University Day is Oregon State University's celebratory launch to the academic year. During this event, the university welcomes new employees, celebrates excellent work, and recognizes awards for teaching, mentoring, engagement, and research. Part of this event is the University Day Lecture, delivered by a distinguished leader, thinker, or scholar who inspires faculty and staff to reflect on their roles as educators committed to delivering OSU's land grant research university mission.
2023
Marcia McNutt, Ph.D.
President, National Academy of Sciences
2022
Ruth V. Watkins, Ph.D.
President, Strada Impact
2021
Dr. Holden Thorp
Editor-In-Chief of Science
2020
Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski
President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2019
Dr. Diana Natalicio
President Emerita, University of Texas at El Paso
2018
Michelle Kuo
Author, Reading with Patrick
2017
Harry Boyte
Senior Scholar in Public Work Philosophy, Augsburg College
2016
Dr. Carmen Suarez
Vice President for Global Diversity and Inclusion, Portland State University
2015
Brandon Busteed
Executive Director, Gallup Education
2014
Jeff Selingo
Author, There Is Life After College
2013
Dr. Caryn McTighe Musil
Distinguished Fellow, Association of American Colleges and Universities
2011
Kevin Fitzgerald
Veterinarian
2010
Dr. Jillian Kinzie
Associate Director, Center for Postsecondary Research