DUCK 20 LIFE 26
Duck Life magazine is a 64-page collaboration between Emerald Media Group, UO Student Alumni Association, The Duck Store, and various university departments, divisions, schools and colleges. The magazine is intended to give incoming UO students and families important and useful information about life at the University of Oregon.
So whether you need to know how to buy your local books, what clubs and organizations to join, where to go when you’re sick, or more — we’ve got you covered.
Cover Photo by: Magnolia Schnobrich Pictured on cover, left to right: Sydney Tall, Nora Schmidt and Elliot Byrne.
From orientation to graduation and all of life's moments in between, the 5th Street Public Market is Eugene's premier destination for Ducks and their families. With two award winning boutique hotels, it’s the perfect place for parents to call home base when visiting. And for students, you’ll find plenty of great bites, shopping, and more just minutes away from campus. Come explore the Market and experience Eugene like a local.
Become a Lifelong Duck: Join the Student Alumni Association!
The Student Alumni Association (SAA) develops passionate and devoted Ducks who are committed to the UO for their entire lives. We’re here to enhance your college experience with great member rewards and connections with alumni and other students. We’re affiliated with the UO Alumni Association (UOAA), which keeps more than 275,000 alumni around the world connected to their alma mater and each other.
Supercharge Your College Experience with SAA
Our internship allows you to gain new skills and get the most out of your SAA experience. SAA leadership interns plan events and make everything happen behind-thescenes—with focus areas on membership engagement, alumni relations, leadership and development, and marketing and production. Our internships offer a great way to get involved on campus while gaining real-world experience to enhance your resume. If you’re interested in learning more, visit uoalumni.com/saa-intern.
Unlock Exclusive Perks through SAA Membership
Membership in the SAA gets you access to great member rewards and more. SAA membership is free for all students. You simply have to sign up for membership to claim your member rewards. The awesome events and opportunities that the SAA provides to students are funded by the UO Alumni Association, thanks to the generosity of UOAA members.
“Joining the Student Alumni Association has been one of the best decisions. I’ve had networking opportunities and met best friends! From planning dinners to playing corn hole, the SAA offers amazing experiences.”
Olivia Ortery, class of 2026
Major: Business Administration & Anthropology
follow @UOSAA for updates, career advice, and exclusive events
Networking Night
Members-Only Events & Perks: From Networking Dinners to Exclusive Swag
The SAA hosts events each term just for our members. These include alumni connection events such as our Networking Skills Dinner, where students learn best practices for networking while meeting UO alumni. We also offer virtual skill-building events in partnership with the Duck Career Network, providing the chance to connect with alumni and other students over similar career interests. Plus, our members get exclusive access to shop at the Nike and Columbia employee stores every year. Learn more about our events and member rewards by following us on social media or visiting uoalumni.com/saa-events.
Join the Student Alumni Association! Network with Ducks, unlock exclusive benefits, and build your future. Become a Lifelong Duck: Join SAA today for free!
Scan the QR code or visit: uoaa.uoalumni.com/about-saa-membership
Shape Your Future Intern with the SAA!
Connect with Alumni and Gain Valuable Skills: The SAA Advantage
The Student Alumni Association is a student-led organization working to bridge the gap between students and alumni at the University of Oregon. The SAA hosts a variety of events and opportunities for students to connect with alumni, gain professional skills, and build a community with other students.
Shape Your Future: Intern with the SAA Leadership Team
The Student Alumni Association Leadership Team intern program allows students to gain experience to build your resume, gain leadership skills, and build your alumni network.
The SAA Leadership Team is made up of four smaller teams that each focus on a different area of SAA programing and career development: Alumni Relations, Leadership Development, Marketing & Production, and Membership Engagement. The SAALT internship is open to students of all class years and experience levels. Keep an eye out for open applications on our social media!
“I’ve loved getting to know the SAA Leadership Team, working together to put on events for students, and making connections around the UO!”
Emily Matsuba, class of 2027
Major: Business Administration,
Prof.
Prof.
transportation.uoregon.edu/bus
Eyes on the Eugene Skies
Written by Yasmin Alvarez • Illustrated and Designed by Sophia Leuthold
The best time of day to start birding — bird watching — is the dawn. With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, 6 a.m. has been the golden hour to identify the creatures of the wind. As the morning begins and a new day starts, birds swiftly fly through the blue sky and lock their mindsets on foraging for food.
Eugene has many birdwatching locations due to its wetlands, rivers, forests and parks. An excellent birding site is located near the Valley River Center — Delta Ponds. This is a 150-acre site that is home to over 120 bird species. The restored ponds and wetlands attract shorebirds such as Wood Ducks, Green Herons, Belted Kingfishers and Black Phoebes. Boardwalks and trails make it easy for visitors to observe wildlife closely.
At Golden Gardens Park, located in the Bethel neighborhood, you can find Ospreys soaring overhead, Red-Winged Blackbirds sing tunes to each other and Mallards shepherd their ducklings.
Another good location is Skinner Butte,
Willamette River, it marks a great place to spot both woodland and
Hendricks Park is one of Eugene’s oldest city parks, which features 200-year-old Douglas firs. Its lush flowers attract Steller’s Jays, Finches and American Robins.
“Every bird walk I go on, I find myself learning more every day,” Julia Boring, a senior advertising major at UO, said.
For those interested in learning more about birds, the Cascades Raptor Center in south Eugene offers educational experiences with rescued birds, including hawks, owls, vultures and eagles. Eugene also has local birding groups that organize bird walks and help people learn about bird identification and conservation. This is a prime example of connection within the birding community across all ages.
The University of Oregon has a birding club, the Students of Eugene Bird Society, formed in the fall of 2022.
Cailin Stone, a sophomore cinema studies major at the University of Oregon, is a part of the SOE Bird Society, said, “Birding is something so universal, you don’t have to share any other interest or anything else in common, you don’t even have to speak the same language to share this love with another person.”
FAMILY ADVANCEMENT COUNCIL
LEAVE A LEGACY. MAKE AN IMPACT.
BUILD COMMUNITY.
Become part of the Family Advancement Council - a community of parent and family donors who support student success and help shape the future of the University of Oregon.
JOIN US.
• Connect with university leadership and stay informed on campus priorities.
• Support key initiatives such as student crisis fund, food pantry, and career development.
• Enjoy VIP experiences as specialty events such as move-in, Family Weekend, Commencement, etc.
• Attend exclusive gatherings on campus and your hometown.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Duck Family Experience.
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND JOIN FAC TODAY.
Steps to UO campus, MKA , Market of Choice, USPS, Hirons Pharmacy, and LTD
Don’t sacrifice quality for af fordability
-Competitive, allin pricing. Starting @ $799/bed.
-Renovated & fully furnished unit options, including full-size appliances & inunit washer/dryer
-Private rooms in 2, 3, 4-bedroom apartments; roommate matching. 24/7 state-ofthe art on-site fitness center.
floor game room, lounge, & deck, equipped with firepit & grill
• Students in need of coaching, mentoring, and advising
• LD/ADD/ADHD and other non-traditional learners
• Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students
• Third Culture Students
•
• Students
Four Years Later
Advice from graduating seniors across the country.
Written by Annie Bostwick
Designed & Illustrated by Miles Bernell
With any huge milestone, it’s normal to reflect on lessons learned and memories made. Graduating college is no different. Duck Living surveyed graduating seniors and asked them what advice they would give to their freshman-year selves. If one thing stood out, it’s that college is when you are meant to find yourself and your people.
“Go out and make memories with your friends.”
“Don’t worry about the small stuff and be open minded.”
“Don’t be embarrassed to put yourself out there! If you’re interested in something, just try it out once. It’s much better to try and fail than to always wonder what could have been.”
King
Iowa State University
“Make friends with every person you can. Never be afraid to put yourself out there and be unapologetically you. By being yourself you will only attract people who are like you!!”
Washington State University
Paige Pitner
Hannah
Central Washington University
James Smith
University of Oregon
Anaya Lamy
2 DEGREES. 3 OPTIONS.
4 YEARS.
Earn a bachelor’s degree in three years and a masters degree in your fourth year as a 3+1 Scholar.
Designed for high-achieving incoming freshmen with college-ready credits, the Lundquist College of Business offers three 3+1 Scholar programs.
Campus Food You’ll Crave
You’re going to love the freshness and variety of food at the University of Oregon. No matter what kind of food you are looking for or if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, we can help you out! Our campus dining locations offer flexibility and variety, whether you’re in the mood for a home-style meal, food on the go, customizable rice bowls, or coffee and a pastry. See housing.uoregon.edu/dining
Where to eat
Agate Street Market Grocery store featuring organic produce, bulk foods, local products, and all the snacks and staples you’ll need.
Barnhart Dining Over-the-top weekend brunch, rice bowls, deluxe burgers, and signature spicy-sweet dynamite tater tots.
Bullseye Taco Hand-crafted food including street tacos, burritos, and fresh salsa. Flour tortillas made from scratch on site.
Carson Dining At the heart of campus, Carson Dining is a go-to for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Drake’s Deli The master of variety, visit daily or you’ll miss out. Home of the famous Drake’s hot chicken (or tofu) sandwich.
Duck’s House Restaurant The ultimate place to gather, eat, drink, and cheer on the Ducks. Home of the Oregon Waffle.
DUX Bistro Smash burgers and chicken tenders, soups, espresso drinks, fresh-baked pastries, and made-to-order salads.
Fresh! Marketcafé A go-to for just about any type of cuisine, offering sandwiches, pasta, fresh sushi, espresso, and a deli counter.
Hearth and Soul Sit around the open hearth oven and choose from deep dish pizzas, focaccia sandwiches, salads, and soups.
PNW Café Scratch-made bakery specials, Starbucks coffee and espresso, Teavana hand-crafted teas, Starbucks Refreshers.
Puddles Café A convenient stop for snacks, lunches, or specialty espresso drinks and smoothies when you’re on the go.
Steam Four ramen broths: tonkatsu, shoyu, miso, and garlic. Bao buns filled with anything, from fried chicken to pork belly.
Tamarind Delicious international curries, naan bread, and sides like aloo matar and goda masala cauliflower.
Watershed Whole foods, prepared fresh. Plant-based, gluten-free salads and grain bowls. Plus fresh juice and super fruits.
Living Off Campus?
You can still eat like a Duck by enrolling in Ducks Dine On. Use your ID card to buy meals at a discount at any dining venue. See dineon.uoregon.edu
Choose Your Meal Plan
Find a meal plan that fits your needs. There are five options. All include $50 of Duck Bucks per term, which can be used for food across campus—including the dining venues in the EMU.
Deluxe
95 points per week. For students who seldom skip a meal and occasionally treat a friend.
Standard
80 points per week. This plan is the most popular, providing enough points for meals and snacks throughout the week.
Select
65 points per week. For students who might skip breakfast but not lunch or dinner.
Mini
50 points per week. For students who eat on-the-go and are often off campus on the weekends.
Carson-based
Entry to Carson Dining any time it is open, plus five meal points per week. This is the most economical plan. Except for the Duck Bucks and the five meal points per week, this plan is valid only at Carson Dining. You may switch your choice of meal plans once per term.
Residential meal plans come with rollover accounts. Leftover points at the end of the week can be used in subsequent weeks (maximum 50 points; rollover is reset to zero at the start of a new term). Find yourself with too many or too few meal points? Feel free to change your plan at the end of any week.
Living On Campus
In the residence halls, you’re close to everything. You’ll meet friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Excited for
move-in?
Here are some tips to get you started.
Don’t double up
Check in with your roommate(s) before you move in and compare what you are bringing. You’ll avoid bringing more than one mini fridge, and you can create a style for your room together!
Get around easily
Bikes are a great way to get around. Bike racks are available throughout campus and secured bike cages are next to many residence halls. Make sure to bring a U-lock and register your bike at project529.com/oregon.
Bring home with you
Decorate your room with a photo collage to remind you of home. Bringing a bit of home with you can really help as you get used to a new place, new classes, and new friends.
Bring your rain jacket
Ducks love the rain, and a nice breathable rain jacket is an investment that you won’t regret!
We’ll
set you up with a bed, desk, and dresser or closet. Here’s what you should bring.
The necessities
Bedding (sheets, comforter, blankets, pillows), storage containers, hangers, small desk lamp, surge protector, desk supplies, laundry basket, detergent, toiletries, towels, and clothing for all types of weather.
Optional, but a good idea
Closet organizers, small fan, mini fridge (4.6 cubic feet or smaller), mattress pad, robe, shower caddy, shower shoes, cup, plate, bowl, mug, silverware, inexpensive bike, secure bike lock (U-lock), bike helmet, bike lights, and reflectors.
For emergencies
Flashlight, batteries, and emergency supply kit.
Decorative
Posters, pictures, cork board, adhesive putty (no nails, tacks, or doublesided tape), rug, and throw pillows or blankets.
Don’t bring
Extension cords, microwaves, toasters, candles, space heaters, electronic transportation devices, and pets (except fish, 10 gallons or less).
A full guide on what to bring (and not bring) can be found at housing.uoregon.edu/whattobring
25 majors + minors
100 faculty members
10,000+ alumni around the world
450 courses offered
100 yearly events
Phone: +1 (541) 346-9780 | Website: global.uoregon.edu
Email: SchnitzerSchool@uoregon.edu | Instagram: @uosgsl
LinkedIn: /company/SchnitzerSchool | BlueSky: @uogsl.bsky.social
Learn the World | Lead the Future
At the Schnitzer School, your global journey starts here. Build the skills for a meaningful career in international fields—from human rights to global health—while diving into language study and world regions. With study abroad, internships, and expert faculty, you’ll grow into a confident, cross-cultural leader ready to drive change. Step in as a student—step out as a global problem solver.
Start your journey today
We love connecting with prospective Schnitzer School students to discuss our programs and answer any questions you might have.
BEST MEXICAN
WINNER’S GUIDE
You’ve finally made it to the University of Oregon, but after the excitement of moving in starts to settle down, you’re probably going to want to venture off campus and explore all that Eugene has to offer. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a look at the best of what campus has to offer. Whether you’re looking for food, housing, or a place to watch the game, we’ve got it all, voted on by students just like you. This guide is a great place start familiarizing yourself with your new campus.
RESTAURANT
1. Tacovore
2. Chula’s Restaurant & Cantina
3. El Super Burrito
BEST GREEK
RESTAURANT
1. Albee’s N.Y. Gyros
2. Poppi’s Anatolia
3. Cafe Soriah
BEST SUSHI
1. Subo Sushi
2. Sushi Pure
3. Sushi Ya
BEST WINGS
1. Hot Mama’s Wings
2. Dave’s Hot Chicken
3. Rennie’s Landing
BEST CLOTHING STORE
1. The Racks
2. Nordstrom Rack
3. Buffalo Exchange
BEST PHARMACY
1. UO Health Services
2. Safeway/Albertson’s
3. CVS Pharmacy
BEST ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
1. Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria
2. Osteria DOP
3. Ambrosia
BEST BAKERY
1. Sweet Life Patisserie
2. Hideaway Bakery
3. Noisette Pastry Kitchen
BEST COFFEE
1. Farmers Union Coffee Roasters
2. Meraki Coffee Co.
3. Tailored Coffee Roasters
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
1. Ta Ra Rin Thai Cuisine
2. Sweet Basil Express
3. Tasty Thai Kitchen
BEST DESSERT
1. Sweet Life Patisserie
2. Prince Pückler’s Ice Cream
3. Noisette Pastry Kitchen
BEST VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN
1. Morning Glory Café
2. Laughing Planet
3. Acorn Community Cafe
BEST ICE CREAM
1. Prince Pückler’s Ice Cream
2. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
3. Salt and Straw
BEST FOOD TRUCK
1. Sling-in Wiener
2. El Buen Sabor Taqueria
3. Cafe Agora
BEST BURGER
1. Gotcha Burger
2. Killer Burger
3. Little Big Burger
BEST PIZZA
1. Hey, Neighbor!
2. Sy’s New York Pizza
3. Osteria DOP
BEST DATE
RESTAURANT
1. Pastini
2. Sabai Cafe
3. Kennedy’s Steakhouse
BEST RESTAURANT TO BRING YOUR PARENTS TO
1. Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Club
2. Tiger Mama
3. Pastini
BEST BRUNCH
1. Morning Glory Café
2. Studio One Café
3. Provisions
BEST CAMPUS RESTAURANT
1. Agate Alley Bistro
2. Provisions
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
1. Tiger Mama
2. Cluckin Dog Eugene
3. Nelson’s on Campus
BEST LATE NIGHT EATS
1. Dave’s Hot Chicken
2. The Dough Co.
3. Fat Shack
BEST DELIVERY
1. Track Town Pizza
2. The Dough Co.
3. Doordash
BEST HAPPY HOUR
1. Rennie’s Landing
2. Max’s Tavern
3. Agate Alley Bistro
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
1. Max’s Tavern
2. Rennie’s Landing
3. EMU Trivia
BEST KARAOKE
1. Rennie’s Landing
2. The Webfoot Bar and Grill
3. The Cooler, Restaurant & Bar
BEST DAY TRIP ACTIVITY
1. Oregon Coast
2. Waterfall Hikes
3. Lane County Farmer’s Market
BEST PLACE TO SEE LIVE MUSIC
1. WOW Hall
2. Cuthbert Amphitheater
3. The Jazz Station
BEST PLACE TO WATCH A GAME
1. Autzen Stadium
2. Rennie’s Landing
3. The Cooler, Restaurant & Bar
BEST MOVIE THEATER
1. Broadway Metro Cinema
2. Cinemark 17
3. Art House
BEST FUN UNDER 21
1. Level Up Arcade
2. Movie Theater
3. Round1
BEST PROPERTY MANAGER
1. Jackie Stone - Jennings
Group Inc.
2. Krystins Shank - AG Campus
Housing
3. Sandy - Mallard Properties
BEST HOUSING COMMUNITY
1. Chapter at Eugene Student Apartments
2. The Standard
3. The Soto
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
1. AG Campus Housing
2. Jennings Group Inc.
3. Mallard Properties BEST AMENITIES
1. Ducks Village 2. The Standard 3. The Rive Eugene BEST HOUSING LOCATION
1. Flock 13 2. The Hayward 3. K14 Campus Flats
BEST DORM
1. Unthank Hall 2. New Residence Hall 3. Global Scholars Hall
BEST HOUSING RATE FOR YOUR RENT 1. The Hayward 2. Flock13 3. Yugo Eugene Skybox BEST GOLF COURSE 1. Emerald Valley Golf Club 2. Laurelwood Golf Course 3. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort BEST BOOKSTORE
1. St. Vinnie’s 2. Smith Family Bookstore
3. Tsunami Bookstore BEST GROCERY STORE
1. WinCo Foods 2. Eugene Asian Market
3. Sundance Natural Foods
BEST CAMERA STORE
1. The Shutterbug
2. Dot Dotson’s Photo Finishing
3. Video Only
BEST SHOPPING CENTER
1. Valley River Center
2. 5th Street Market
3. Oakway Center
BEST HOTEL TO RECOMMEND TO YOUR PARENTS
1. The Gordon Hotel
2. The Graduate
3. Hyatt Place
BEST MAKEUP STORE
1. Sephora
2. Ulta Beauty
3. Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION
1. Oregon Community Credit Union
2. US Bank
3. SELCO Community Credit Union
BEST THRIFT SHOP
1. St. Vinnie’s
2. Goodwill
3. The Racks
BEST AUTO SERVICE CENTER
1. Jiffy Lube
2. Les Schwab Tire Centers
3. Joe’s Garage
BEST MATTRESS STORE
1. Eugene Mattress Company
2. Mattress Firm
3. Rife’s Home Furniture & Mattress
BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE
1. Sundance Natural Foods
2. Lane County Farmer’s Market
3. The Kiva Grocery & Deli
BEST LOCAL SHOE STORE
1. Burch’s Shoes
2. Shoe-A-Holic
3. Miss Meers
BEST MUSIC STORE
1. House of Records
2. Guitar Center
3. Moon Rock Records
BEST BIKE SHOP
1. Bicycle Way of Life
2. Hutch’s Bicycle
3. Life Cycle Bike Shop
BEST PLACE TO LOAD UP ON DUCK GEAR
1. The Duck Store
2. St. Vinnie’s
3. The Racks
BEST TATTOO PARLOR
1. High Priestess Piercing & Tattoo
2. White Rabbit Tattoo
3. Wild Rose Tattoo
BEST HEALTH CLINIC
1. UO Health Services
2. NTX Care
3. Planned Parenthood
BEST EYECARE
1. Rainbow Optics
2. Family Vision Center
3. The Eye Center
BEST DENTIST
1. UO Health Services
2. Oakmont Family Dental
3. Eugene Family Dental
BEST OFF CAMPUS FITNESS CENTER
1. Eugene YMCA
2.Crunch Fitness
3. The Circuit Bouldering Gym Eugene
BEST SPA
1. Alora Wellness Spa
2. Pearl Day Spa
3. Bello Day Spa and Salon
BEST HAIR SALON
1. Just Hair
2. Gervais Salon and Day Spa
3. Honeycomb Salon and Spa
BEST NAIL SALON
1. Amanda’s Nail & Spa
2. Studio 205
3. City Nails & Spa
BEST MASSAGE
1. Pearl Day Spa
2. Footloose Massage Center
3. Azalea Bodycare
BEST PROFESSOR
1. Leslie McLees
2. Ed Madison
3. Robert Binder
BEST WOMEN’S ATHLETE
1. Sofia Bell
2. Alannah Clement
3. Kiara Romero
BEST MEN’S ATHLETE
1. Dante Moore
2. A’mauri Washington
3. Simeon Birnbaum
BEST STUDY SPOT
1. Knight Library
2. EMU
3. Portal Tea
BEST UO DEPARTMENT
1. College of Design
2. School of Journalism and Communication
3. Chemistry and Biochem
BEST UO INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
1. Barstool Ducks
2. Oregon Chicks
3. GoDucks
Summer Time in a College Town
Summer reveals what the city looks like without students
Written by Sophia Turnbull • Designed & Illustrated by Morgan Powell
For 9 months of the year, Eugene is known as a college town. Streets are full of students walking to class, coffee shops are bustling with people studying and even grocery stores seem like places where college kids mingle. The fall brings back-to-school excitement, people keep cozy inside during the winter and when the sun starts peeking through, students are quick to go outside in the spring. No matter the season, Eugene always feels busy, until the summer.
As the school year comes to an end, most students pack up and leave for the next few months. Whether students are moving across the country for an internship, traveling to new places, or simply going home, the quietness of Eugene starts to emerge.
Many fear the emptiness of Eugene when the summer hits. But for other students like Ann Livingston, it becomes a desirable place to be.
“It’s very peaceful,” Livingston, a fifth-year student at the University of Oregon, says.
A Eugene summer is nothing new for Livingston. As she awaits her fourth summer here, she mentions how she finds the city very quiet and the roads much clearer. “Everyone’s gone, so you
just have things to yourself, which is the greatest thing about a Eugene summer.”
Jonah Olin, a third-year student at UO, had a similar experience with his past summer in Eugene. The quietness was similar to what Livingston described, except he mentioned there were still people around; they were just “less frantic.”
“People have more time,” Olin said. “You end up meeting new individuals because your schedule changes, and the weather is nice, so people are outside.” Olin takes advantage of the slow pace of a Eugene summer to really connect with people and be outside.
This summer, Olin regrets not staying. In just a few weeks, he will pack up and head home to San Francisco to work for a few months. The nature, calmness and weather are just a few of the many perks of a Eugene summer that Olin will miss.
From June to September, nature in Oregon thrives in its peak beauty. Although these few months take students away from campus, it can never take away the nature surrounding it. Just outside of Eugene is home to some of the most beautiful hikes, waterfalls and swimming holes.
Dexter Lake is just over 20 minutes from campus, which is normally filled with hundreds of students on a nice day. Livingston mentions that in the summer, you could go and possibly be the only one there. Olin recommends camping, especially along the McKenzie River Trail, or you can see the bluest water at the Tamolitch Falls, also known as the “Blue Pools.” Oregon is home to some
of the best outdoor adventures.
If nature isn’t for you, you can also attend Eugene Emeralds baseball games all summer, or even get tickets to the annual Eugene Pro Rodeo that is hosted from July 2–5. Maybe even check out the Oregon Renaissance Fair, located an hour and a half north on any Saturday in June. If that’s too far, the Lane County Fair will be here shortly, from July 22– 26.
As the school year winds down, Eugene goes from a busy college town to a quiet, relaxing place to live. The sun shines earlier and sets later, leaving endless opportunities for a day in Eugene. The slower pace and opportunity to explore are only present for so long before the back-to-school storm. But as this summer begins, it will be interesting to see who packs up and who stays to make the most of a quiet town that isn’t used to being so quiet. What will you do this summer?
THE STANDARD
The Standard Eugene is an o -campus housing community located just minutes from the University of Oregon, o ering fully furnished units and premium amenities in a convenient location surrounded by local shops and eateries. With a variety of floor plan options, residents enjoy features including dedicated study spaces, a 24/7 fitness center, rooftop pool, on-site management, and more. The community is designed to provide a comfortable, well rounded living experience with a focus on convenience, quality, and everyday ease. Schedule a tour today and see why the Standard is the perfect place to call home!
“The EMU, your place to create, connect, and unwind.”
Lazarus Archives
Walker Cullins breathes new life into forgotten art
Written by Campbell Williams • Photos by Brayden Day • Designed by Amanda Bell
Managing a business has always come naturally to Walker Cullins, a senior at the University of Oregon; he has been doing it for the majority of his life. In middle school, he would buy candy bars in bulk to resell to his classmates, doubling the money he spent in the process. Since then, he has cycled through various business ventures, but none have been as personal or as successful as what he is doing now.
Cullins is the founder of Lazarus Archives, a business that takes old, public domain art pieces and digitally restores them and sells prints of them online. He started Lazarus through the Oregon Innovation Challenge, an organization at UO that gives out $165,000 every year to students looking to start their own businesses. Cullins is dead set on making Lazarus into
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Cullins originally came to UO to pursue a degree in computer science, looking for a degree that could land him a high-paying, entrylevel job. He learned quickly that he was “not that guy.” He said he worked harder than ever only to be outdone by infantlevel AI systems.
“Then, changing to business, it felt like I’m gonna go put blocks in holes and color in, like a giraffe on a piece of paper,” Cullins said. “A lot of my [computer science] friends gave me a lot of sh*t for it.”
This switch makes sense when looking at Cullins’ history in business, but those past experiences did not leave him feeling confident. In high school, Cullins tried out several different ventures, including an
job reaching out to wealthy businessmen looking for grants to give to up-andcoming entrepreneurs.
None of these stuck, which left him at the end of high school with no plan for what he wanted to do next. After working hard for so long, and with nothing else on his plate, he was left “completely empty inside.”
“I got really, really depressed and had to take a leave of absence and go to outpatient therapy,” Cullins said.
While in therapy, speaking with other patients and learning about their experiences, Cullins realized everything that he had been doing in his free time was work. Once he left, he started going to estate sales where he found tons of old
“I just thought it was absurd how much beautiful, creative work was from the past that people were just neglecting and not buying or framing,” he said. “So I just started hoarding it.”
Cullins started taking the art pieces he found and digitally scanning them into his computer, where he would play around with distorting, recoloring and glitching it until it had become unrecognizable from the original. He continued this hobby until he joined OIC in college, where he eventually became an executive member in the program. He saw how much money was being given out to his classmates, and he decided to take a chance and apply, hoping to turn his pastime into a business.
He won and was given the grant by OIC.
found that estate sales didn’t have the quantity that he needed. Cullins started reaching out to art museums around the country, asking to see their archives.
“They just give you a link to their internal archive and you can just pull from it. I have a catalog of like 65 major museums which I pull from,” Cullins said. “It’s all stuff that is sitting on basement level three, like you can see the file name, ‘basement level three, last showcased 12 years ago,’ and it’s all public domain.”
Cullins said Lazarus Archives has around 650,000 possible samples to choose from, which he has been slowly turning into prints. All of these pieces are decades old, but maintain a modern appeal due to their vintage aesthetics. As he puts it, the
from past art and media and morphing it into a Frankenstein’s monster of a cultural landscape.
As his education comes to an end, Cullins is all-in on Lazarus and is focusing solely on his business moving forward. He is confident in his ability to continue doing what he loves as a full-time job, and those around him agree.
“In a scene where we see a lot of contentious arguments around AI art and computer generated art, it’s really cool to see a business where he instead focuses more on the preservation of art and history,” said Tyler Grossaint, close friend to Cullins throughout college.
Cullins has begun to take the next step
Walker Cullins Founder of Lazarus Archives “
I just thought it was absurd how much beautiful, creative work was from the past that people were just neglecting and not buying or framing. So I just started hoarding it.
