Top Ten Stories of 2024
#1
Student-led SnoPlanks sells first snowboards
Twelve months after SnoPlanks was donated to Oregon State University – Cascades by its founders, the snowboard company has brought its first boards to market under its new student leadership. Campus leaders believe SnoPlanks is the only student-led company embedded in a university in the country.
#2
Open House attracts hundreds to explore innovative land remediation
Longtime Bendites and newcomers came to campus, donned hard hats and explored how engineers are using innovative technology to transform a former pumice mine and landfill into a 128-acre OSU campus for students and the community.
#3
How did the mountain lion cross the road?
As human development increasingly expands into wild areas, wildlife needs more help crossing busy highways to reach their habitats. Corrinne Oedekerk, an OSU-Cascades natural resources alum and researcher in our Human and Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainability Lab, is studying how and when animals use the wildlife crossing structures.
#4
Mechanical engineering degree makes three
OSU is a powerhouse when it comes to engineering. The new mechanical engineering degree is the third engineering degree at OSU-Cascades and will help meet the growing need for engineers in Central Oregon and across the state.
#5
Inaugural DPT class graduates, achieves 96% pass rate
OSU-Cascades' Class of 2024 included the first class to graduate from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Of the 44 graduates, 96% passed the National Physical Therapy license exam on their first attempt. It's a pass rate that exceeded a benchmark of seven of the nation's top 10 DPT programs including Duke, USC and Northwestern universities.
#6
Business Oregon provides $425,000 for Innovation Hub at OSU-Cascades
The new Innovation Hub will support entrepreneurs in Central Oregon from diverse backgrounds. Eric Zeece, the Hub's newly named executive director, will work with regional economic and entrepreneurial stakeholders to develop services that help innovation-based companies grow.
#7
OSU-Cascades named a "best college" for outdoor lovers
We knew it, and now so does the rest of the world. Students are attracted to OSU-Cascades because outdoor access comes easy. Plus we offer multiple majors focused on the outdoor industry and natural resources.
#8
#8 Video about dirt garners thousands of views
It’s a complex engineering process to remediate a demolition landfill and pumice mine, preparing land for future campus buildings. That's why we created a video that shows you how it's done. You'll see why it's a great story about sustainability and innovation.
#9
Community Tour program attracts neighbors, professionals, retirees
Guided by staff members, monthly community tours include a classroom session on the history of OSU-Cascades and the important role played by community supporters. Participants also learn about academic program offerings and the future of the campus, and take a van tour to explore the amazing transformation of a brownfield into an innovative OSU campus.
#10
OSU-Cascades computer scientist receives $628,000 award to increase Oregon K-12 student participation in computer science
Computer scientist Jill Hubbard received a federal grant to ensure computer science education is available to Oregon public school students on an equitable basis and to broaden participation for all students by 2027-28. An understanding of computing is foundational knowledge in a world where technology is part of our everyday lives, no matter our career field, she explains.