From coach Willie Taggart to five faculty experts, from graduate students delving into powerful Oregon history to a woman who made it, the fall issue of Oregon Quarterly — available now —celebrates ideas and the Ducks with the determination to pursue them.

In this edition of the UO’s alumni magazine, meet Aaron Firestein (pictured), who converted his political science degree and passion for art into an edgy, artist-focused shoe company with international reach.

Follow five bright minds at the UO as they assess the problems and potential in urban design, collaborative science, optimizing experiences, obesity prevention and careers. The result? Big ideas for the way forward.

Get ahead of the next major volcanic eruption with an Earth sciences team using a major gift to add new expertise. Meet alum Nancie Peacocke Fadeley, who has advocated for women’s issues for 40 years — and she’s still got game.

Speaking of game, don’t miss the profile of new football coach Willie Taggart, who brings lessons learned from his hometown Palmetto, Florida, to his quest for Ducks gridiron glory.

And we encourage you to revisit an Oregon tragedy — the 1948 flooding of the city of Vanport — with graduate students who captured firsthand accounts from survivors.

All of these stories and more can be found on the Oregon Quarterly website.