A mascot change?

On a recent visit to Oregon, a friend remarked to me that the University of Oregon’s “Duck” was cute, but the OSU “Beaver” was anything but.

“It doesn’t even look like a beaver,” she said.

She was impressed, however, with OSU’s role in helping to develop the endless fields of commercial grasses in Corvallis and the surrounding area that have earned it the nickname: “Grass Seed Capital of the World.”

“Their mascot ought to be one of these crops,” my friend asserted—and so we set about trying to decide on a worthy candidate.

Our first thought was “Annual Ryegrass,” as it seemed the most abundant crop in the local fields—but we rejected the idea, fearing that, as an annual plant, not a perennial, its impermanence might leave the OSU faithful little to lean on when they needed it most.

We considered others—fescue, tall fescue, clover, and more—but we settled on “Meadowfoam.” We loved the name and the way it looked when in flower—and, although it also is an annual plant, the oil in its seeds is valued for being extraordinarily stable and useful in cosmetic products for hair and skin.

“You can count on Meadowfoam to keep you looking good longer,” was how my friend summed up her support.

And, thus, I humbly suggest a mascot change that would usher in the new era of the “Oregon State Meadowfoam.”

“Sow the Foam! Reap the Victory!”

“Fight On Fabulous Foam!”

“Go Foam! Sod the Ducks!”

Sincerely,

Stephen Heffner

23 Stern Street,

Jamestown, RI 02835

Looking ahead after the national election

From the Office of the President

Faculty, staff and students,

 Many members of our university community are experiencing a range of significant, heartfelt emotions following Tuesday’s election.

 Several faculty, staff and students have shared with me that they fear for their future and the futures of family members and friends, especially people from diverse backgrounds and identities. Other members of our community are expressing joy about political change.  Each of these emotions is personal and powerful.

 As members of our university community, we must care for each other and support one another despite the turmoil of the moment. If you are in need of assistance or would like to talk to someone about what you are experiencing, and are a Corvallis student, please visit the Student Affairs Student Resources website at http://experience.oregonstate.edu/resources. OSU-Cascades students should visit http://osucascades.edu/student-wellness. Employees needing assistance may utilize the OSU Employee Assistance Program by confidentially calling 1-800-433-2320 at any time or by calling the Human Resources Department at 541-737-3103.

 I ask you to join me in looking ahead.

 At this moment of national transition, we reaffirm that Oregon State’s mission of inclusive excellence in teaching, research, and outreach and engagement has not changed. OSU’s mission to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world remains essential, and we will not realize our vision for the future unless we find common ground with those around us and unless we persist in this effort. 

 Since its founding, this country has overcome division and uncertainty by people coming together to address challenges, by respecting differences, and by demonstrating compassion and leadership.

 This is the 56th presidential election in our nation’s history and every transition of leadership has occurred peacefully. The need for us to support each other, celebrate our diversity and promote the success of every member of our community and America remains unaltered. This is at the core of who we are and how we need to go forward.

 On Wednesday, I saw impressive, moving and peaceful evidence of this America among us as dozens upon dozens of OSU students gathered in the Memorial Union quad throughout the day, and where approximately 400 students and community members marched through the evening on campus to call for an end to hate and to focus on our common humanity.

 Let each of us help and serve one another. Let each of us help bring America together, while we count on and challenge all of our country’s leaders to do the same.

 Going forward, I encourage you to stay engaged in our nation’s political process and lead your own lives in ways that reflect our common values as a community.

 I am here to help, care and, with you,

lead forward.

 Edward J. Ray

President