Oregon Fiber Traders’ community-building special sauce
CITY NEWS
Lane County Budget Committee approves historic funding cuts
By Mathias Lehman-Winters City News Editor
At a May 20 meeting of the Lane County Budget Committee, commissioners approved the largest reduction in full-time-equivalent positions in over a decade. The Fiscal Year 25-26 General Fund budget consisted of a $178,781,923 or 8.8% decrease from the FY 24-25 budget.
Full-time-equivalent positions represent the total number of hours worked by employees, when those hours are converted to hours expected from a full time position.
However, the committee did not advance a motion by Commissioner Laurie Trieger to reduce their individual $15,000 discretionary funds.
Lane County commissioner discretionary
Real estate developer Jordan Schnitzer gives $25 million gift to UO CAS
Acrobatics and tumbling takes next step towards NCAA Championship status
HEALTHCARE
The shortcomings of the UO Health Center
The UO Health Center appears to be a “medical home away from home,” but it leaves students with chronic health needs behind.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Tristin Hoffman
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR
Mathias Lehman-Winters
DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR
Alicia Santiago
CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
Jasmine Saboorian
CITY NEWS EDITOR
Mathias Lehman-Winters
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Tarek Anthony
A&C EDITOR
Jess McComb
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Brady Ruth
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Beatrice Byrd
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Molly McPherson
COPY CHIEF
Olivia Ellerbruch
COPY EDITOR
Alex Woodward
VIDEO EDITOR
Kendall Baldwin
PODCAST EDITOR
Evan Giordano
SOCIALS EDITOR
Sydney Wolfe
VISUALS EDITOR
Noa Schwartz
DESIGN EDITOR
Sam Butler
DESIGNERS
Eva Andrews
Adaleah Carman
Gabriela Martinez Contreras
Taylor Grace
Olivia Hoskinson
Ella Kenan
BUSINESS
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Eric Henry (X317) ehenry@dailyemerald.com
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CREATIVE & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Anna Smith (X327) creative@dailyemerald.com
STUDENT SALES MANAGER
Lola Tagwerker
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Cooper Gast
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THE DAILY EMERALD
The Daily Emerald is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald, the news organization was founded in 1900.
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“Disabling Reality”: theater for everyone
On June 7 and 8, Perfect Circle Theater will hold its fourth biennial play. The play, titled “Disabling Reality,” focuses on inclusion in a field that is often dominated by able-bodied, neurotypical participants.
By Ruby Duncan Investigative Reporter
Since its first production in 2016, Perfect Circle Theater has brought together University of Oregon students, faculty and community members to create a collaborative play. PCT is a course that students enrolled in the disabilities minor can take to fulfill their field work requirement.
Morris: Debating on applying to become an RA? Here’s some stuff to think about
The resident assistant role holds amazing opportunities for students: community, connections, leadership skills and so much more. Although, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to apply.
By Daria Morris Opinion Columnist
I am currently a sophomore and a first-year resident assistant. I applied to become an RA in the spring of my freshman year, and needless to say, it has been an interesting ride. If you do choose to apply, good for you!
Duck Store Board of Directors elected
Emerald Media Group 1395 University St.,#302 Eugene, Or 97403 (541)-346-5511
After an election in early May, the next members of the Duck Store Board of Directors have been announced.
By Stephanie Jersey Campus News Reporter
Between May 5 to May 9, University of Oregon students and faculty had the opportunity to cast their votes in the election for the Duck Store Board of Directors.
(ABOVE)
Photographed by Alex Hernandez
CAMPUS NEWS
Real estate developer Jordan Schnitzer gives $25 million gift to UO CAS
The School of Global Studies and Languages was also renamed after Schnitzer.
By Angelina Handris Campus News Reporter
On May 13, the University of Oregon announced that the College of Arts and Sciences received a commitment of $25 million from Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
UO President John Karl Scholz sent out an email regarding the gift addressed to the UO community.
“This gift will accelerate UO’s impact on the world while centering student success and a flourishing community,” the email read.
The email also announced that the School of Global Studies and Languages will also be renamed to the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages in recognition of Schnitzer’s contribution.
“The Schnitzer School will be home to the Center for Global Futures, bringing together interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners to address the complex global challenges of today and tomorrow,” the email said.
According to a press release regarding the gift, a total of $15 million will be given through 10 annual payments of $1.5 million. The first installment was received in spring 2025. An additional $10 million is committed as a “legacy gift” through Schnitzer’s estate.
The press release also the said commitment will be used to fund lectures, an annual academic conference, scholarship prizes, attracting new faculty and creating a new international relations major.
Schnitzer said that after discussing the School of Global Studies with Scholz, he met with the Executive Director of the School of Global Studies and Languages Aneesh Aneesh and was impressed with his insights.
“That led to drafting and negotiation, which took some time, and back-and-forth and backand- forth. We created this program, while the commitment is $25 million, it’s $1.5 million a year for 10 years, and we requested $10 million, in theory, for when I pass away,” Schnitzer said. “I would hope that we pay that off a lot
sooner. (I hope) I live a long time.”
Schnitzer said he feels good about the renaming of the school because it will honor his late parents, and that he hopes the school will prepare younger generations for the future.
“(What) I’ll feel good about, and on behalf of my late parents, is that this school will go on, I would hope in perpetuity. Its classes will evolve and change upon the current times, but hopefully attract and excite younger people to realize that they need to be prepared to deal with not only domestic issues but their national issues and have a broader perspective than just our cities, our state (and) our country,” Schnitzer said.
Schnitzer also said he hopes the school will prepare students for the changing world.
“As they say, the world is getting to be a smaller and smaller place, both physically by air travel, but also by the internet, media (and) communications. And people need to beware now that what happens in China or Russia, England, or in Pakistan or Canada or Mexico affects our democracy and our way of life,” Schnitzer said.
Vice Provost of Global Engagement Dennis Galvan said in an email statement to The Daily Emerald that the gift will allow UO students to become “global citizens.”
“The Schnitzer family’s extraordinary generosity implies the University of Oregon’s global engagement,” Galvan wrote. “This gift will empower generations of students in the School of Global Studies and Languages to become global citizens.”
Galvan also said the gift would help students in their careers by providing them with more opportunities.
“With multilingualism and cross-cultural experiences from Friendly Hall to experimental studying and interning abroad, they’ll be prepared to tackle global challenges and forge impactful careers,” Galvan wrote.
UO holds single largest Duck Day in school history
On April 18, UO hosted the single largest prospective student day in school history.
By Corey Hoffman Campus News Reporter
On Friday, April 18, the University of Oregon hosted 1,468 prospective students and guests in the single largest Duck Day in school history, according to Micah Howe, associate director for prospective student programs.
Duck Days are yearly campus events that allow admitted students and their guests to tour campus, attend academic sessions and learn about housing, financial aid and other campus activities.
According to Howe, the total attendance across all 2025 Duck Day events was the second-largest in school history.
“We (UO) were slightly behind 2022 attendance, when we hosted 1,978 students. However, we were pleased with this year’s numbers since we only hosted five events, compared to six in 2022,” Howe said.
Elliot Hunt, a UO student ambassador, said working Duck Days is a “rewarding experience.”
“Everyone attending is excited to be on campus because they’ve all been accepted. Both students and parents ask a lot more questions and stay engaged at a higher level on tours,” Hunt said.
A total of 4,838 people attended Duck Days in 2025, Howe said, with attendance ranging from 726 to 1,468 people per day.
“Of the 1,947 students who attended a Duck Day in 2025, 1,089 (56%) have accepted our offer of admission and (have) submitted their intent to register at the UO,” Howe said.
Hunt said the biggest difference
the size of the tour groups and the location of the welcome remarks and activity faire, which were held at Matthew Knight Arena, as opposed to the Erb Memorial Union.
“My favorite part about admitted student days is getting to see all of the students who decide during Duck Days that they want to become a Duck,” Hunt said. “I remember on my second or third Duck Day that I had a student in my tour group who was still on the fence about attending UO, but at the end of the day during reception, I saw them again and they had decided after my tour that they were going to become a Duck in the fall.”
Preparation for Duck Days begins four years in advance, with registration opening in mid-January of each year. According to Howe, classroom reservations, coordinating with presenters, discussions over parking and shuttle options and finalizing marketing happen a few months before the first event.
“Duck Days are especially popular with out-of-state families, so this allows time for them to make travel arrangements. We create staffing schedules, finalize room reservations and design printed agendas a few weeks before each event. Materials like folders, name tags and signage are organized a day or two in advance,” Howe said.
According to Howe, more than 75 faculty and staff members and nearly 100 student workers come together to host these “large-scale events.”
UO hosts other on-campus events and tours for admitted students other
ognition Day, Connections and Oregon
(ABOVE) The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is located on the University of Oregon campus. (Molly McPherson/Emerald)
• arcade • bar • pool tables • live DJs
karaoke • private events
karaoke • private events
•
• all ages until 9 • open daily til 2 AM
open daily til 2 AM
Level Up Arcade
facebook.com/leveluparcade • all ages until 9 • open daily til 2 AM • arcade • bar • pool tables • live DJs
• arcade • bar • pool tables • live DJs • karaoke • private events
open daily til 2 AM
Level Up Arcade
facebook.com/leveluparcade • all ages until 9
Level Up Arcade
facebook.com/leveluparcade
open daily til 2 AM
Level Up Arcade
Level Up Arcade
facebook.com/leveluparcade
Level Up Arcade
facebook.com/leveluparcade
FY 2025-2026
$178,781,923
8.8%
decrease from FY 2024-2025
County administrators point to low property taxes as one of the factors contributing to the county budget crisis as the budget committee votes to cut spending but opts to maintain their own $15,000 discretionary fund. FISCAL YEAR BUDGETS
Lane County Budget Committee approves historic funding cuts
Trieger said that the proposal was keeping in mind that commissioners generally don’t spend all the money allocated in their fund, as well as for the commission to demonstrate “some shared commitment to that pain” being brought about by the cuts.
Commissioner Ryan Ceniga said that while he appreciated Trieger’s thoughts on the topic, he has used part of his fund to help the Mapleton School District fix its potable water issues, and that the fund is particularly useful for those representing rural constituents.
Commissioner David Loveall concurred with Ceniga, and proceeded to highlight how he spent his discretionary fund.
Median Lane County Market Value for house
$368,888
Median annual county property tax is ~$737.78
MARKET VALUE FOR HOUSING GLOSSARY
Assessed Value:
The dollar value assigned to a property by a tax assessor to determine the taxation rate on a property.
Property Levies:
The total amount of money a taxing district collects in property taxes. A levy can refer to a specific tax approved by voters or a general property tax imposed by a district.
Tax Rate:
The percentage at which a property is taxed, often expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, a rate of $10 per $1,000 means a property with an assessed value of $200,000 owes $2,000 in taxes
Discretionary Fund:
Money in a government budget that is not pre-committed to specific obligations and can be allocated as decision-makers see fit, in this case the Lane County commissioners.
Fiscal Year:
A 12-month period used by governments and organizations for budgeting and financial reporting. It doesn't normally align with the calendar year; many local governments use July 1 to June 30 as their fiscal year.
funds are funds free from specific regulations that are available for distribution by the commissioner in question to any department or service they choose.
The budget committee is composed of the five county commissioners and five non-voting committee citizen members.
Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky said that while the issue of raising expenses and outpacing revenue growth affects governments across Oregon, Lane County is in a particularly poor position due to its “artificially low tax rate.”
Mokrohisky highlighted that in Lane County, the base tax rate on property per $1,000 of assessed value is $1.28. When factoring in additional county property levies, such as for schools and public safety, the tax rate increases to approximately $2. However, this is low compared to other Oregon counties of similar population and economic situations, Mokrohisky said.
Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Jackson and Deschutes counties all have effective tax rates, levies included, of $3.20 per $1,000 of assessed value.
That means that Lane County’s tax rate is “37% lower than the average,” Mokrohisky said.
Mokrohisky pointed out that the tax rate in Eugene is conversely 37% higher than that of other similarly sized cities.
“The average among the cities not including Eugene … is $5…The City of Eugene’s total…is $7.87. So there is a 2.87% difference greater between our largest cities and the others — interestingly, 37% higher,” Mokrohisky said.
According to the county’s calculations, Lane County has the third lowest tax rate of any Oregon county. This prevents the District Attorney’s office from having manageable caseloads, prevents the sheriff’s office from being able to provide adequate service to rural residents and prevents the county
“In Lane County the challenge is, we have cut so far that…we cant respond in the ways we really should be to our residents.”
- Steve Mokrohisky, Lane County Administrator
assessor’s office from hiring the staff needed to re-appraise properties. “We are not going to be able to fix the fundamental problem until we address the revenue side of the equation,” Mokrohisky said.
Following Mokrohisky’s presentation, Trieger introduced a proposal that would shrink each commissioners’ discretionary fund from $15,000 annually to $5,000 annually. Each of the five Lane County Commissioners possesses a discretionary fund that can be utilized for constituent services and additional staff.
Loveall said he invested approximately $2,000 in the Springfield block party, $1,500 to provide the Springfield High School Mariachi Band with new uniforms, he contributed “a couple thousand” to the Springfield Police Departments’ drone program and he contributed funding for the Kinkel Scholarship — helping students to bridge the gap in education funds.
“To me, I think these funds are a direct reflection about how the commissioner is involved not only in their district, but also understands the specific needs of their district,” Loveall said.
Commissioner Pat Farr expressed his position on maintaining the discretionary funds at their current level. Commissioner Heather Buch said she would “be fine with” reducing the fund to $5,000. She believes having the funds to provide administrative assistance to the commissioners would be “of greater impact to what we do, and what this was originally meant for.”
The commission did not bring the issue of discretionary funds to a vote, but did vote unanimously to approve the reductions in the FY 25-26 budget.
( BELOW ) Lane County Commissioner, Pat Farr, delivers his speech on Jan 7, 2025. (Miles Cull/Emerald)
LinkedIn: Online networking platform or mental health hazard?
There are over one billion users on LinkedIn. With so many users to compare ourselves to, how do we navigate a balance of networking and mental health?
By Leo Heffron Opinion Columnist
As a junior heading into summer, landing an internship feels like the ultimate goal for many students. For many of my peers, this can make or break their summer.
While on my search for an internship, I signed up for an app that many use called LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social network oriented around business and employment. After a couple of months, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with the app.
Don’t get me wrong — I think LinkedIn has many positive aspects. I can see what my peers are working on and give them kudos. I can also share my achievements and potentially catch the attention of employers.
Hayden Abbott, a junior advertising student at the University of Oregon, agrees. He is a semi-frequent user of LinkedIn and noted some of the benefits.
“I use LinkedIn multiple times per week, and it’s nice because I get to see what my colleagues are up to professionally. I also have met people through LinkedIn who are like-minded,” Abbott said.
LinkedIn is great for virtual networking. However, I’m not a fan of how surface-level and performative this social platform seems.
I’ve noticed that almost all LinkedIn update posts about
Milly is a senior at UO majoring in Journalism with a minor in Sustainable Business. She has been writing for the opinion desk for three years and likes to write articles about drugs, politics, and societal issues.
new internships and jobs seem similar.
Scroll for five minutes, and you’ll find the same formula: “I’m thrilled to announce...” followed by a company logo and a list of the position’s responsibilities. It starts to feel more like a competition than a celebration.
Where is the creativity? Who says these posts need to follow the same prompt?
While Abbott recognized the benefits of LinkedIn, he also mentioned some things to be cautious about.
“I think it’s easy to get hung up on how many connections you have or compare yourself to someone who just got a nice internship,” Abbott said.
That’s my biggest concern: instead of networking, I end up comparing myself to others, and it takes a toll on my mental health.
In an article titled “Associations Between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress,” the authors found that within a group of 1,780 people ages 19 to 32, those who used professional social networking sites like LinkedIn one or more times per week were more likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety.
While LinkedIn can be helpful, it’s worth setting boundaries around how often we use it to limit these effects.
Camcole Pereira, a junior business student, uses Linke-
Leo is an opinion columnist for the Daily Emerald. He is a third-year student studying journalism and Spanish. Leo enjoys writing about many topics, but fashion and social media are his favorites.
dIn at least once a day in his search for an internship.
“I think that of my social media, LinkedIn is the most stressful,” Pereira said. “I need to turn my notifications off, but I am reaching out to people for internships right now, so I can’t.”
It’s a tough spot for Pereira and many others. When people post about their achievements, it’s good to be happy for them, but at the same time, it makes you feel behind if you’re not up to par.
This leads to the dilemma of how to manage LinkedIn without completely deleting it.
One tip that’s helped me: delete the app from your phone. I’ve done this with other social media apps, and if I really want to check it, I’ll use my computer, which, in my opinion, takes way more effort.
If you don’t want to go that far, turn off your notifications and set a time limit. This can be helpful with many apps, but especially for LinkedIn. You’ll only remember to check it naturally, not because of a notification promoting some performance post.
At the end of the day, LinkedIn isn’t inherently bad — but it can hurt our mental health if we let it. Your connection count doesn’t define your success, and neither does a summer internship. Don’t be afraid to use LinkedIn, but don’t let it define your self-worth.
We have forgotten what healthy body goals should be
Warm weather comes with fewer clothes, but as the temperature rises, so does the pressure to achieve the “perfect body.” There is one issue with that, though: it isn’t attainable.
By Milly Gamlen Opinion Columnist
The weather getting warmer brings a lot of joy to the students of the University of Oregon. Suddenly, the quads are full of people, the river is packed and everyone seems happier in general.
There is, of course, the flip side of the weather getting warmer and clothing becoming less layered. The sudden flooding of social media with gym content, and the ‘how to get your dream summer body’ videos.
The gym culture that inhabits social media has become so extreme it almost feels like society has forgotten that the goal is health. Unfortunately, our perception of what it actually looks like to be healthy is skewed nowadays.
In my mind, being healthy means a few things. It means eating the amount of food needed to fuel your body and make you feel full, living a life that makes you feel at peace, eating food that your body can convert into fuel instead of waste and being fit.
The last one is the thing I think we have warped. People’s relationship with food can sometimes be a huge problem, but I think that’s a symptom of our definition of looking fit.
We can see that in a variety of different ways, one of which is the way the “ideal” body type in women has changed over time.
In women, the body types are vastly different from decade to decade. During the 60s and the emergence of Twiggy, thin was in. However, having no curves was a sharp 180 from the decade
before, where Marilyn Monroe and her Hollywood counterparts led curves to the top. From the 70s and 80s, the supermodel physique began to creep onto the scene. People like Cindy Crawford set the standard as tall and slender, but then it went even further, and Kate Moss reintroduced the “heroin chic” that had been left in the 60s.
Now, curves are in. But not all curves.
Now, it seems like the expectation is for women to have washboard abs and large glutes but also still look petite. While also being strong. But not too strong. But also toned all over.
I put out a survey on my Instagram story asking, “How has social media altered what you view as a healthy body?”
The responses were overwhelming, but I kept seeing a few running themes.
“For a long time, it made me think a healthy body was an extremely skinny one,” Ava Tsouo, a recent grad, said. Her response perfectly aligned with McKenna Murray, a freshman at UO, who said, “Influencers always use Facetune/edit/use filters to make themselves look skinnier.”
“That healthy is either ‘model skinny’ or hitting the gym every day,” Vivian Rush, a graduating senior, said. Rush talked about how the “body positivity” posts also often come off as counterproductive, saying, “I don’t see that every body type is acceptable, I just see that sometimes it’s okay.” Those are just a few. With all of these standards being placed on us from our phones and the media we consume, how could we not feel uncomfortable at times?
I would like to take a moment to explain what being fit should mean in my opinion: to me, it means being able to feel comfortable and strong in your body and mind.
I understand that it is a privilege to be able-bodied and of sound mind, and I think that utilizing that is important. I don’t think, however, that we all need to look like we’re chiseled from marble.
If that’s what you want, I commend your dedication, but it should not be the standard.
(Noa Schwartz/Emerald)
The shortcomings of the UO Health Center
Maddox Brewer Knight is an opinion columnist at the Daily Emerald. She is a second-year CHC student pursuing a double major in English and Spanish and a minor in linguistics. As a lifelong Oregonian, Maddox cares deeply about confronting social issues both within UO and in the greater community to make our home region a better environment for all.
By Maddox Brewer Knight Opinion Columnist
Like many freshmen, I was incapacitated by the freshman flu.
My first year on campus was marked by a symphony of coughing, hacking and wheezing. I had never struggled with significant health issues in the past, but the introduction of new germs must have caused a panic in my immune system.
I wasn’t alone in this fate, as many other unlucky freshmen could be heard stifling their sneezes across lecture halls. From COVID-19 and strep throat to anxiety and depression, it seemed as though no one escaped unscathed.
As an incoming student, I was prepared for the incessant illness, as many upperclassmen had warned me about the “freshman flu” phenomenon. However, I had not foreseen how difficult it would be to receive treatment.
Every fall, lampposts across campus flutter with fliers announcing the virtues of the University of Oregon Health Center. The health center, located conveniently on campus, boasts of a clinic, pharmacy and counseling center. The UO website states that the health center can be “your medical home away from home,” offering students “comprehensive primary care services, as well as acute care, sports medicine, psychiatry, gynecology and endocrinology.”
All this can be yours through the UO Student Health Benefits Plan, which costs $3,516 a year.
Students subscribed to an in-network non-university insurance plan can access the same services for the low cost of premiums, copays and deductibles, while those with out-of-network plans — often plans from states other than Oregon — must pay a steeper per-visit fee.
*
41-47% of students on campus report struggling with depression and anxiety
I had been informed about all these attributes during freshman orientation, so when I first contracted the flu, I made a beeline to the UO Health Center. I was met with a disappointing surprise: the triage nurse was booked up for the next few weeks.
I was redirected to the PeaceHealth Urgent Care, where I had to wait for five hours and pay $95 out of pocket for a consultation and prescription. The pattern persisted — each time I fell ill, I would be redirected to outside facilities for
treatment, usually accompanied by a hefty fee. The school had sung praises of the UO Health Center’s high-quality facilities, but they were never accessible when I needed them the most. Appointments needed to be booked weeks in advance, an easy ask for scheduled check-ups but an impossible feat when faced with an unforeseen illness.
Other students echoed similar experiences.
“My issues in scheduling appointments have made me unable to get my medical conditions checked, requiring me to make unnecessary visits to the emergency room,” Henry Petito, a UO sophomore, said.
As a student on the medical track, Petito notes this as a cause for concern: “It causes a delay in the emergency room staff’s ability to help patients truly experiencing emergencies, as well as forcing me to waste my time and money.”
“In my freshman year, I got an exceptionally bad case of eczema out of nowhere, and after six weeks of trying, I finally got an appointment at the health center,” Larissa Vandehey, a UO senior, said. “They told me it was the soap or detergent that I’d been using for more than two years at that point and basically said I was fine.”
“I didn’t find the school insurance that useful,” Tetianna Smith Drysdale, a UO junior, said. “The one time I did go to the UO Health Center for something, the nurses couldn’t draw my blood correctly — they were so bad that my arms were cramped for the rest of the day.”
To understand more on how the Health Center operates and works with student’s needs, The Daily Emerald requested an interview with the UO Health Center three times, but at the time of publishing this article did not hear back from the Health Center. The Emerald also reached out to UO Spokesperson Eric Howald twice before the publishing of this article, but has yet to hear back from Howald for any response to student’s statements in this article.
27% of students reported having severe depression
The UO Health Center is the perfect resource for students whose medical needs end at the occasional sports injury, STD screening or flu shot.
However, for students with more complex or chronic issues, the health center often serves as a mere concierge, pointing them towards more costly services that the university is too busy or undersupplied to provide.
The services covered by the university concentrate on preserving the functionality of the student body rather than truly ensuring its health. The state-of-the-art sports medicine center keeps its athletes churning out revenue. The STD-screening and readily-available contraceptives soothe community concerns about sexual safety and keep students from dropping out due to the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. The free flu and COVID-19 shots prevent the spread of contagious diseases, keeping lecture halls full and student workers clocked in.
These are all crucial services — but for many, they are not enough.
Students with hidden or non-contagious ailments often find the UO Health Plan entirely insufficient for their needs. These unseen issues don’t impact the university’s profits or enrollment rates, and as such, they often fall beyond the scope of university-provided services.
18% of students reported having severe anxiety
Many students report issues getting prescriptions for their chronic conditions filled at the UO pharmacy. “My prescribed medication has been on a three month backorder,” Petito said. “I’ve received minimal communication from the school, with no expected time when it will arrive. The lack of medication has led to nearly constant nausea and unnecessary pain.”
Mental health is another invisible illness that appears to be considered a lower priority by UO Health Services.
UO junior Emma Deutschmann reported being put on the waitlist for 12 months to receive psychiatric services, while sophomore Torsten Madsen waited for five months. In a campus where 41% and 47% of students reported struggling with depression and anxiety respectively, mental healthcare should be easily accessible, but short-staffing and high demand makes counseling a luxury.
Of course, there are only so many services that
the university can provide. The budget is limited, and the rarer the condition, the less likely that UO Health Services will be equipped to treat it.
Nor can these shortcomings be blamed on the UO Health Services staff, who work hard to provide quality care with the resources they’re given.
“The system is screwed up as is, and the small building can’t keep up with the large student body that continues to grow,” Petito said. “I believe the problem is due to the university’s failure to properly budget and fund what needs to be supported, and the recent federal attack on health and education hasn’t helped.”
Currently, UO Health Services are funded by the Student Administrative Health Fee, a fee built into the cost of tuition. Despite being subsidized by the students, this fund does not serve as student health insurance.
UO Health Services’ inability to meet the needs of a growing student population is problematic, but it is a long-term problem — one that will require brainstorming and extra funding to remedy, a task made more daunting by the school’s current dire financial straits.
The more urgent issue lies in the marketing of the UO Health Plan.
Currently, the plan is pitched to incoming freshmen as a one-stop shop for all their healthcare needs. Readily-available resources, such as the UO web page or the fall term campus advertisements, do nothing to acknowledge the plan’s limitations.
“The way that they advertised it was a little pushy, and I only got it because I thought it was required,” Smith Drysdale said. “I feel like they could’ve made it clear that there were other options. It’s clear that they really want money more than anything else.”
College freshmen — the plan’s target demographic — are often inexperienced at navigating the healthcare system independently. For many of them, college is the first time they have had to manage their own insurance. They deserve to be warned of the possible out-of-pocket costs they will be required to incur before signing on to a
$3,516 annual commitment.
The UO Health Center is a valuable resource, but it is not yet the fully-fledged clinic its advertising materials purport it to be. In future years, I hope that UO will provide its incoming students with the facts necessary to make an informed decision about their healthcare coverage.
In the meantime, I urge students considering the UO Health Plan to research its coverage and consult with their peers about their experiences with UO Health Services. The university has a financial incentive to sell you its insurance plan whether it is functional or not — it is up to you to make the right decision for your personal healthcare needs, whatever they may be.
College freshmen, the plan’s target demographic, are often inexperienced at navigating the healthcare system independently. For many of them, college is the first time they have had to manage their own insurance.
- Henry Petito UO Sophomore “ “
ARTS & CULTURE
A spring- into- summer playlist
A Daily Emerald playlist for students itching for summer to begin.
By Claire Coit Arts & Culture Writer
Summer is on the horizon. The sun has finally returned here in Eugene and classes are coming to an end. Spring is transitioning into summer and students are filled with anticipation for the freedom ahead — a vibe best captured by a good playlist. With a blend of breezy indie and nostalgic hits, this playlist is perfect for a day down at the river or a grad party in the backyard.
“Spring Into Summer”
- Lizzy McAlpine
This song from McAlpine –– great for your playlist title track –– explores transitioning between the old and the new. Full of nostalgic warmth and expert lyricism, McAlpine tells a story of love and loss over warm chords and loopy melodies.
“Sol Ddel Sur”
- Sun Room
This next track from Sun Room, a SoCal band created during the pandemic, brings in the surf rock needed for a sunny day by the river. With optimistic lyrics yearning for a place where the sun never sets, Sun Room brings levity with echoey vocals and clean guitar riffs.
“What I Got”
- Sublime
Sublime! Who doesn’t love Sublime on their summer playlist? This track from their self-titled third album is full of excitement and good energy. It’s great for relaxing in a hammock in between classes on campus or strutting to take your last final of the year.
“Nova Scotia 500”
- Boyscott
Boyscott’s lyrics and melodies in this song evoke a sense of adventure, which is perfect for that building feeling of summer anticipation. The song was written in memory of the band’s trip to Acadia National Park, evident through their lyrics about climbing
Oregon Fiber Traders’ community-building special sauce
Why Laural O’Rourke, drawing from her past, believes that her second-hand clothing store can help build better futures.
By Cass Morrison Arts & Culture Writer
After attending beauty school, serving in the military and working for the government, a range of unique experiences have shaped Laural O’Rourke’s perspective as a local business owner. Since relocating her second-hand clothing store in November 2024, O’Rourke’s vision for her second-hand clothing store, Oregon Fiber Traders, is more than just to make a profit — it’s to build a community.
Raised by parents who both taught at the University of Oregon, O’Rourke’s exposure to the academic environment from a young age made her aware of both local and global complexities.
“My dad is a philosopher,” O’Rourke said. “I knew of Plato before I knew about playdough.”
mountains and swimming in the bay. It’s one of my favorites on the playlist.
“Semi-Charmed
Life”
- Third Eye Blind
This song is a nostalgic, scream-outloud with your friends hit. From Third Eye Blind’s first studio album, it’s a great song to play on full volume in the car with friends. Lead singer Stephan Jenkins rattles off the lyrics in a rhythmic way that will bring up the energy at any late-term function.
“Float On”
- Modest Mouse
“Float On” is a great pick for quelling that nervous feeling of wondering what comes next. Modest Mouse reminds listeners that no matter what, everything will be A-okay. Whether you’ve backed into a cop car or lost your job, the point of the song is that life floats on. For graduating seniors, this is an obvious pick.
“Ventura Highway”
- America, George Martin
What’s better than America’s “Ventura Highway” blasting from the speakers as you fly down the highway with friends heading to Lake Dexter or Willamette National Forest? With longer days and nights stronger than moonshine (if you’re of age, of course), June is the perfect month to listen to this folky classic.
“Better
Together”
- Jack Johnson
And, to round it all off, Jack Johnson. Mr. Curious George himself brings sweet, nostalgic vibes through his lyrics about boxes of photographs and postcards. The song reminds listeners that life can be scary, but having your favorite people by your side makes it easy. His blissful riffs and melodic chords bring a sense of happiness that’s great to end off this spring-into-summer playlist.
O’Rourke’s ambition involves healing, both personally and communally. “My operating instructions are to hold myself accountable in loving ways. I used to hold myself accountable in really harsh ways because that’s what my upbringing was like,” she said.
As a local business owner, O’Rourke said inclusivity plays a significant role in her vision for the future of Oregon Fiber Traders as a beacon of community.
“Being a Black woman in this town makes you very aware of who’s forgotten and not seen,” O’Rourke said.
Increased awareness of injustices like discrimination bears a heavy burden but also lights the path to change. O’Rourke explained that, although getting upset about injustice in this world is exhausting, she was recently reminded that ignorance is bliss and knowledge is power.
“I just want to connect with people,” O’Rourke said. “I think, after COVID-19, we’re hungry for connection, but we don’t understand what we’re hungry for.”
Unlike how large-scale second-hand clothing operations seek to maximize revenue, O’Rourke envisions a culture that prioritizes community over capital.
“In our society, we’re not connecting, and we’re not listening at all,” she said. Having a space for conversations is integral in building strong connections. Furthermore, O’Rourke notes that conversation plays a key role in social change.
“I used to be like, ‘don’t tell me what to say,’ but now I understand that language is power,” she said.
O’Rourke’s early exposure to the importance of language was formative in how she later came to understand other forms of communication — specifically visual communication and self-expression in the realm of fashion.
During beauty school, O’Rourke started modeling and began to better understand the significance of visual presentation.
“I already knew how important verbal presentation was because my mom taught English,” she said, but she quickly began to grasp how clothes and self-presentation function in society. “Fashion is wearable art,” O’Rourke said.
O’Rourke’s work ethic, like her knack for visual presentation, has been influenced by the sharper scrutiny she has faced throughout her life as a Black woman.
“I do think in a lot of ways I have to work harder than that person next to me. I’ve had to prove myself all the time,” she said. Hard work, as well as hope, are central to her goal to create an involved community.
“If I’m not working hard enough, I’ll just work harder until I get to where I need to go,” O’Rourke said.
Her long-term plan for Oregon Fiber Traders includes sewing lessons and eventually having her own clothing line. Despite the difficulties of running a small business, O’Rourke remains optimistic with a game plan: “Connecting with people is my special sauce.”
(Stephanie Yang/Emerald)
(Alyssa Garcia/Emerald) Oregon Fiber Traders is a resale clothing shop, selling and buying various pieces of clothing and accessories in Eugene.
Clothing racks filled with an assortment of women’s clothing at Oregon Fiber Traders. (Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
HONORING OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Since Day 1 over 100 years ago, student team members have been an essential part of our team. Their time with us ranges from seasonal to part-time and more, providing them with new skills and perspectives, and preparing them for a future beyond The Duck Store.
We’re proud to be a part of our team members’ University of Oregon experience, championing their potential both now as students and into their futures. Join us in celebrating our graduating team and Board members at tds.tw/25TDSgrads
Sponsored Content
Graduation Gift Guide
The final countdown to graduation has begun! But just because the Duck in your life has graduated, doesn’t mean the supply of Duck gear has to stop. Stay representing UO in green and yellow long past commencement with these perfect graduation gifts.
Champion Cotton “Oregon” Crewneck
One thing that never goes out of style? College crewnecks. Whether your grad plans on staying in Eugene or is heading beyond the Pacific Northwest, this crewneck with the iconic green and yellow “Oregon” logo is perfect for a casual day at the office or heading to Autzen to cheer on the Ducks. Pro tip: Order a few sizes bigger for the perfect cozy, oversized look.
“O” Alumni Decal
Be proud of where your degree is from and upgrade your waterbottle, window or bumper with this yellow sticker. At only $7, this budget-friendly option is the perfect gift to let the grad in your life know you’re proud.
MCM Kapston Pierce
Padfolio (Zippered & Grey with Yellow O)
Send your grad into the world looking sharp and organized. This padfolio doesn’t just hold resumessleek, zipped, and stamped with a bold yellow “O,” it’s ideal for interviews, grad school or making a confident statement in a first job.
Yellow O-Shaped Ceramic Shot Glass
For the grad who knows how to work hard and celebrate, this unique O-shaped shot glass is a fun way to say “cheers!” Whether displayed on a shelf or used on grad night, it’s a conversation starter for sure.
Quilted Black Spirit Blanket with Green O Wing
Big enough for tailgates and cozy enough for bingewatching, this spirit blanket wraps up the college experience in warm Duck pride. Bonus: it makes a great comfort item during any potential post-grad existential crises.
Picture Frame, Key Tab & Pen Gift Box Set
Three classics in one elegant box! This trio is all about the glow-up: a pen for signing offer letters, a frame for that iconic cap-and-gown photo and a key tab for their new office or apartment keys. Wrapped in school pride, it’s classy with the iconic UO look.
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the thrilling start of another—and there’s no better way to celebrate your Duck than with gifts that keep the UO spirit alive from The Duck Store. Whether it’s a cozy crewneck, a sleek padfolio or a fun keepsake, each item is a reminder of where they’ve been and the bold path ahead. So show your support and share your pride, decked out in green and yellow, of course.
with
1 Roman love god (also anagram of ROSE, fittingly)
2 Fun chicken nugget shape
3 The Uin EMU
4 Helpful code like 34015 utilized in 1-Across 5 YouTube content, slangily
6 Use scissors
8 Became night, so to speak
9 Above 3.75 of this lands you on the Dean’s List
14 Man in the Box band ___ in Chains
15 Fight Song players, for short
16 Interjection of dejection 17 lol or rofl relative
19 Female honorific
20 Saxophone type often confused with tenor
22 Condition often confused with perfectionism
Many Ducks earn Big Ten accolades as regular season ends
Oregon’s elite talent continues to be rewarded
Hayward magic at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Ranking how high school mascots would fare in different track and field events
Acrobatics and tumbling takes next step towards NCAA Championship status
A vote on May 15 recommended the sport for championship legislation; the first championship will take place in 2027.
By Owen Murray Sports Reporter
Collegiate acrobatics and tumbling took another major step towards NCAA Championship status on May 15.
The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics voted in favor of a recommendation that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation that would confirm acrobatics and tumbling as a Championship sport. It would be potentially approved at the 2026 NCAA Convention in Washington D.C. — which would then allow its earliest competition to occur with the 2027 season.
The sport, which has been an NCAA Emerging Sport for women since 2020, has been on a steady track for adoption as an NCAA Championship Sport. Adoption would mean that acrobatics and tumbling would compete in a season-end NCAA Championship, like other association sports. The 2026 NCAA Convention, where the deciding vote would occur, is scheduled for January 14-17, 2026, with the first championship to be competed the following spring.
In its release, the NCAA noted that the recom mendation is “contingent on official confirmation of the sport’s sponsorship and participation num bers for spring 2025 competition, which will occur over the summer.”
Acrobatics and tumbling is currently run by the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association, which hosted its first meet in 2010. The NCATA organizes and facilitates the Nation al Championships every year, which invites eight teams and select non-team competition athletes to a postseason playoff. In April 2025, No. 2 Oregon lost to No. 1 Baylor in the NCATA Champion ship.
Oregon’s acrobatics and tumbling program has won four NCATA Championships since its incep tion in 2010. Head coach Taylor Susnara, a former All-American at Oregon, will enter her fifth sea son as the Ducks’ head coach in 2026.
Ruth: A trip to Omaha and a week to remember
Covering the Big Ten Baseball Tournament for The Daily Emerald was an experience I’ll never forget.
By Brady Ruth Sports Editor
Just 34 minutes after the final out was recorded in Saturday’s 7-3 loss to Nebraska, Oregon head coach Mark Wasikowski walked into an empty press conference room. I sat there and faced him, the lone Oregon media representative at the Big Ten Baseball Tournament as he gave his opening remarks.
“First thing I’d like to say is it’s an honor to be in the Big Ten Tournament. I thought the Big Ten did a really nice job with their details and things that they were about. Very impressed with their organization’s operation and disappointed that we didn’t play at our best potential to be able to show the people of Omaha our best reflection of our team,” Wasikowski said.
I agree on both fronts. The Ducks didn’t play well — they scored seven runs in two games — but the tournament was awesome.
I was thrilled for the chance to see the historic Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, during the 2025 Big Ten Baseball Tournament.
Fifteen games took place over a span of six days before the hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers were eventually crowned. While people voiced their hatred of the tourna-
ment’s pool-play format, citing that it created “meaningless” games, I don’t think I watched a single contest that didn’t matter for NCAA tournament seeding or the players on the field.
Oregon got bounced in pool-play after defeating Michigan State 4-2 and falling to Nebraska 7-3. It was a shorter trip than the Ducks had hoped for, but it gave me the chance to watch the other talented teams that the Big Ten boasts.
Just as I did last year in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the final Pac-12 Baseball Tournament, I watched the championship game from the bleachers. This time, I got to see Nebraska explode from its dugout after winning its second Big Ten Tournament title in as many years. The Huskers needed to win the tournament outright to make the NCAA Tournament, and they got it done.
After all the negative narrative around the Big Ten Tournament’s format, Nebraska reminded me why we still play conference tournaments: it’s not for the teams that have already punched their tickets and are only playing for seeding. It’s for the underdog, Cinderella stories of teams with nothing to lose who aren’t ready to give up on their dreams, seniors or season.
