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.

2022 

Ruth V. Watkins, PhD
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