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Community Connect
Our community
Our students thrive in their academic pursuits, our researchers solve
real-world challenges, and our campus expansion comes to life — because
of our surrounding community.
Here.
For Central Oregon and Beyond.
Three amazing writers, three incredible events in May
Each spring and fall, OSU-Cascades MFA in Writing program hosts public conversations with acclaimed and emerging writers.
May 10 6-8pm
"Never Say ‘Whoa’ in a Horse Race" with Ellen Waterston, Oregon Poet Laureate
A discussion with award-winning poet, author, columnist and Poet Laureate, Ellen Waterston. She’ll reflect on her writing life in Oregon’s high desert. Waterston’s poetry and nonfiction works have evolved into essential reading about Oregon and the West.
Free, but registration required.
May 13 6-8pm
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A Reading and Discussion with Lori Hellis '17
A retired family and criminal attorney, and journalist, Hellis's expertise goes beyond the courtroom as she delves into the most intricate and riveting true crime stories. Her recent book is “Children of Darkness and Light: Lori Vallow, Chad Daybell, a Story of Murderous Faith."
Free, but registration required.
May 14 6-8pm
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A Reading and Discussion with Stacy Gnall, Spring 2025 Distinguished Writer
A writer who creates fantastical worlds through words, Stacy Gnall is the author of the poetry collections “Dogged,” which won the Juniper Prize for Poetry from The University of Massachusetts Press, and “Heart First into the Forest.” Her work has appeared in journals, most recently in the Bennington Review and New American Writing.
Free, but registration required.
Campus Tours for Community Groups
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Fourth Fridays
Learn about the history, present and future of OSU’s growing university campus in Bend. After a classroom session, you’ll divide into two smaller groups. While one explores campus buildings and their public art on foot, the other will tour the expansion site in a comfortable van, before alternating. Formal and informal groups welcome.
For groups of 12-24.
It's a new era for the popular, 14-year-old series that has been held in venues throughout the region until now. Science Pubs have moved to Edward J. Ray Hall on the OSU-Cascades campus.
Public art on campus was commissioned or purchased by OSU-Cascades through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Percent for Art program, or donated to the campus.
A 30-year community vision is taking shape. Over the next decades, OSU-Cascades will expand, creating a 128-acre campus for up to 5,000 students.
Net zero would mean the campus consumes only as much energy as it produces, balances water availability and demand, and eliminates waste sent to landfills.