Some 20 students were in the first graduating class to spend their final year at the UO's law program in Portland

Some nervousness, honor and humility is what UO law student Sigvanna Topkok felt once she was elected the new president of the National Native American Law Students Association on April 7.Topkok’s excited to give back to an organization that’s already given her so much.While studying linguistics and Native American studies at Dartmouth College, Topkok was funded by the college to travel to Nome, Alaska, to work for Kawerak Inc., an organization dedicated to bettering the lives of Alaska Natives.

The governor was on campus to speak with students about the challenges and opportunities facing women in government.

The April 25 talk is this year’s Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples Lecture.

The Dean’s Double Duck Award offers $12,500 toward tuition in the two-year program.