| The University of Oregon is a member of the Association of American Universities, whose membership totals only fifty-six public and private institutions of higher learning in the United States and Canada. More than 750 full-time faculty members and several hundred adjunct professors and graduate teaching fellows serve as mentors to more than 16,600 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the university. Its 250-acre campus is an arboretum of more than 2,000 varieties of trees - an appropriate symbol for a state whose beauty and economy are forest based. Architectural styles on campus range from century-old Deady Hall, the first building on campus and now a National Historic Landmark, to the newly constructed science complex, a $45.3 million project that was the single largest building program in the UO's and Eugene's history. The complex comprises four new science buildings and extensively renovated existing structures. |  |
| The fertile soils and lush vegetation of the Willamette Valley
create the setting for Eugene and its sister city, Springfield. Together, they form the
state's third largest metropolitan center with a combined population of about 200,000.
Located at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, Eugene and Springfield
are known for their inherent beauty and cultural vitality. The enthusiasm for track and
field at the University of Oregon has permeated the region. It is a runner's and
bicyclist's paradise with over 200 miles of jogging and cycling paths.
Cultural events in Eugene provide entertainment by internationally renowned artists from around the world. The Oregon Bach Festival and the Oregon Festival of American Music are annual musical events held in Eugene during the summer months. The Hult Center for Performing Arts facility has received glowing reviews for its architectural beauty and clear acoustics. The facility is also used by a wide variety of visiting musical and drama groups as well as by the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ballet, Oregon Mozart Players, and Eugene Opera. |
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The university itself offers first-class musical and
drama events and sponsors films, art shows, and lectures throughout the year. Fine arts
are displayed at the UO Museum of Art, famed for its Asian collection, and at more than a
dozen local galleries.
Among the attractions of downtown Eugene are the Fifth Street Public Market with its many boutiques and shops, the pedestrian mall, and The Eugene Saturday Market -- an open-air extravaganza of crafts, food, and entertainment, occurring each weekend, April through the winter holidays. |
| Living in Oregon is one of the
benefits of attending the University of Oregon. Residents take pride in their state and in
preserving their beautiful natural environment. The mild climate of western Oregon fosters
moderate winters and pleasant summers. It rains about forty inches a year - the same as in
Boston, New York, or Philadelphia.
From Eugene it is only a short drive west to the state's stunning coastline with the largest stretch of coastal dunes in the country. |
Located in Lane County, Eugene is touted as the "World"s Greatest City of the Arts and Outdoors” for its abundance of arts and culture, passion for sports and recreation. East of Eugene, the Cascade Mountains offer opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter; and camping, fishing, and hiking in the summer. Several nearby lakes and rivers support sailing, water skiing, and white-water rafting. Portland, the state's major metropolitan city and home of the Oregon Health Sciences University is a two-hour drive to the north. |
