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An empty hallway outisde the former location of the SOAR Center on the third floor of the Putnam University Center on Oct. 1, 2026. Photo by Keenan Yoshizawa. Founded in 2018, the Students Organizing for Access to Resources (SOAR) Center served as a volunteer-run location for students to obtain items like food, clothing and textbooks. Until 2025, the center served its purpose on the third floor of the Putnam University Center, but its doors shut at the end of the 2024-25 acad

Blitz and FITS fencing. Art by Addie Martin. For the upcoming spring 2027 semester, Willamette administration has decided to temporarily discontinue fitness classes (colloquially known as FITS). While the cut comes from budget concerns, FITS faculty mourn the loss of a fitness outlet for students outside of sports. The FITS classes include fencing, pilates, yoga, tennis, and several other cardio and interval training courses. Historically, FITS classes like the skiing and sno

The importance of voting as a college student A tattered American flag flies in a neighborhood. Photo by Lucy Devlaeminck. As midterm elections abroach this November, everyone must make a choice. Even if you wave your right to choose between candidates, by not voting, you are still making a choice. According to an article by Tufts University, in the last midterm election, only 18% of 18-19-year-olds and 24% of 20-29-year-olds cast a ballot. This is not nearly enough. How can

A Bearcat guide to the election and voter registration The state of Oregon, covered entirely in “I Voted” stickers. Art by Wes Mowry-Silverman. Oregon is in full election season for 2026! Races for the Senate, House of Representatives and other stateside positions are happening this November. Oregon residents now have the opportunity to cast their vote, if registered, by Election Day, Tuesday Nov. 3. The final day to register to vote in Oregon is Oct. 13. One of the biggest a