The great brownie debate: edge or center? 🍫 Our Beacons have some strong opinions on this delicious dilemma! Where do you stand: team edge or team center?

Last week, we had the honor of welcoming numerous college and university leaders to our Bushnell University campus as we hosted the 2025 NetVUE Regional Gathering, "The Purposeful University." Over the course of three days, faculty, staff, and thought leaders from across the country gathered to explore the themes of purpose, vocation, and calling in higher education. The impactful event sparked meaningful conversations about how colleges and universities can live out their callings for the good of their communities. We are grateful to all who joined us, and to the Council of Independent Colleges for making this event possible and allowing us to be a part in shaping this vital dialogue on the future of higher education.

Missions Awareness Week 2025 🌍 This week our Beacons connected with global organizations dedicated to sharing the gospel and providing lifelong learning. Grateful to all who joined us for this week!

What’s your hype track? 🎶⚡️ We asked our Beacons to share songs that get them fired up for their day-to-day! From throwbacks to pop, this is the music that brings the energy!

Summer Internship Spotlight: Abby Weston, a senior Mathematics major with a minor in Spanish, explored the world of math research through her summer internship at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce! 🇵🇷🏫   From developing new combinatorics research on parking functions to learning LaTeX formatting and website-building skills, she discovered that math research is about uncovering new ideas and gaining real-world experience beyond the classroom. Living in Puerto Rico also allowed her to immerse herself in the culture and practice Spanish in a local community through several opportunities, such as her time at church.   Perhaps most importantly, the experience gave Abby a clear picture of graduate school and the world of professional mathematicians. “I had no idea what I was getting into with grad school, but now I feel like I have a solid grasp on what it will actually be like,” she said. “I also learned what types of math I really enjoy and which ones I don’t.”   Abby encourages other Bushnell students to dive fully into their internships. “Internships might feel like a box to check off, but if you fully immerse yourself in the experience and do the hard things, you’ll grow,” she said. “You’ll learn what you want to do with your life and, maybe just as importantly, what you don’t want to do.”   Great work, Abby! Watch the Q&A on our YouTube! Read the full article on our website!

As we celebrate our 130th anniversary this academic year, we’ll be taking a monthly look back at our university’s history. September’s focus is on Bushnell’s beginnings!   We trace our roots to 1895, when Eugene Sanderson, a pastor and educator, and James A. Bushnell, a pioneer pastor and businessman, founded Eugene Divinity School (EDS). Though independent, the school was envisioned as a faith-based complement to the University of Oregon with a commitment to integrating faith and learning, welcoming both men and women equally from the start.   Bushnell became our President of the Board of Regents, with Sanderson becoming Dean, and eventually our university’s first President. Over the next decade, EDS’ campus established itself in Eugene with buildings such as Rehm Hall, the Dean’s House, and Goodrich Hall, the original administration building constructed in 1908 that still stands today.   By 1906, the School of Liberal Arts was added, and in 1908, the growing institution became Eugene Bible University (EBU) to reflect the widening academic offerings and reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity across gender, race, and religion.

A big congratulations to two of our Beacons, Carrie Gillies, Director of Online & Graduate Admissions, and Kelsay Rychener ’14, Communications adjunct faculty member and alumna, on receiving their 20 Under 40 awards last week! We love seeing members of our Bushnell community recognized for the meaningful work they do to make our local area a vibrant and thriving place to live. Way to go, Carrie and Kelsay! @eugeneyoungprofessionals @eugchamber

We had an incredible time connecting with so many aspiring and inspiring professionals at this year’s Young Professionals Summit at the Graduate!   As the annual sponsor, we were honored to partner with @eugeneyoungprofessionals and engage with local change-makers who are leading with passion and purpose.   Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect with us! We loved hearing about your next chapter. Keep shining bright! 🌟