Dr. Virginia Beavert
Dr. Virginia Beavert’s graduation and dissertation defense were the highlights of early summer. We are honored to have shared these events with her. Graduation Day, June 18th began with the University Graduation Celebration at Matthew Knight Arena. The celebration included a special commemoration of Virginia as UO’s oldest-ever graduate. As a member of the platform party, Virginia joined university dignitaries and student speakers on the main stage. Robert Berdahl, Interim President, introduced Virginia as “a long-time friend of the university through her sustained involvement in the Northwest Indian Language Institute, and she continues to
inspire those who work with her through her example of dedication and perseverance.” Kimberley Espy, Vice President of Research and Innovation and Dean of the Graduate School, presented Virginia with a distinctive medal recognizing her outstanding service and achievement as a Distinguished Doctoral Graduate. Following graduation was a luncheon reception to honor Virginia, hosted by the Graduate School. Virginia’s family and friends joined her UO colleagues, tribal dignitaries, professors, and students. Several of Virginia’s nieces were in attendance. Her nephew, Delano Saluskin, Yakama Nation Councilman, spoke of the immeasurable significance of Virginia’s work for tribal members. The day’s formal graduation festivities concluded outdoors at the Deschutes Courtyard for the Linguistics Department ceremony. Virginia was one of four graduating doctoral students who were distinguished by presenting short descriptions
4 NILI - The Northwest Indian Language Institute
of their research. A reception for friends and family members followed. An evening salmon dinner at the Northwest Indian Language Institute ended the day. Virginia’s oral defense took place on Saturday July 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the UO’s Many Nations Longhouse. After Virginia presented an overall picture of her dissertation, her five committee members - Scott DeLancey, Spike Gildea, and Eric Pederson, Linguistics; Scott Pratt, Philosophy; and Janne Underriner, Northwest Indian Language Institute, questioned her on aspects of her work. One committee member asked Virginia to elaborate on ways non-Native researchers should work with Native people; how linguists can better work with community members and to discuss the protocols and etiquette expected by Native people in working with nonNatives. Virginia’s answer centered around the principles of knowledge and respect: “Culture is an essential part of language. One without the other cannot function. The researcher must respect the language and culture of the people he or she works with. Tribal communities are liable to welcome a person who is comfortable around tribal people. Maintain an awareness of protocol and ask your resource person to keep you