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Inspiring FIRSTS Since 1842
Willamette University
WILLAMETTE WAS THE FIRST UNIVERSITY IN THE WEST AT A TIME WHEN THE WESTERNMOST STATE WAS MISSOURI. SINCE OUR INCEPTION, WE’VE EMBRACED THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVE LEADER, CREATING A NEW MODEL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION THAT FOCUSES NOT ON THE HERE AND NOW, BUT ON WHAT LIES AHEAD.
Free from the norms of traditional universities, we were able to imagine an academic experience that was more meaningful, more relevant and more inclusive — and better at preparing our graduates for a future that was wide open to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
We instilled in our students this same fearless desire to think beyond conventional wisdom, imagine different realities, lean into uncertainty and never be afraid to go first. It’s a desire that burns as brightly as ever today.
AT A TIME WHEN WOMEN WERE FREQUENTLY BARRED FROM COLLEGE, EMILY YORK BECAME WILLAMETTE’S FIRST GRADUATE.
