The beginning of the new academic year at the University of Oregon means a new beginning for the Carnegie Global Oregon Learning Community. This year the CGO welcomes 22 new students to the community. The so-called “17s” have been interacting and getting to know one another over the course of the summer, but their arrival to the University of Oregon campus marks the official beginning of their first year in the program.

Students moved in over the course of the day, setting up their rooms, meeting one another in person, and hugging family and friends goodbye before coming together in the evening to share a special meal. Before the meal, however, students took part in several activities meant to acclimate students to one another, the staff, and the program. Students were given the opportunity to share a bit about themselves and their expectations of college. This year’s cohort, more so than in years past, comes from a wide range of places across the continental United States. The 17s have added the first Coloradans, Virginians, and Texans to the cohort, all welcome additions.

In the days following the first activity and meal, students have spent a lot of time with one another and with the Global Oregon staff. While many of the meetings are academic in nature, others are more about fostering community and relaxing. The traditional cake decorating contest gave 17s an opportunity to meet students from previous years and different cohorts. Students were split in to five groups, were given a cake and copious amounts of icing and food coloring. The goal was to create a themed cake to be shared with the rest of the community, to be eaten later. Community was a common thread in several of the cakes, a testament to the rapid development of friendships within the Carnegie Global Oregon Community.

Saturday marked the last meeting before the fall term launched. Students from all cohorts, friends, and staff met with Whitey Lueck, a local instructor with a passion for trees, sustainability, and the outdoors. Whitey gave a tour of the University of Oregon campus and spent time talking about various trees, but also about the history of the campus. At the close of the tour Whitey shared his inspiring personal story of ethics and morals, an eye opening story and lifestyle which the majority of students had not been aware of.

As the week comes to a close we could not be more thrilled about the fantastic beginning we have had and we look forward to furthering our discussions, and deepening our connections as a learning community.