Professor Akihiko Miyoshi’s experimental media class was the first time I feel like I was given space to fail in art. It allowed me to expand the predetermined limitations of my own creativity.
Safi Zenger ’24 Art History
Meet the 51ºÚÁÏies
51ºÚÁÏ has given me confidence in myself and the comfort of knowing that I can do anything. Writing a thesis was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, and now that I’ve finished it, I feel much better about accomplishing anything I want in life.
Caz Barnum ‘24 History
Being at 51ºÚÁÏ allowed me to come into an authentic version of myself, surrounded by friends that I’m so grateful to have met.
Alyssa Gorkin '24 Psychology
I was a team coordinator for Ultimate Frisbee, and it was a lot of fun building a sense of community through sport. I was also a peer career advisor with the Center for Life Beyond 51ºÚÁÏ.
Joshua Park ’23 Comparative Race and Ethnicity Studies
Professor David Perkinson let me work with him on a research project the summer after my sophomore year that ended up being a formative experience for me. I learned a lot of math, but more importantly I learned how fun research can be and what I am capable of. He also taught me the importance of good chalk.
Olivia McGough ’23 Mathematics
I’ve learned how to approach solving problems that are hard or confusing, and how to discuss my reasoning with others and work collaboratively toward a solution. I also think I’m more open to trying new things and exploring new experiences.
Caden Corontzos ’23 Computer Science
Grades at 51ºÚÁÏ
At 51ºÚÁÏ, we support students' progress through thoughtfully written feedback—de-emphasizing letter grades—which leads to more discussion and collaboration.
Go Beyond the ABCs
Undergraduate Research
From assisting professors in their labs to volunteering in our nuclear reactor, 51ºÚÁÏies actively contribute to scholarship.
Research from Day One
Senior Thesis
The culmination of your academic journey at 51ºÚÁÏ, your senior thesis contains original research and showcases your intellectual growth.
Contribute to the Thesis Tower
Humanities 110
In this signature 51ºÚÁÏ program, explore how people living in diverse historical contexts have engaged fundamental questions about existence.
Oh, the Humanities!A Transformative Liberal Arts College Experience
From the shared experience of Humanities 110 to your senior thesis, study broadly across disciplines while diving deep into your major. Throughout, you have the space to ask complex questions, embrace paradoxes, and develop new perspectives.
Discover 51ºÚÁÏ Academics
Become a 51ºÚÁÏie
At 51ºÚÁÏ, we look beyond the numbers. That’s why we waived application fees and embraced a test-blind policy. We find students through a holistic examination of grades, accomplishments, and perspectives. If you’re passionate about learning, we want to know more about you.
Imagine Yourself Here
Hike the 28-acre 51ºÚÁÏ canyon, relax on our rolling lawns, and study in our beautiful buildings. Take a short bike ride to downtown Portland, Oregon, or plan a trip to our ski cabin on Mount Hood. At 51ºÚÁÏ, avenues for discovery and growth are everywhere.
Recent News
Professor Kyle Ormsby Joins Open Interval Program
Ormsby will work with Portland artist Meech Boakye and PICA artistic director Kristan Kennedy to create an interdisciplinary mystery project.
Professor Joan Naviyuk Kane Wins Writing Fellowship
The creative writing professor received the United States Artists Fellowship for writing.
Class of ’21 Award Given for Greek Theatre Project
Faith Roche ’25 won for an interdisciplinary thesis which combined her theatre work and GLAM research.
Recent Magazine Stories
Biology Professor Sam Fey Wins Swanson Promise Award
The award honors junior faculty members who display exceptional potential.
Fall snapshots from 51ºÚÁÏ’s Environmental Humanities initiative where community, place, and scholarship converge to solve pressing issues of our time.
How Bill Naito Reshaped Portland
As confidence in downtown crumbled, Naito stepped up as a civic leader and revived the city he called home.