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THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 2026
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(Courtesy/MASSI)
A conversation with multimedia artist MASSI
Northern California-based artist discusses his artistic process, inspirations and future goals. By Dakota Zitterkopf
Arts & Culture Writer
Materials and aesthetics in art have a twofold responsibility: to place an artist within a particular scene or style and individuate artists through the ways in which they use those materials. Other art forms contain similar dynamics, and it’s not uncommon for an artist to gain traction just through reshaping familiar elements into something entirely new. MASSI, the northern California-based multimedia artist and musician, transforms his musical and visual inspirations by funneling them through fantastical production and music videos. He is also a founding member of Connect the Dots, a multinational music group with a shared ethos and visual design similar to his, who this August released their sophomore album “Last Stop, Somewhere City.” More recently, he handled production for rapper Eeari's new album “Morgana,” emphasizing the experimental rap elements of his sound while preserving its playful sampling and dense layers. Despite his compact discography — just seventeen songs and two EPs — his combination of dance, trap and drum 'n' bass beats with orchestral and digital embellishments is instantly recognizable and displays the unique influence of internet culture in his work. His songs reflect the tastes of online music forums and YouTube recommendation algorithms more than any other scene.
Five cases of sexual assault reported on or near campus Several took place at “social events” and involved intoxication. By Sasha Love
Associate News Editor
Five cases of sexual assault were reported on or around campus in the past week, according to a University of Oregon alert released around noon on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Four of these alleged cases involved university students, according to the alert. In the fifth case, which occurred at Alton Baker Dog Park, the Eugene Police Department made an arrest. According to UO Spokesperson Angela Seydel, none of the alleged assaults occurred at any UO fraternity chapter houses or live-outs. UO said the alleged assaults are “not believed to be related,” but several alleged perpetrators “may have taken advantage of the fact that the victims were intoxicated at social events.” Both the UO Police Department and the Eugene Police Department are investigating the assaults. According to the alert, “details of the assaults are not being disclosed at this time because police investigations are underway.” The university advised the campus community to contact UOPD at 541-346-2919 to make a confidential report regarding the alleged sexual assault cases. In a following email highlighting student resources, Angela Lauer Chong, vice president for student life, encouraged students to reach out to UO counseling, medical services and support groups. “Ducks care for one another. We each have a role in creating a university commu-
nity where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and care, and where violence and harassment are not tolerated,” Chong said. “Please know that I, and the entire Student Life team, are here for you. If you need support, have concerns, or simply want someone to talk with, please reach out.” The first week of fall term at UO began on Sept. 28. Following the alert regarding the sexual assault reports, ASUO President Quadrian Gill said student government is compiling a list of off-campus community resources for students. “This is not to say the UO has dropped the ball, but we want students to know there are resources outside of the school that can advocate for them,” Gill said. Jimmy Howard, the associate vice president for student life and dean of students, said the university approach to preventing sexual assault is “broad and holistic.” “We hope no one has to deal with this, but we know that it’s a reality on college campuses today that we need to be very forthcoming in the resources, in our training and our expectations,” Howard said. Despite the resources the university provides, Howard said that there is always more to do when it comes to support. “This is not an effort where you say ‘We’re done,’” Howard said. “We’re consistently learning and trying different things to see if we can do better.” This is a developing story and will be updated online.
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EARLIER THIS WEEK IN PRINT:
READ ONLINE AT DAILYEMERALD.COM Is cursive really a lost art? At the Knight Library, it isn’t. Learn the secret history hidden between cursive lines from Linda Long. Though Long is recently retired, her passion for handwriting and the implications it has across campus isn’t one to be understated. By Bella Graham
Arts & Culture Editor
The sound of a keyboard is generationally satisfying for the student population of UO’s campus — so much so that there are extensions for a laptop to produce the clicks and clacks of a much heavier keyboard. If that doesn’t float your boat, you can purchase a keyboard extender guaranteed to turn the subtle press of keys hitting the circuit board into creamy or thocky or marbley clicks. Continue story online
BUSINESS
PUBLISHER AND PRESIDENT Eric Henry ehenry@dailyemerald.com
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
(Bella Graham/Emerald)
UO students bring the Human Rights Coalition to campus Students interested in discussing and learning about human rights issues will now have a dedicated space to connect. By Billie Corsetti
Associate News Editor
After two years in the making, a student organization solely focused on human rights will be opening itself up to interested University of Oregon students. Continue story online (Evelyn Cooper/Courtesy)
Benton: Where are all the student protestors? Opinion: Students aren’t showing up at rallies as their parents and grandparents did. That doesn’t mean they’ve stopped fighting. By Kat Benton
Opinion Columnist
When I pass the federal building on my route to school these days, I usually see one of two scenes: Either a crowd of older adults protesting the current administration or an empty street corner soundtracked by engines and hurried footsteps. But the most interesting part is what’s always missing: students. Student activists have always been widely considered the backbone of American political movements, yet students today remain a minority at both local rallies and nationwide protests. Continue story online
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NEWS
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 7
New Ducks land in Eugene By Audrey Lynch
News Reporter
New students at the University of Oregon moved into residence halls across campus for the annual Unpack the Quack on Sept. 24 and 25. This year, nine residence halls will house an estimated 5,000 students living on campus, according to UO Spokesperson Angela Seydel. The halls welcoming primarily freshmen are Carson, Earl, Global Scholars, Justice Bean, Kalapuya Ilihi, Living Learning Center, Unthank and the newly named Cedar Hall — previously known as New Residence Hall. Yasui Hall, an apartment-style residence hall designed for upperclassmen, will also be open for the upcoming school year. On June 2, UO announced Riley and Barnhart halls would be closed for the 2026-27 school year. According to the Finance and Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees, a study is currently underway to determine new uses for both halls, since “Barnhart and Riley students expressed feeling separated from the vibrancy of the other UO residence halls.” This closure keeps all students in university housing centralized to the heart of campus, aiding in community building. First-year Shawn Johnson-Riley said he’s excited to be living in Earl Hall this year. “It’s just close to everything and kinda in the middle, with Hayward (Field) right there, so it’s really cool,” he said. Director for University Housing, Michael Griffel, walked around campus Monday morning, greeting new students with UO President John Karl Scholz. Being in this role for 16 years, Griffel shared advice he believes helps students make the most out of their time in the dorms. He recommended students learn problem-solving skills, try to communicate concerns directly and advocate for themselves. As new residents settle into college life, Griffel encourages students to not be afraid to reach out. “There are so many people to help (and) it is not a weakness to ask for help; actually it makes things so much better,” he said. Ultimately, Griffel hopes students feel welcomed and comfortable on campus. “Take chances and get out and take in all the opportunities that are available here. It’s an amazing university, and you’re a part of it,” he said. As new students and their families navigated campus over the two days, they were greeted by hundreds of staff members, student workers and over 450 volunteers. During move-in, students and their families arrived and unpacked during a predetermined time slot. This system allowed students to park directly in front of or near their residence hall for a set period of time while moving in. Students arriving on campus were directed via signs and
staff member instructions to ensure a streamlined entry and exit. As many residents arrived in vehicles on the shared pathway between Earl, LLC and Hayward Field, having specific instructions is crucial to ensure the safety of students walking or biking the path. Tyrell Johnson, alongside other members of third-party contractor University and Student Services, directed traffic and assisted with unloading during the move-in period. He explained the importance of “keeping it organized (since it) makes it more enjoyable for the parents and students moving in.” Jasmine McElroy, an incoming freshman originally from Los Angeles, is hoping to make the most of her first year on campus in Global Scholars Hall. She chose it because she “heard it was a really social dorm.” McElroy said, “I hope I get to meet a lot of people and just make a good space for myself.” In addition to her living space, McElroy hopes to enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle in Eugene. Bonnie Damewood, facilities custodial manager, encouraged students to interact with each other as much as possible while living in the dorms. “People spend a lot of time on screens, and now (most rooms) have restrooms, so there's not a lot of passing in the hallways. So sometimes people just don’t know their neighbor,” Damewood said. “I would love to see them be able to communicate and connect, and they do, eventually; it just takes a little longer than it used to.” As students moved into residence halls, the UO Office of Sustainability also played an important role as students un-
packed, with staff members standing near all large dumpsters to ensure waste was properly disposed of. Ariyana Field, an environmental studies major, said it was very fulfilling to help new students learn about the specific recycling guidelines on campus. She advised new students to get involved on campus and recommended the Thai Student Association to anyone interested. Alongside staff and volunteers, numerous local organizations tabled outside of the Student Welcome Center. Marketing Outreach Coordinator for Lane Transit District, Madeline Saldana, was there to teach students about local transit options. “It’s good to get in front of them early, so that they know that this is available to them, and that they can access it for free,” she said. Saldana explained that the free bus pass is a great resource for students to explore their new community while being cost-effective. With construction finalizing over the summer, the former site of Hamilton Hall has been fully transformed into a community green space. Director of Promotions and Student Recruitment Bryson Beck said, “I’m really excited that it’s open now. I know that there are already plans for events later this fall, and even throughout the week of welcome, so I'm just excited to see it being utilized.” During the first day of move-in, students and family members were seen sitting on the lawn and benches soaking up the sunshine. Later in the evening, individuals were out roller skating and walking around as campus began to liven up for the year ahead.
Student move-in took place across nine residence halls on Thursday, Sept. 24, and Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 in Eugene, Ore. (Lilly Wall/Emerald)
NEWS/ARTS & CULTURE
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 8
NEWS
UO journalism senior will serve as a panelist in gubernatorial debate UO senior Bayla Orton will join veteran journalists as a panelist for an SOJC-hosted debate. By Lily Martin
News Reporter
Oregon’s first official gubernatorial debate will take place this Thursday, Oct. 1, at the University of Oregon, hosted by the School of Journalism and Communication. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican Sen. Christine Drazan of Oregon will answer questions from a panel of journalists, including a senior journalism student at UO. The two candidates will be on the ballot on Nov. 3.
(Courtesy/Bayla Orton)
Bayla Orton was an intern at The Register-Guard this summer when Nicole Dahmen, the director of the journalism area of the SOJC, gave her a call to see if she was interested. The call was a surprise, and Orton said she was “definitely nervous,” but also grateful for the opportunity. “Being nervous or doing something that scares you will only help you in the long run,” Orton said. The other debate panelists are Lookout Eugene-Springfield Senior Correspondent Ben Botkin and Nigel Jaquiss of Oregon Journalism Project. Kendall Bartley from KVAL, a local television station, will moderate. Orton said she is excited to be a representative voice for students during the debate, and to ask questions relevant to her college-aged peers, while encouraging more students to pay attention to the race. “I have asked my peers and seen like, ‘Hey, what do you think is impacting you guys in Oregon right now?’ But at the same time, we only have a select amount of time and a lot of people that are watching won't necessarily be a part of the student population,” Orton said. “I hope that being a student panelist … makes more students watch.” Orton said another priority is covering a wide range of issues. “So (it’s) a lot of let's make sure that we are asking questions about a lot of different things instead of just a few, you know, hot topic issues,” Orton said. This will also be Orton’s first time doing an interview on live television, and she is excited to get to experience the “behind the scenes” of the production. “I've never had the opportunity to see any of that. And we had a rehearsal, and we got to see the setup and got to see how
many moving parts are behind going on live TV and how many different people are a part of this project too,” Orton said. Orton was born and raised in Oregon and is excited to be involved in her home state politics. “I've been here all my life, and I've been voting in these elections, and I remember the last time Kotek and Drazan were up on the ticket, and I just think this is a crazy way that I get to be involved in something so big like this,” Orton said. Even if an issue on the ballot won’t affect students right away, Orton said she hopes students will be invested for their future. “Sure, college kids we're not necessarily the most involved all the time, but I think that all of these issues, even though they might not pertain to students just yet, they will in a year or two,” Orton said. “For me it's next year, I'll be out of here, and I'll be trying to find a job and that's something where it's important to consider who is leading your state and how they might help you succeed and give you resources to do well in life after graduation.” As Thursday approaches, Orton said she is trying to turn her nerves into excitement. For a college student who never expected to find herself on the stage of a gubernatorial debate, the experience is already becoming one of the defining moments of her senior year. “I think this summer on my internship, I learned to be the yes man, and that has brought me so many cool places, and it will continue as I said yes to this, even though it's not something in my wheelhouse,” Orton said.
ARTS & CULTURE
Campus is buzzing with anticipation for the new term Students migrate back to Eugene and prepare for the year ahead.
By Ava Vordermark
Arts & Culture Writer
As the first term of school approaches, campus starts to buzz with excitement. The previously quiet dorms fill up, the Ducks charge onto the football field led by a fearless mascot on a motorcycle, fraternity and sorority recruitment begins and classes ramp up. The commotion that comes with the start of the new school year is one that people look forward to because campus feels new and exciting, or, for returning students, a chance for a fresh start. While the beginning of the new term is busy and exciting, move-in can be emotionally demanding and stressful. Incoming freshmen have a different moving-in experience than returning students — the first year of college exposes them and challenges them to step out of their comfort zones. Rachel Friend, a UO student starting her first year, worried about moving into the dorms. For example, she worried about whether everything she brought would fit in her room and about making the adjustment from high school to college academically. Even with nerves about moving into the dorms, she is excited about the new experiences she will have. “I’ve kind of lived in a bubble my whole life, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and actually seeing who I am,” she said. The returning students on campus have a sense of what the first term will be like from experience. But there are always new things to experience each year.
Maria Calabria, a second-year biology and dance major, is living in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house this year. Living in the house has already given her the chance to learn more about sisterhood and be on the recruiting side of rush. “It was amazing to be on the receiving end of (recruitment) last year,” Calabria said. “But now, as an older girl who gets to recruit, I think there is a lot of fulfillment in giving back to an organization that shaped a lot of my freshman year.” With this new responsibility, there are challeng-
es, like balancing academics, sorority duties, and other social engagements. People come to college not only for the academics, but for the lifestyle and social opportunities. Whether it is for the first time or fourth, move-in is a shared experience that is unique to college and can bring forth many emotions, like stress and excitement, that are felt throughout the student body no matter what grade they are entering.
Students pass through East 13th Ave. near Friendly Hall on the University of Oregon campus.
(Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
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ON THE COVER
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 14
A conversation with multimedia artist MASSI Continued from page 1
Prior to his shift towards independent musicianship, MASSI was better known for his music production and design videos on YouTube showing how to produce like certain artists, or how to explore particular kinds of sound. Both provide deeper insight into the artists that interested him early on — noisy and dynamic electronic musicians — and the natural sound that makes his music so texturally unique.
“
Most of my song ideas start out as a picture, and from that picture I like to take as many sounds as I can from the scene or the theme of what the picture is. MASSI Multimedia Artist
There is a richness to his music simply through him stuffing so much into it: there's cartoony sound effects and animal sounds and door knocks and voices talking and fire crackling and glitchy electronics and school bells. It’s incredibly precise while feeling impulsive and scattershot. MASSI's visual art lands somewhere inside the burgeoning art movement of "elementary school figuration," a contemporary online art movement noted for its sticker- and paper-based surfaces, anti-technique messiness and simplicity, and use of accessible art supplies like colored pencils and markers. The term is not intended as a pejorative; rather, it aims to emphasize the figurative nature of much of the art, emphasizing its emotive and symbolic content as well as distinguishing itself from other contemporary art movements whose intellectuality or nihilism can feel stifling. The gleam and flash of his songs and videos are exemplary works in this new movement and look to push the form outside of its static beginnings, using other mediums to flesh out intentionally barebones art. MASSI's music, then, functions like an extension of elementary school figuration, songs whose collagist sensibility and frayed edges betray their careful craft and lovingly detailed arrangements. Hearing his songs alongside their videos makes this click: the stuttery stop-motion invites you to imagine the frames in between, colorful craft paper backgrounds and characters reminiscent of childhood art projects through dreamlike, associative imagery. With a new solo album, “It’s a Musical World,” on the way, the Emerald spoke to MASSI about what's shaped his art and his dynamic, playful approach to music-making.
Emerald: The tactile and collagelike nature of your music videos and album covers sit so closely to the samples of people talking, nature and found objects that you scatter all across your songs. How much influence do your visuals and music have on one another?
Childhood nostalgia and memories play a major part in your work. Are there particular childhood elements that have a strong pull for you, and what other things play into your process? MASSI: I'm a big fan of arts and crafts, so just the creativity of it all. I also really like to pull from just a feeling of curiosity and exploration.
MASSI: They influence each other a lot. Most of my song
What does being part of Connect the Dots do for you artistically alongside what you do as a solo artist?
Growing up, you played violin in your school’s orchestra. Where do you feel like these elements of classical music education influence you?
MASSI: I think it just gives me a community where I can
ideas start out as a picture, and from that picture I like to take as many sounds as I can from the scene or the theme of what the picture is.
MASSI: Growing up I was involved in a lot of orchestra
stuff in school. I just think that hearing all this classical music really influenced the way I have songs progress. I like to have my songs constantly change and evolve throughout the song kind of like an adventure. Or like the different movements in a classical song. Also it really made me love orchestral sounds like violin of course, and also flutes and other woodwind instruments too.
You have some live shows in New York City coming up soon; do you feel anything different performing these songs live?
MASSI: I think performing them live does bring a new
energy to them. I'm still kind of figuring it out, but I really like making the song interactive somehow rather than just DJing my music. For “DIY sticker tutorial” I tried making paper airplanes and throwing it into the crowd, with “My Winter Coat” I do a zipper solo, or I just try to get the crowd to sing along.
share ideas and just talk with people who have similar visions and interests as me. It’s just really nice, everyone is just an amazing person and I'm really glad I'm friends with them.
Can you tell me some of the things that inspire your music and art the most? MASSI: "(The) Great British Baking Show," stock YouTube music, picture books, violins.
How has growing up with the internet and being part of online music communities shaped your own artistic identity? MASSI: Of course the internet really helped me discover
lots of musicians I would have never found before that really inspired me to experiment. And today, the community I'm in on SoundCloud really helps me feel like I'm a part of something and making a difference in the world.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to next year? MASSI: Hopefully I can see everyone from Connect the Dots soon, go to Europe to play shows, and release my album.
(BELOW) (Courtesy/MASSI)
ARTS & CULTURE
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 15
2026 Sprout Film Festival The festival features films created by and starring people with disabilities. By Helen Bouchard
Arts & Culture Writer
The 2026 Sprout Film Festival, hosted by Full Access at the Farmers Market Pavilion last Friday, brought together more than 150 people to watch films created by and starring people with disabilities. The annual event aims to connect the disabled community with the broader public through film. Full Access is a nonprofit that opened in March 2002, and assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to pursue a quality of life that is consistent with their preferences and choices. Specifically, it is an agency that contracts with the Oregon Department of Human Services to provide case management and access to inhome and community-based support services. It was created as part of Oregon’s Staley settlement, which followed a lawsuit involving people with developmental disabilities who had been waiting for services. At the time, more than 4,000 people were on the state’s waiting list for support. Full Access became one of Oregon’s disability service brokerages, providing person-centered case management and helping people connect with resources and services based on their individual goals and needs.
“
My favorite thing about the event is seeing everyone’s emotions. These films are so touching. It’s such a good representation of the things in life we all go through, and it’s wonderful to see that in the disability community. Taylor Higley Full Access Operations Director
The organization’s main goal is to serve “Lane County adults experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to set goals, live their dreams, and choose the supports needed to live life as independently as possible.” Full Access has providers including certified provider agencies, personal support workers, and local businesses. This mission extends beyond the services Full Access provides directly. The organization also creates opportunities
for the community it serves to come together, share experiences and increase awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Sprout Film Festival is an event hosted by Full Access every year for over 15 years. Since 2009, Full Access has worked hard to “promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and shine some light to help make the invisible visible.” A new addition to the festival this year is the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair, which is open to businesses that support the IDD community. The IDD community includes individuals with lifelong cognitive, social and adaptive challenges, alongside their families, advocates and support networks The resource fair adds an opportunity for attendees to move beyond watching the films and learn about resources available in the community. Businesses and organizations that support people with IDD will be able to connect directly with attendees and share information about the services they provide. “We operate on the mission statement to create opportunities for and with the people,” Ben Mitchell, a home services coordinator for Rise Services, said. “We have people from all different walks of life with all different struggles, and our plan is to meet them where they’re at and help them work on the goals that they set for their own lives and live as independent (of a) life as possible,” Mitchell said. The matinee showing this year offered a variety of services and community connection. Over 150 attendees made up of student groups, IDD groups and people interested in film. Films at the showing included: "Visible," "Project Search Class," "Easterseals Disability Film Challenge," "Drag Syndrome," "The Imagifriends" and "Kill Off." Both full-length and short films were presented, including British, American, and Australian films. Full Access Operations Director, Taylor Higley, said this is the 16th year in Eugene, and she enjoys it every year. “My favorite thing about the event is seeing everyone’s emotions. These films are so touching,” Higley said. “It’s such a good representation of the things in life we all go through, and it’s wonderful to see that in the disability community.” She mentioned that one of the writers for the film is nonverbal and cannot utilize their hands, so they came up with another way to write the piece. “He actually typed out the script with his nose and using a joystick with his foot, which is so inspiring to see,” Higley said. During the showing, there was laughter in the audience, clapping and silence for those heartfelt moments. Memphis Menser, an attendee, said the filmmaking was heartwarming. “I think there was a lot of really clever filmmaking and aspects I really liked. The representation as a whole was really heartwarming to see,” Menser said. Another attendee, Jade Polhamus, was moved by the films. “I felt like it was very moving and inspirational; there was a fantastic difference in each film, and it was great,” Polhamus said. The festival is more than just an opportunity to watch films. It gives people with disabilities a chance to see their experiences represented on screen and gives the audience an opportunity to learn from stories that they may not encounter in everyday life. By bringing people together through film, the event encourages conversation and helps create a greater sense of understanding within the community. Mitchell said events like the festival can help create opportunities for people with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities and pursue their own goals. “We should be giving everybody the same footing to display that intelligence in a way that’s meaningful to them,” Mitchell said. Higley said representation should extend beyond disability-focused spaces. “It’s important for us, for people with disabilities, to be seen in every environment, not just the disability environment, for people to be recognized for more than just the disabilities we might have,” Higley said.
“
We have people from all different walks of life with all different struggles, and our plan is to meet them where they’re at and help them work on the goals that they set for their own lives and live as independent (of a) life as possible. Ben Mitchell Home Services Coordinator for Rise Services
(Sofia Campbell/Emerald)
Jeffrey
Gibson They Teach Love
From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
September 12, 2026 - March 7, 2027
Jeffrey Gibson (American, b. 1972). Untitled Figure 1, 2022. Plastic bone pipe beads, fringe, glass beads, artificial sinew, tin cones, sea glass, acrylic felt, steel armature and powder coat varnish. 71 1/2 x 39 x 26 inches overall. Collection of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. © Jeffrey Gibson. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth
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Celebrating & Honoring
UNCOMMON COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION IN SOLVING THE LEGACY CHALLENGES OF THE AMERICAN WEST
Having worked with the late Don Kerr to help establish the High Desert Museum, I have always taken great pride in the fact that there is a world-class museum in Bend, Oregon! In discussions with Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director of the High Desert Museum, I suggested that we create a prize focused on the thirteen Western states and the shared challenges they face, including water rights, wildfires, best ranching practices, tribal and fishing issues. We were honored that 12 extraordinary individuals agreed to serve on our Advisory Committee and they chose this year's Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West winner Brad Parry, Vice Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation and a former employee of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, where he served for nearly 20 years. Mr. Parry has been instrumental in helping reclaim his tribe's ancestral lands in Southeastern Idaho. Through collaboration and thoughtful stewardship, his work has helped restore the watershed, allowing much-needed fresh water to flow toward the Great Salt Lake, which is in desperate need of additional water.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INAUGURAL WINNER
BRAD PARRY
2026 FINALISTS AMY BOWERS CORDALIS
KELLY DELPIT
JULIE RENTNER
LAURA VAN RIPER
We look forward to this award continuing for many years to come, recognizing individuals who work tirelessly and collaboratively to find solutions that benefit everyone while preserving and enhancing the remarkable Western United States! JORDAN D. SCHNITZER
President of Schnitzer Properties and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation JORDAN SCHNITZER PRIZE OF THE WEST ADVISORS
John L. Blackwell, Benjamin F. Carter, Sharon Collinge, Zephyr Frank, Jon Griggs, Michael Hollern, Patty Limerick, Paisley Rekdal, Don Sampson, Jordan Schnitzer, Carly Solström, Dana Whitelaw
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OPINION
Shane is a second year student studying political science and planning, public policy, and management. He’s interested in local transportation, housing affordability, and shifting cities away from car dependency, and he enjoys spending time outdoors.
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 21
Novak: Our transportation has fallen behind Opinion: Fully electric transit was once the norm. It’s time it came back. By Shane Novak
Opinion Columnist
Over 100 years ago, Eugene was home to a transit system dubbed the “greatest small-city streetcar system in the United States.” That system was a fully electric, 18-mile streetcar system providing transit to and from Springfield, UO, Fairmount, College Hill, Friendly and West Eugene. This transit system was converted to bus services starting in 1926, with the last trolley running in Eugene on Oct. 15, 1927. That conversion marked the end of a fully electrified catenary, or over-
(Alyssa Garcia/Emerald) EMX bus arrives at the Walnut Station in Eugene, Ore.
head wire, powered transit system in Eugene, an amenity we still have yet to recover. Thankfully, Lane Transit District is taking steps to reduce the community’s and its own carbon emissions. According to LTD’s Emissions Analysis Report for Fiscal Year 2024, they estimated that they removed a combined 18,377.34 metric tons of CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions from within their service area. While that is an immense amount of greenhouse gas emissions prevented because of LTD’s services, the same emissions report reveals that the operations of LTD’s service vehicles produced 7,885.03 metric tons of emissions on their own. If LTD eliminated those emissions as well, it would lead to a nearly 43% increase in emissions prevented. LTD had made steps toward reducing its operations emissions through the purchase of 30 battery electric buses in 2019, but those buses faced major maintenance issues. Now they’re transferring 19 of those buses to the Los Angeles Metro. With that major blow toward developing a fully electric fleet, LTD has instead looked at renewable diesel fuels for their buses. Anni Katz, a spokesperson for LTD, said that “once we reduce our fleet, there will be a negligible increase in emissions because we use R99 (Renewable Diesel).” R99 is made sustainably by taking biological waste products, like fat and grease, and putting them through the “hydrogenation process.” That
resulting fuel “offers a 50‐75% lifecycle GHG reduction” compared to conventional diesel, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. So while this redirection by LTD does still reduce emissions, it doesn’t get all the way there. LTD’s Climate Action Policy points to the agency’s goal to “increase transit’s role in reducing community-wide emissions,” and “support sustainable transportation choices.” Rob Zako, executive director of Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation, says that “the transfer of private auto trips to public transit trips is responsible for the largest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.” Transferring car trips to public transit trips is important and cannot be bypassed when the goal is an emissions-free community, but LTD still must pursue a fully electric fleet if Eugene is to ever become carbon neutral, or even negative. Katz said LTD has “begun thinking about other electrification options, such as catenary systems,” which would bypass the technical issues with battery buses and bring back the proven systems of streetcars. If LTD is serious about reducing this community’s emissions, it can’t have just started thinking about proven solutions that have been around for a century. Fully electrified transit has been possible our whole lives; LTD just needs to implement it.
Benton: Jaded and jobless: Where did all the entry-level jobs go? Opinion: The job market isn’t just tight. It’s shrinking. By Kat Benton
Opinion Columnist
I have a love-hate relationship with my laptop these days. What used to be a cherished tool for entertainment and discovery now looks at me each morning, daring me to open it and check my email for what is sure to be another rejection for a job I don’t remember applying to. Or maybe write a few dozen more cover letters. Even by the rest of the country’s standards, Oregon’s job market is struggling. Whether it be the advent of artificial intelligence or the lagging economy, everybody seems to have a different reason why the entry-level job market is so barren of opportunities. And barren it is, even on campus. The strain on the job market disadvantages students seeking work, as campus jobs are becoming increasingly unavailable due to the recent capus-wide hiring freeze. It’s becoming so normal that not being able to find a job is now somewhat of an icebreaker when meeting new people on campus. It’s how I came to meet Ava Rodgers, a multidisciplinary science major on the premed track who was also facing the same issue. Driven to learn and hopeful for an application boost, she earned a phlebotomy certificate and learned to draw blood. Yet when the time came to enter the workforce, she “couldn’t find any phlebotomy jobs.”
Dani Amtmann, head of the Career Readiness Coach team at the UO Career Center, painted a clear picture of just how prevalent the issue is. Citing data from Handshake, coaches have seen “a 13.8% increase in average applications per UO student.” But when more applicants are coming in with fewer jobs to apply to, vying for a job feels less like interviewing and more like a high-stakes game of musical chairs. While the sentiment is not applicable to every student, coaches have noticed that more students are expressing worries of not being able to find a job. Amtmann voiced that it’s “very common to see students apply for more jobs to get the same number of interviews in today’s market,” which has “less opportunities for part-time jobs, internships and entry-level talent.” While we may not control the job market, we can certainly control how we react to it. Amtmann mentioned that Career Readiness Coaches have seen success in helping students create “highly tailored documents (resumes and cover letters) and tapping into industry connections.” The Financial Wellness Center’s workshops can be useful for students looking to build savings for a rainy day. Tennille Wait, assistant director of financial wellness at the center, “(encourages) students to start with the basics: create a realistic budget and track their spending.”
There are so many resources available on campus for students and after graduation, like the aforementioned Financial Wellness Center, Career Centers and alumni organizations. We can't fix the job market. But between tailored resumes, career coaching and putting in the work to grow our savings, we can make the waiting a little less painful.
(Sofia Campbell/Emerald)
Kat is a fourthyear CHC student studying psychology with minors in legal studies and entrepreneurship. She enjoys writing about power dynamics, institutional accountability and the ways political structures shape communities.
SPORTS
DAILY EMERALD
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
page 22
Vaulet enters fourth Big Ten volleyball season with confidence Valentina Vaulet’s Big Ten experience will be crucial to the Ducks’ success in conference play. By Henry Light
Associate Sports Editor
Before Oregon swept Oregon State on Sept. 20, Ducks head coach Trent Kersten presented Valentina Vaulet with a commemorative volleyball for her 1,000th career kill. Vaulet took the ball from the coach, who valued her talent and Big Ten experience when she transferred from Michigan in 2025, and turned to celebrate with the teammates she hopes to reach new heights with in 2026. “Hopefully it just continues to reinforce that great players belong at Oregon volleyball, and we’re going to highlight you, and we’re going to celebrate your accomplishments, and at the end of the day it’s going to be about the team and how much we can do together and accomplish together,” Kersten said after the match. Despite the emergence of Alanah Clemente last season and Oregon’s deeper offense this year, Vaulet has been the nucleus of both Ducks teams. En route to a .333 hitting percentage on 24 total attacks against Oregon State, Vaulet helped Oregon weather a tricky rotation in set two by trading points 11, 12 and 13 with the Beavers before the Ducks finally settled in. In those competitive moments, Kersten relies on the adaptability Vaulet has developed as a four-year starter. “This is my senior year, my last year in college, so it makes every match extra special because it’s the last time that I’ll play at these facilities, against these teams. I think that’s my
‘why,’” Vaulet said. “Every year it’s like, ‘okay, maybe next year,’ and for me it’s like, no, I don’t have that anymore; it’s this year or nothing.” Vaulet has experienced the Big Ten gauntlet before, and with 11 Big Ten teams receiving a vote in the Sept. 20 AVCA rankings, she will have plenty of chances to apply that experience in her senior season. “Well, I love conference play. I love the teams that we play. I expect to win many more matches than I have in the past, and we have a team to do that,” Vaulet said. Oregon went 8-12 in Big Ten play last season, including a 3-6 record in ranked matchups. Expectations are certainly higher going into year two of the Kersten era, making Vaulet’s confidence a crucial point of leadership. The Ducks showcased a deep attack in non-conference play with Gonzaga transfer Sjakkie Donkers and freshman Laura Eichert emerging as strong contributors, but don’t be surprised if the star senior finds more service down the stretch. Vaulet signed on to help the Oregon volleyball program build its new identity. The success of that project’s inaugural season has Vaulet and the Ducks dreaming of returning the program to the postseason. (LEFT) Senior Duck Valentina Vaulet (8) goes up for her service. The University of Oregon Ducks Women’s Volleyball team defeated in-state rivals, the Oregon State Beavers, (0-3) in a home match at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore., on Sep. 20, 2026. (Owen Buriss/Emerald)
Katie Fiso adds another international medal to her trophy case Oregon’s star guard teamed up with other Big Ten players to win gold for the USA at the Wuhan, China FIBA 3x3 U23 championships. By Colin Ernst
Sports Writer
(Katie Poluyansky/Emerald) Oregon Duck Katie Fiso (2) gets the rebound. On Oct. 30, 2025 the Oregon Ducks played the Western Oregon Wolves at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore.
While most college students trudged through their summer internships, Oregon’s Katie Fiso and the USA’s 3x3 Women’s U23 National Team were busy winning gold medals at the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Wuhan, China. The quartet of Fiso, McKinna Brackens (Arizona State), Dani Carnegie (Iowa) and Tori McKinney (Minnesota) took a rest from NCAA competition to represent America on the global stage. On Sept. 16, the U.S. Women’s team began pool play, facing off against Japan in a matchup between the No. 4 and No. 5-ranked teams. After eeking past team Japan 16-14, the American women dominated Slovenia 21-8. On day two of the World Cup, Fiso had her best game of the tournament, recording seven points and four rebounds in a win over team Kenya, 21-12. The U.S. then advanced to the quarterfinals, where they matched up against No. 2-ranked Netherlands. Led by Carnegie’s 8 points and Fiso’s 6, the, the U.S. came out on top 21-17, and moved on to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, the U.S. took on No. 3-ranked Spain.
Tied at 12 points a piece with just three minutes remaining, it was anyone’s game. From that point, each member of the team provided key buckets, willing themselves to the finals. The finals featured a North American showdown: USA versus Canada. The game was a defensive masterclass, and for the first time since Team USA’s opening game against Japan, the winning score was less than 21. Closing with a 6-1 surge, Team USA won the tournament with a 15-10 victory – with Fiso contributing 2 points and five rebounds. Throughout the entire cup, Fiso averaged 4.5 points and 3 rebounds a game. With the win, the Ducks’ playmaker doubled her gold medal count. Providing her medal from the 2023 U18 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, a new friend. There is no doubt that Fiso is an elite passer and playmaker, averaging 6.5 assists per game. Last season, she led the team in assists in 30 of the 36 games that Oregon suited up for. Last season, the Ducks ended with a 23-13 (8-10 in conference) record and made it through the first round of the NCAA tournament before a tough loss to No. 1- seeded Texas. If Fiso can translate her skills from the world stage to become an even better scorer, Oregon’s second-team all-Big Ten guard can boost the Ducks’ chances of making it back to the postseason and beyond.
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