Family, friends, and graduates gather at Autzen to celebrate the classes of ’20, ’21, and ‘22.
It never rained in Autzen Stadium.
As the 146th UO commencement got underway early Monday morning, graduates descended on Autzen under cool, cloudy, and sporadically sunny skies. The forecasted rain was a no-show.
Members of the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022, clad in green caps and gowns, posed for pictures with The Duck, family, and friends outside before marching through the tunnel and onto the turf of the football field.
The sense of relief, joy, and celebration was palpable as the university celebrated its first in-person commencement since 2019, and the first ceremony at Autzen since 1994.
Keynote speaker Ashton Eaton—speaking two days after his wife, fellow Duck and Olympian Brianne Theisen-Eaton, gave birth to the couple’s second child—talked to the graduates about the importance of struggle and perseverance, and recalled his own doubts on the way to winning two Olympic titles in the decathlon.
Likening life to a video game, he told the Ducks, “It’s time to level up!”
“It may not feel like it sitting there, but you are capable of more than you realize. To discover it, find that interest or passion and start where you are now even if you have no clue what you’re doing. Have the courage to try and do things you’ve never done and know that the inevitable challenges are absolutely necessary. By overcoming those challenges, you can honor the past and contribute to the future.”
“You, and your generation, will set the agenda for the future. Your ability to survive, adapt, and even flourish through years of unparalleled challenge will serve you well as you walk out Dads' Gate and take your place in the world outside our university.”
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“You can be assured, students and families alike, that the internal resilience and perseverance that fortified all of you in getting through to today, will see you through the new challenges that will be ahead.”
Senior Spotlights
As our seniors get ready to leave the nest and fly into an exciting, ever-changing world, we would like to celebrate a few graduates who have accomplished great things during their time at the University of Oregon. These members of the class of 2022 demonstrated strength, creativity, and ingenuity, and pursued passions that will change their lives and the lives of others.
Faith Longnight
Ryan Reed
Cassie Cole
Thea Owens
Frank Zhang
Jennifer Beltran
Katie Leonard
David Olvera
River Veek
Live, from Autzen Stadium, it’s Commencement ’22!
Graduation returned to an in-person event after a two-year hiatus, and our graduates were primed for it .
Creative Caps
Display Your Duck Spirit
To add some Duck spirit to your graduation celebration, download printable signs, digital wallpaper, and Zoom backgrounds:
Congratulations, Class of 2022! The UO Alumni Association (UOAA) welcomes you into the Duck alumni family! For our graduating Ducks, we are offering a free one-year annual membership to the UOAA.
When you become a UOAA 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!