UO President Michael Gottfredson attended a signing ceremony in the governor's office on Monday for legislation that authorized the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) initiative in the south Willamette Valley.

A celebration of John Crosiar’s retirement will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Alumni Lounge at the University of Oregon's Gerlinger Hall. Crosiar has been a university employee since 1979; the reception will honor his longstanding commitment as a staff member.

University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson led a UO contingent to the Pendleton Round-Up this week, underscoring the university's commitment to serving the higher education needs of Eastern Oregon. Highlights of the Pendleton trip included Thursday's "Let 'er Duck" breakfast for UO alumni at the famed Hamley Steakhouse Slickfork Saloon and Friday's participation in the Pendleton Round-Up parade. President Gottfredson and his wife, Karol, rode the parade route with others from the UO delegation in a horse-drawn wagon.

The University of Oregon Outdoor Program – which made “pedal power” a popular form of alternative energy – is doing it again. The public is invited to join in a celebration of the program’s solar project, a 5.88 kilowatt photovoltaic system recently installed on their facility, the OP Barn. The free event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 19 at the EMU Outdoor Program Barn, 1225 E. 18th St.

Q: What’s happening? A: UO employees have until 5 p.m., Oct. 31, to enroll in a medical, dental and vision plan for Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014. Enroll online in the PEBB.benefits system, print forms online or pick them up from Human Resources at 677 E. 12th Ave. Learn more in the September newsletter of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board.