With the nomination and support of colleges and schools across a wide variety of disciplines, the Graduate School brought three speakers to Eugene in 2018-2019. As leaders in their field, all three shared their perspectives on study, life and success after graduation.
Beginning in the fall term, Angel Gambino returned to Eugene to speak at the School of Law. Gambino, a JD graduate, has an enviable track record of successful executive roles in technology.
For some time, she has been able to combine her passions with experiences in investment, founding ventures and as an advocate for the environment. Angel credited her time here as a large part of her success;
“For me, this is a great opportunity to return to what I affectionately refer to as my spiritual home. Everything I’ve done throughout my career is infused with Eugene, and the University of Oregon.”
Alumni engagement is central to the mission of the Graduate School.
“The goal of the DASP program is to provide students with insight into defining career paths and how the decisions that alumni have made on campus and post-graduation can lead to a fulfilling and successful career”, said Tori Byington, assistant dean in the Graduate School.
“I want to share my story with you. The hope is that in sharing the way I’ve navigated my journey, there might be sparks of inspiration about how it might apply to you, whether or not you’re interested in the same kinds of things that I’ve done.”
In November, Vicki Hanson sat down with Janet Woodruff-Borden, dean of the Graduate School.
As a cognitive psychology PhD graduate, Hanson turned her expertise in how people thought and learned toward a career in understanding accessibility and computing. Hanson was brought to campus to share stories from her established career, and both the hurdles and triumphs she faces in her leadership of the Association for Computing Machinery.
Throughout her presentation, Vicki gave her perspective on innovation and modern society, and how the students of today ought to navigate the trials of tomorrow.
“What I’m really interested in is the future of machines interacting with people. What will be the roles of machines and what will be the roles of people, and what is something uniquely good that machines can do?”.
Hanson challenged the audience to consider these questions and how they shape the future.
The final DASP speaker of the year was Brad Wilkins. Brad is an alumni of the sports physiology PhD program, and joined us on campus in January.
With over 20 years of experience in exercise and sport physiology research, Wilkins brought a unique and valuable perspective on career development to campus.
Wilkins has seen first-hand the value that meaningful work can have on a community, and on job satisfaction. After his recent success leading Nike’s Breaking2 campaign, Wilkins recognizes that every step in any career path is a valuable part of progression and growth.
“It’s not just about how do I get this job, or that job. It’s about creating a body of work that impacts the world.”
Student success is inextricably linked to success after graduation, and the contribution of alumni to this speaker series seeks to highlight and encourage these outcomes.
The Graduate School would like to thank all of those people across campus and the alumni community who have contributed to the DASP program this year.
DASP lectures and interviews from recent years can be re-watched online, and we encourage the graduate community to continue to connect and engage with alumni.
If you have a suggestion or nomination for our next distinguished alumni, please contact the Graduate School.