to as “Tracktown, USA” Today it is home to just over 20,000 students, fondly referred to as Ducks. Throughout its years, the school has produced famous sports stars, TV personalities, governors, judges, authors, architects, business leaders, scientists, record-breakers, and more. Yet the university itself, is nationally renowned for its educational departments and degree programs. The university is made up of eight schools, colleges and professional schools.
- The College of Education, ranks 2nd among public universities in the United States.
- The School of Journalism and Communication is ranked among the top 25 in the country. It has produced nine Pulitzer Prize winners.
- University of Oregon's Department of Architecture, ranks 11th overall in the nation
It is these programs that have helped inspire some students to great lenghts. Let’s now focus on UO’s well-known graduates who have helped draw attention and interest to the university.
Notable University of Oregon Alumni Throughout the Years
- 7 Oregon governors, including the former governor, John Kitzhaber, recognized recently for his design of the Oregon Better Health Act, and previous redesign of the Oregon Health Plan.
- The Today Show anchor person and co-host of Dateline NBC, Ann Curry is a graduate of the UO’s School of Journalism and Communication.
- Professional golfer Peter Jacobsen, winner of the 2003 Hartford Open, now plays on the Champions Tour, where in 2004, he won the U.S. Senior Open.
- Phil Knight and track and field coach Bill Bowerman, co-founded Nike, in 1972, which was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, formed in 1964. Bowerman developed the first rubber soled running shoe, first called the “Oregon Waffle.” Olympian long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine, was the first to wear the Nike shoes, while running for the University of Oregon’s track and field team. He tragically died in Eugene, during the peak of his running career. Eugene is called “Tracktown, USA” as it is regarded as the nation’s “capitol of the running world.” The 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials will be held at Hayward Field on the university’s campus.
- Businessman and founder of Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, Kurt Widmer. Widmer celebrates being the pioneers of "America's Original Hefeweizen".
- Author of One Who Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey, later adapted to film in 1975, starring Jack Nicholson, and filmed at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon.
The university wouldn’t be the same without the familiar alumni who have helped to shape the school into what it is today.
