Oregon State University - Cascades Distinguished Student Awards will be presented to 17 undergraduate and graduate students at a ceremony on Saturday, June 15.

The annual awards are among the top honors given by faculty to OSU-Cascades students and recognize outstanding academic achievement and contributions in students’ fields of study. All of this year’s recipients are from Oregon and include 13 students from Central Oregon. Two recipients will also graduate from the OSU Honors College.

Oregon State University – Cascades will graduate its most diverse class ever during its 18^th commencement ceremony Sunday, June 16, including a record number of graduates who are the first in their family to earn a college degree.

The graduating class of 331 students is the third largest in OSU-Cascades’ history. A record 40% are first generation college graduates, and 20% identify as U.S. minorities.

A trio of natural basalt stone sculpture compositions created by artist Masayuki Nagase will be celebrated as the first exterior, commissioned public art installations on the Oregon State University – Cascades campus.

Oregon State University – Cascades will honor community and statewide leader Mike Hollern during its 18^th annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 16. Hollern is chairman of Brooks Resources Corp.

He will receive the Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals, businesses or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to OSU-Cascades, Central Oregon, the state of Oregon or the world.

Alyssa Macy, chief operating officer for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will deliver the commencement address at Oregon State University – Cascades’ 18^th commencement ceremony.

The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend.

Oregon State University - Cascades will host a dedication ceremony May 17 for a newly installed outdoor seating and gathering area named in honor of former OSU President Paul Risser, who helped spearhead the opportunity for students to earn an Oregon State University degree in Central Oregon.

The Risser conversation circle, which was funded by private donations, is defined by natural rock, with stone paving and benches, and a central rock containing a tribute plaque. It will be available for classes, personal reflection, and gatherings of up to 30 people.

 Oregon State University President Edward J. Ray Monday applauded the regional collaboration underway in support of Oregon State University – Cascades during his annual State of the University Address. He also called upon local community members to join him in urging state leaders to increase funding for higher education in Central Oregon and around the state.

Ray gave his address to an audience of more than 350 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes.

Supporters of OSU-Cascades united Tuesday to raise approximately $79,000 for scholarships, student research and innovation during Oregon State University’s inaugural giving day.

Of 68 funds across the university that participated in Dam Proud Day, spanning colleges and several scholarship funds, donors gave the most to OSU-Cascades.

Oregon State University – Cascades will host Rendezvous with Risk: A Literary Festival featuring nationally-recognized storytellers and Oregon-based artists.

The festival will include readings, writing workshops, book signings, and interactive art installations that explore contemporary writing and the intersections of art-making and risk-taking. 

It will take place June 14 to 16 at the OSU-Cascades campus and other locations in Bend including The Workhouse, the Downtown Bend Public Library and Deschutes Brewery.