Twenty-eight years ago, Katherine Hubler arrived at Oregon State University as a first-generation student from a small rural town, planning to major in chemistry in the still-new Honors College. By 2001, she had earned both an H.B.A in history and an H.B.S. in philosophy. Since 2013, Hubler has brought her insight and expertise back to OSU as a senior instructor of history and as the Ecampus coordinator in the School of History, Philosophy and Religion. She also serves as co-chair of the OSU Holocaust Memorial Committee and was the editor of “Listening to Survivors: Four Decades of Holocaust Memorial Week at Oregon State University,” recently published by OSU Press.
Hubler’s research has long been guided by her interest “in how political and civil rights have developed and progressed over time.” In her graduate research at Boston College, she “examined gender norms and rights within Germany before women were granted the right to vote at the national level, after WWI.” This project grew out of her honors thesis, which explored the intellectual and social roots of the 19th century German women’s movement. “The thesis project forced me to review and translate German-language sources — a challenge at the time, since my German was still pretty rudimentary,” says Hubler. “Mo Healy, a history professor and member of my thesis committee, encouraged me to take on the challenge. I decided then and there to keep studying the language to prepare for graduate school and doctoral research in Germany."
“Since coming to OSU as faculty, I’ve gravitated towards examining the advancement of international human rights norms and protections that emerged after violent conflict and genocides. Historical reconciliation and transitional justice efforts are essential for acknowledging past harms in order to secure a more just and peaceful future.”
Through her teaching, Hubler equips OSU students with historical perspectives that are vital to shaping the future she envisions. Designed for use in middle school, high school and university classrooms, her new book, “Listening to Survivors,” brings first-hand Holocaust perspectives to a wider audience, making them more accessible.
“The book features personal accounts from nineteen survivors and two witnesses to the Holocaust who addressed OSU audiences,” says Hubler. “Many of these speakers became Oregonians, and many of their descendants still live in the state. Since WWII happened over 80 years ago — primarily in Europe and East Asia — I don’t think many OSU students realize the close connection we share to this historic event.” Hubler believes that the “genuine and accessible accounts” in “Listening to Survivors” will resonate with students and help bridge this gap in understanding.
Hubler is also dedicated to making history education more accessible through her role as an Ecampus coordinator. Six years ago, she introduced one of the first Ecampus honors colloquium courses, The Holocaust in the Digital Age. Honors students have also explored The History of Reparations in her second colloquium course relating to genocide and human rights. Most recently, Hubler developed an Ecampus colloquium on The History and Future of Thrifting — “a welcome change of subject matter for me,” she says. “This class combines my love of history, commitment to sustainability and my undying urge to wander secondhand stores in search of weird pieces of clothing and artwork.”
Reflecting on her own honors experience, beyond her thesis project, Hubler highlights the Honors College community as having meaningfully shaped her journey. “Coming to OSU was a bit daunting, and the Honors College provided a smaller, welcoming community,” she says. Hubler lived in McNary Hall, the honors residence hall at the time, and remains close friends with her first roommate, who is also an honors alum. She also met her future husband — Kevin Stoller, now an assistant dean in the Honors College — in the SLUG.
Her time in the Honors College also expanded her sense of possibility. “Where I grew up, most people didn’t attend college. Here, my peers regularly studied abroad, applied to med school, conducted research in campus labs and held prestigious internships. It was exciting to see them dream big for themselves, and it made me realize that I could do the same, too.”