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Welcome Back, Students!

Guest Columnist: Dr. Ben Meoz, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

January 20, 2026

Hello L&C Students!

2026 is upon us, and the Spring Semester has begun!

Spring term is always filled with so many milestones like the 45th annual Gender Symposium in March, Spring Break at Crater Lake with College Outdoors, ASB and student organization elections, the Festival of Scholars & Artists and the 64th International Affairs Symposium in April, and annual spring concerts. It all just seems to accelerate and fly by towards the exciting conclusion of commencement for our senior class.

This semester we are looking forward to the reveal of the official look of the Lewis & Clark College River Otter. The week of February 16 will have fun giveaways before culminating on Friday February 20 with the official launch. And we’ve launched a new website that lays out the path to the reveal!

And let’s not forget that L&C River Otters have already been competing since the start of our winter sports: Swimming, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Basketball with those regular seasons wrapping up not far into the Spring term. And before we know it we’ll have River Otter Track & Field, Lacrosse, Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Crew, and Golf in the mix!

So keep reading The Bark each week for more home games to support our River Otters, for more shirt giveaways, and the latest offerings from departments across campus!

All the best,

Benjamin C. Meoz, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Finish Well, Together

Guest columnist: Jessica Carron, Senior Associate Dean of Students

Ben David Named Teacher of the Year

Associate Professor of Art History Benjamin David was named Lewis & Clark Teacher of the Year for 2025-26.

Attend the Tualatin Watershed Science Symposium!

Join us at the Tualatin Watershed Science Symposium: Headwaters to Confluence on May 2, 2026, at PCC Rock Creek.

Hosted by Tualatin Riverkeepers, this half-day event will bring together researchers, restoration practitioners, community scientists, and volunteers to share projects happening across the Tualatin River watershed—from Gaston to its confluence with the Willamette River in West Linn. Attendees will hear about wildlife monitoring, community science, and restoration efforts, and can join a guided nature walk through PCC’s restored wetlands and forests.

We’re excited to support this event and connect with others working to protect and restore the Tualatin River watershed.

REGISTER HERE!

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An Accelerated Path to Law School

Persistence is paying off for Danielle Pon BA ’24, JD ’27, who is currently attending Lewis & Clark Law School as part of the accelerated “3-3” BA/JD program.