News

ENGLISH, COMICS AND CARTOON STUDIES — Ben Saunders, professor and pop-culture scholar in the College of Arts and Sciences, curated a special exhibit in LA featuring comics artist, Jack Kirby. The exhibit, “Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity,” received glowing reviews and is a must-see for anyone in the LA area. In this Q&A, Saunders explains what makes Kirby exceptional and why he's so important to him.

LINGUISTICS - The Department of Linguistics in the College of Arts and Sciences hosted the Linguistic Society of America’s Summer Institute, a five-week summer school held every other year at a new host location. Scholars from around the world came to learn, connect and enjoy the unique qualities of the University of Oregon.

THEATRE ARTS — University Theatre's 2025-2026 season includes four dynamic and human-driven plays. Each of the plays offers a mix of historical and contemporary themes, while also speaking of such timely issues as immigration, gender roles, and workplace safety. All productions feature students on stage and behind the scenes.

Local production of the play, "THEM," opens in Eugene July 24. “THEM,” produced and directed by University of Oregon professor, Malek Najjar is a powerful drama about war, hope and survival. Using humor, laughter and song, the play transports audiences into the extraordinary circumstances that reveal their shared humanity and the ordinary moments that shape their lives. 

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - PhD comparative literature alumna Jamie Richards won the 2024 National Translation in Prose award for her work on Mariosa Castaldi’s “The Hunger of Women.” During her PhD studies at the UO, Richards studied translation, leading to a career in Italian literature.

ROMANCE LANGUAGES — In the Department of Romance Languages in the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, Assistant Professor Eleanor Paynter secured a CAS Library Acquisitions Grant to purchase streaming access to a package of five documentaries about migration and citizenship in Italy.

CINEMA STUDIES, EAST ASIAN STUDIES — For Natalie Jacobsen explored multiple majors before landing on cinema studies and media history. That well-rounded education took her across the globe and to her current position as director of marketing and communications at Airlink, a humanitarian aviation nonprofit. She is also a published novelist!

THEATRE ARTS — Known for her standout roles in FX’s “Fargo” and “Legion” and HBO Max’s “Tokyo Vice,” professional actor Rachel Keller visited University of Oregon's Department of Theatre Arts and spent the day engaging with students, offering insights into acting and the film industry.