James McCarthy, ’03, graduated from Oregon State with an H.B.S. in biology, a passion for inquiry, admission to the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and a self-described “heart-pull” toward alleviating suffering. Now a practicing surgeon, published author and developer of a promising new biotechnology, James places “the value of human life” at the center of his research, advocacy and patient care.
During his time as an undergraduate in the Honors College, Tyler McFadden, ’15, began exploring questions about ecology and biodiversity — questions that would shape his academic and professional path for years to come. Now an instructor and interim director of the environmental sciences undergraduate program in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, McFadden continues to pursue interdisciplinary approaches to environmental challenges.
Earlier this year, global marketing professional and content creator Marisa Chen, ’20, was recognized as one of three 2025 OSU Changemakers. Hosted by the OSU Alumni Association, the Changemakers program celebrates Beavers who meaningfully shape their communities or fields of interest.
For many alumni, the continued success of the Honors College is an important way of supporting the next generation of students. Membership in leadership groups, such as the Honors College Board of Regents, is one way of both staying connected and building resources for current and future honors undergraduates.
Dam Proud Day 2025 was a historic one for the Honors College, as our community came together to set new records for number of donors and total dollars raised, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Honors College and 65 years of honors education at Oregon State. Thanks to 189 individual donors, the college raised over $80,000 in support of student scholarships, far surpassing the college’s goal of 120 gifts for the day.
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.
Recent OSU Honors College alumni Parker Conrad, ’24 (H.B.S., computer science), and Frederick Boulton, ’24 (H.B.S., mechanical engineering), didn’t expect to start a company when they first met, but their shared love of surfing — and a realization about the industry’s environmental impact — led them to launch Buni Boards. Their startup is challenging traditional surfboard production by using plant-based resin and responsibly sourced foam to create high-performance, eco-friendly boards.
The Oregon State University Honors College is pleased to announce that Dr. Troy Hall, professor in human dimensions of natural resources in the OSU College of Forestry’s Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, has been appointed as the new associate dean of the college. Dr. Hall will succeed Susan Rodgers, who stepped down from the position to return to her faculty appointment in the School of Writing, Literature and Film.
Eric MacKender, ’00, has built a career on the foundation he established during his Oregon State University Honors College education. He’s paid back his success by becoming the very first HC alum to be an Honors College Champion, one of the group of leadership donors who have given $100,000 or more to the college to further the Believe It fundraising campaign.
From the classroom to the workplace to the volleyball court, being a leader requires more than just technical knowledge and expertise. It requires a willingness for self-discovery, an eagerness to help others and a drive to make a positive impact. Honors College alum Nya Buckner, ’22, embodied these principles during her time in the Honors College and continues to positively impact the Oregon State University community today.
