Beaver Brags and BriefsWinter 2026

Beaver Brags

in research expenditures is the number OSU hit in fiscal year 2025 despite a rapidly changing federal funding landscape. 

is sophomore Justin Rademacher’s new title after capturing the U20 World Championship in wrestling.

of caring for small animals is the anniversary Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine’s Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital celebrated this fall.

made its debut as the first OSU-branded car to race in a NASCAR event, on Aug. 30.

Briefs

Good News for Crafty Beavers

Oregon State University has launched OSU Community Connect, a new licensing program that makes it possible for Oregon crafters to legally make and sell OSU-branded non-apparel items — like celebration leis or custom cornhole boards — online or in person. For an annual $200 fee, eligible artisans may use three official OSU logos and display a certificate of authenticity. Sales are capped at $2,500 or 500 items per year.

Boost for Career Learning

Oregon State University–Cascades is one of eight universities selected to participate in the National Work-Integrated Learning Accelerator, a two-year project helping institutions pilot new opportunities for students to gain workplace experience. The team will collaborate with participating institutions to develop and test approaches to work-integrated learning, such as embedding work experiences into courses through micro-internships, project-based learning and employer challenges. The accelerator is led by Arizona State University and supported by the JPMorganChase and Strada Education Foundation.

Top Videos of 2025

The OSU Alumni Association has rounded up this year’s most popular videos from all corners of the university to create a viewing library. It’s an easy way for Beaver alumni, family and friends to explore the best of OSU online, from lectures, presentations and special celebrations to graduates’ sweet “Between the Trees” conversations and the spirited “We Won’t Back Down” video from OSU Athletics.

Battling Superbugs

In a potential breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers at Oregon State, William & Mary and the NIH uncovered how antimicrobial peptides — small proteins that puncture bacterial membranes — can be designed to aim at specific targets more effectively. The team, co-led by Myriam Cotten, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, developed formulas linking peptide behavior to their bacterial-killing power, paving the way for new treatments against infections that no longer respond to antibiotics. The discovery could help scientists create a new class of lifesaving drugs to combat global health threats.

Extension Returns to Portland Area

For the first time since 2002, Oregon’s most populous county approved funding for OSU Extension Service. This reinstates the cooperative funding partnership between Multnomah County and OSU. (During the 23-year gap, OSU’s Master Gardener program persisted in Portland thanks to private donations.) Efforts this year will focus on increasing support for county farmers. Residents can find upcoming events and sign up for a newsletter here.

Celebrating Serna

Alexis Serna, ’08, went from walk-on to one of the greatest kickers in college football history. At Oregon State, he earned All-American honors, won the Lou Groza Award and in 2023 was inducted into the OSU Hall of Fame. He went on to play professionally in the Canadian Football League before returning to lead OSU’s Beyond Football program, preparing student-athletes for careers beyond the game. A new short film tells his dramatic story.