Oregon Superheroes

Teaching classes about comic books might sound like a strange fit for an English professor. But Ben Saunders considers the ethical questions of Superman comics every bit as compelling as those of Shakespeare. Saunders' exploration of the aesthetics and social symbolism of comic books culminated in an academic conference on superheroes, as well as the most historically comprehensive exhibition of superhero comics art ever assembled. Saunders says he is lucky to work at the University of Oregon, where he feels “very supported at every level, both departmentally and administratively.” If you're ready to follow your passions, it's time to make the heroic choice.	It’s not every professor who has a title that sounds like a superhero name. But professor of advertising Deborah Morrison has been named a Grandmaster by The Art Director’s Club in New York City, a fitting moniker for a mentor who has helped launch literally thousands of students’ careers in advertising and communications. “Living a creative life is living to your fullest potential,” says Morrison. “As students realize this, they grow personally and professionally.” If you're ready to put your creativity to work, it's time to make the heroic choice.	Besides double majoring in journalism and Chinese, Paul Goodnight also took rigorous language training in the UO Chinese Flagship Program. So on the day Paul encountered a UO faculty member having trouble communicating with a professor visiting from China, Paul didn't hesitate before jumping in to translate. Now that he has graduated and is working as a media planner at an ad agency, Paul says, "The UO offered me the opportunity to take a wide range of classes and learn with inspiring professors from around the world.” If you're ready to meet our diverse and inclusive faculty, it's time to make the heroic choice.	Professor Geri Richmond counts lasers as part of her superhero arsenal. Seriously. She and her students use them to study environmentally important processes at liquid surfaces. Richmond’s work has led to her election to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, and her active efforts in promoting women and minorities in science were recognized with a Presidential Mentoring Award from the White House. “Teaching through research provides a powerful opportunity for discovery and the development of the talented workforce necessary to address important technical challenges for the future,” explains Richmond. If you're ready to hone your skills to a laser-sharp focus, it's time to make the heroic choice.
Like all good superheroes, Professor Carlos Aguirre focuses on those who need his help. His scholarly research on political imprisonment in Latin America isn’t the only way Aguirre is reaching out: he was also honored with an Outstanding Faculty Award for mentoring underrepresented students and increasing diversity at the UO. “I encourage students to be their own heroes,” says Aguirre. “The diversity of a university’s faculty and students is what strengthens it.” If you're ready to celebrate strength through diversity, it's time to make the heroic choice.	Grace Hochstatter didn’t wait before springing into action. As a freshman, Hochstatter jockeyed to secure positions at the UO’s student-produced television program and at the Oregon Daily Emerald, the campus newspaper. By the end of her first term at the UO, Hochstatter was enjoying the sight of her byline. “I am a firm believer that if you have a passion for something and put your all into it, you will bear the fruits of your labor,” says Hochstatter. If you’re ready to see your name in print, it’s time to make the heroic choice.	UO professors all have one thing in common: “Braaaaainns.” Professor John Schmor blended a zombie B-movie plot and the script of Hamlet to create Or Not to Be, an original stage play. And those brainiacs at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival have taken notice of Schmor’s work, honoring him with a certificate of achievement in the field of directing. “The UO encourages the development of artistic work that takes risks and bends genres,” says Schmor. “I am honored to work here.” If you’re ready to take center stage, it's time to make the heroic choice.	Like many superheroes, Professor Michael Haley’s powers derive from microscopic particles. Haley is working with molecules that are present in almost every aspect of daily life, from plastic water bottles to computer displays to superhero spandex, and that could ultimately help detect environmental contaminants and disease. “The reason I am a chemist today is because I got to do undergraduate research in a real lab setting,” he explains. “Mentoring undergraduates as part of the lab research team is the best way to engage and excite the next generation of scientists.” And that's why nearly 80 percent of chemistry majors work in labs during their time at the UO. If you’re ready to work alongside your faculty mentors, it's time to make the heroic choice.
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, José Luis Bustillos is the first person in his family to go to college, and he’s been determined to make the most of it. Besides double majoring in history and economics, Bustillos participated in several student organizations and tutoring programs. In the long term, he’d like to start a global investment firm. “[My parents] told me to expect adversity, because that’s what you face when you are the first to do something,” Bustillos explains. Not that it has slowed him down one bit. If you’re ready to pioneer new frontiers, it’s time to make the heroic choice.	Tsegazeab Gessese has had several not-so-secret identities during his time at the UO: biology major, business administration minor, and member of the UO’s Black Student Union, just to name a few. Now that he has graduated, Gessese is adding a couple more roles to his already-packed life, Peace Corps Volunteer and maybe even med school student. “Even if you're on the right track, you will get hit by a train if you don't keep going,” says Gessese. If you’re ready to take action in the community, it's time to make the heroic choice.

Inspired by these tales of derring-do? If you become an Oregon superhero, you will find that your own story is... to be continued...