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The Beaver who changed the high jump forever

We join the rest of Beaver Nation in mourning the passing of Dick Fosbury, '72, a Beaver legend who changed his sport as we know it. Fosbury leapt backward over the bar to win gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics: the first athlete to use in international competition a technique now known as the “Fosbury Flop” and used by most high jumpers today. Fosbury's out-of-the-box thinking changed his sport forever through a revolutionary style of high jumping perfected at the location where Dixon Recreation Center now stands. Beaver Nation honored his contributions to his sport, and to the university, when a bronze statue was unveiled there in 2018, immortalizing his athletic achievement. “This is something I’ll never forget,” he said; his OSU family, and the world, will never forget him. One of the most influential Beavers of all time, Fosbury was a recipient of the OSU Alumni Association's highest honor, the E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award.

Inside the minds of OSU alumni shaping Portland | April 11

This year, the annual OSU Alumni Fellows program looks at how Beavers are making an impact close to home — in Portland, the university’s largest alumni base. Meet 12 alumni with remarkable wisdom to share during the Alumni Fellows Online Celebration, where you’ll be able to hear from and talk directly with alumni who are transforming their professions, revitalizing and creating opportunities within Portland and building success for current and future Beavers.

EVENTS

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The science of happiness | April 4

Spend an evening with Laurie Santos, Yale professor of psychology and creator of the popular podcast, “The Happiness Lab.” An expert on human cognition and cognitive biases, Santos will share new results in psychological science that can teach us to stress less and enjoy more.

This free, virtual presentation is part of the Provost Lecture Series — which brings renowned thinkers, writers, scientists, artists and leaders to OSU to engage, challenge and inspire. It is presented by the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation.

What is “peak performance?” | April 12

Join an in-person, hands-on training with OSU kinesiology faculty to unravel the clichés about peak performance and getting “the most” out of athletes. You’ll come away with the skills and knowledge it takes to make sure kids of all ages and abilities have a safe, fun and uplifting experience.

Get career advice straight from the source | April 5, 6 and 20

No two careers are identical, but you'll find amazing pearls of wisdom by learning about the career paths of other people. Join Ask Alumni webcasts hosted by OSU alumni affinity groups, where you can grow your network while Beavers help you lay the groundwork for success in your college life and career.

April 5 | The how-tos of salary negotiation | Hosted by Vamos OSU

April 6 | Navigating life after college | Hosted by Black Alumni and Friends Network

More events:

Member shopping event: adidas Employee Store | March 1 – 31
Hit the ground running on your wellness goals. Enjoy special access to savings of up to 50% off the latest apparel, accessories and footwear. Not an OSUAA member? Join online to access this perk.

Farm 2 Fork – Sustainability at Nestlé | March 17
Online
Learn about Nestlé’s unique endeavor to achieve zero net emissions by 2050 in a talk with Sustainability Manager Rao Mandava and OSU’s Food Science and Technology Department.

Decision Making for Marine Robotics | March 21
Online
The College of Engineering’s Geoff Hollinger explores how we can alleviate cost- and time-related limitations when using marine robots for gathering information, such as environmental monitoring and offshore inspection.

Travel Talks – Italian Wine and Coffee | March 21
Join the OSU Alumni Group Travel Program and Associate Professor of Enology Elizabeth Tomasino to savor fascinating insights about two of the world’s most popular beverages, wine and coffee, and learn how to take your new knowledge on the road with upcoming Italian getaways.

2023 Graduate Engineering Research Showcase | April 11
In person and online
Join nine grad students for live micro-presentations about their research on engineering topics from artificial intelligence to bicycle crash mitigation. Then, chat with the presenters and experience virtual reality interactive displays.

Your gifts go further on Dam Proud Day | April 26

The countdown is on for Dam Proud Day, a day of giving and connecting when Beavers everywhere support what they’re most proud of at Oregon State. Will you help make college more affordable for students by supporting the OSU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund?

See our collective impact in real time

Dam Proud Day is one of the most exciting days of the year! See it all unfold in the palm of your hand by signing up to receive texts from the OSU Foundation. For Dam Proud Day, you’ll receive reminders, updates and our gratitude via text message!

BEAVERS DOING THE UNBELIEVABLE

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» OSU is the state’s No. 1 research university, with a record $471.5 million in research grants and contracts. In the new 2022 annual research report, see the impacts of breakthrough OSU research that investigates combating disease, building resilient workforces, reducing industrial carbon emissions and much more.

» Arlyn Moreno Luna, ’13, MPP ’15, is breaking down access barriers for underrepresented students as they navigate the complexities of higher education and building community at her alma mater as vice chair of Vamos OSU.

» Xiaohui Chang, associate professor of business analytics and a Toomey Faculty Fellow, is studying how machine learning and big data might help accelerate the spread of truth in the battle against misinformation online.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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Travel Talk | Croatia’s Coast

Learn about Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast from OSU faculty members Selina and Scott Heppell, who conducted environmental research there for years. Their tales will make you want to pack up your suitcase and head out today!

If you’re feeling inspired and ready for an adventure, check out upcoming tours you can enjoy with the OSU Alumni Group Travel Program as early as this summer.

» Historic Baseball Tour | June 3 – 8, 2023
Private tours at Yankee Stadium, historic Fenway Park and National Baseball Hall of Fame, plus live game action.

» Classic Europe - OSU Graduation Tour | June 24 – July 4, 2023
England, France, Italy, Vatican City, Greece; the ultimate adventure for recent grads!

» Alaskan Heritage & Wildlife | Aug. 6 – 13, 2023
Anchorage, Denali National Park, landscape views by train and boat and tours of a working kennel and a reindeer farm.

FUN FOR MINI-BEAVS

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Is your pet a Beaver at heart?

Oregon State fans come in every shape and form, like the llama in this fun OSU coloring page.

If your pet llama, cat or dog is an OSU fan like you, sign up to become a member of Benny’s Buddies Pet Club. Members are randomly selected each month to win pet prize packs!

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