Spring events are in full swing at Linfield University throughout May. In addition to a great lineup of theatre, music and dance events, Linfield hosts its fourth annual Camas Festival on May 9 and the inaugural Arts Crawl on May 16. Also in its first year is Linfield School of Nursing’s Healthcare Symposium for medical professionals and students May 17 on the Portland campus. Hear from guests like award-winning author Javier Zamora and legal expert Steven Nofziger on the McMinnville campus. Finally, don’t miss the chance to see the best of Linfield’s graduating students at the Student Symposium, Student Art Showcase at the Linfield Gallery or a recital by Élana Gatien. Events are open to the public and free, unless otherwise noted.
May 1: May Day Event with the Linfield Archives
Celebrate May Day at the Linfield Archives. Rich Schmidt, Linfield’s director of archives, leads a special presentation on the history and evolution of May Day celebrations at Linfield and in the broader McMinnville community. Drawing on archival materials, his talk explores how May Day traditions, such as maypole dances, campus festivities and student participation, have reflected broader social and cultural shifts throughout Linfield’s history. He will share stories, photographs and documents that bring to life the spirit of May Day and its significance to Linfield’s institutional identity. The talk begins at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Nicholson Library.
May 1-3: “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”
The Linfield Theatre Program in collaboration with the Department of Music presents “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” from April 25-May 3. Tickets are selling fast for the remaining performances. Reserved seats can be purchased online at linfield.edu/arts or at the Marshall Theatre box office. Tickets are $15, with special pricing for seniors, Linfield employees and students from any school. All shows are in Marshall Theatre within Kenneth W. Ford Hall. The musical is based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel of the same name. The story follows Percy Jackson’s odyssey from troublemaker to hero. During the process, he confronts Greek gods and monsters, a traitor, an absentee father and self–doubt. Quirky friends, a magical pen that becomes a sword and his undying love for his mom guides our hero on his journey. Read more details about the show.
Continuing throughout May 3: “Hands of the Ancestors” exhibit by Stephanie Craig
“Hands of the Ancestors,” an exhibit by Stephanie Craig, runs in the Linfield Gallery in the Miller Fine Arts Center from April 2 through May 3, 2025. The exhibition features indigenous basketry, belongings and photos corresponding to Craig’s traditions and practice. The Linfield Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. This exhibition is sponsored by the Lacroute Arts Series and the Department of Art. For more information and directions, visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
May 2-9: Transitions/Transgressions pop-up art gallery
Experience Transitions/Transgressions, an interdisciplinary pop-up gallery, on display at Nicholson Library May 2-9. Linfield students from across campus created works inspired by the theme of crossing borders. Designs were inspired by, and in homage to, Javier Zamora’s publications “Solito” and “Unaccompanied.” A special opening reception takes place from 4-5 p.m. Friday, May 2 at Nicholson Library. This pop-up gallery is sponsored by Linfield’s Learning Across Boundaries (LAB).
May 5 & 7: Student debates on U.S. foreign policy
The Department of Political Science hosts two student-led public debates May 5 and May 7. Members of Patrick Cottrell’s U.S. foreign policy class take on the following resolutions:
- 12:45 p.m. Monday, May 5 in Graf 120: “An America First foreign policy is bad for US citizens and companies.”
- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 in Graf 120: “The American dream is dead.”
May 6: Practicing Law in the 21st Century: A discussion with Steven Nofziger ’96
The Linfield Law Society hosts a discussion with Steven Nofziger ’96, an attorney and principal at Foster Garvey, at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 in Graf 120. Nofziger will discuss the development and current state of the legal profession.
Nofziger is a frequent speaker and author on tax and employee benefit topics. He earned his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law and holds a B.S. in economics from Linfield. In his current role, he advises businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations on complex tax, business planning and employee benefits matters. His practice encompasses business entity formation, ownership transfers, executive compensation, IRC § 1031 exchanges and federal, state, and local tax controversies. He also assists clients in designing and implementing qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation, retirement and welfare benefit plans, advising on plan administration, ERISA compliance and fiduciary issues.
May 7: A Conversation with Javier Zamora
Linfield University welcomes renowned author and poet Javier Zamora for a special campus event from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 in the Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium inside Melrose Hall. The free event is open to the public and will include a live discussion and a book signing.
The evening, titled “A Conversation with Javier Zamora,” features Zamora in conversation with Linfield professors Sonia Ticas and Reshmi Dutt-Ballerstadt. Together, they’ll explore Zamora’s powerful writing on migration, identity and memory — especially as shared in his New York Times bestselling memoir, “Solito.”
Following the conversation, Zamora will sign copies of his books, which will be available for purchase at the event. See additional event details.
May 8: Liederabend
Delight in an enchanting evening of song as Linfield’s voice students perform a selection of exquisite art songs and duets. This intimate concert will transport you through different musical eras and languages, showcasing the expressive beauty of the human voice. This free event takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8 in Delkin Recital Hall.
May 9: Camas Festival
The Camas Festival returns to the Linfield University McMinnville Campus from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 9. Now in its fourth year, the event is a partnership between Linfield and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde celebrating the cultural, ecological and artistic significance of the camas flower. The event is free and open to all. This year’s event features tours of the Cozine Creek camas patches, an Indigenous Creators’ Market, guest speakers, art exhibit, children’s activities and more. See the Camas Festival schedule and more event information.
May 13: Spring Choral Concert
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a joyful evening of choral music! The Linfield Concert Choir and Wildcat Glee perform an eclectic mix of songs from around the world at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 in the Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium. Featuring Linfield’s talented vocal ensembles, this concert will present a rich variety of styles and themes, sure to uplift and inspire all who attend.
May 14-31: Senior Showcase
“POW! CLANK! ZAM!” features the art of students in the Linfield Department of Art’s 2025 senior capstone class. The exhibition runs May 14-31 in the Linfield Gallery. An opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Light refreshments will be served. The artists will discuss their work from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 19 in the Nicholson Library Austin Reading Room.
The exhibit allows visitors to “POW! CLANK! ZAM!” into the world of exploration and self–discovery. Here in this universe, heroes Berhane Hammer, Kayley Dombrigues, Savanha Shurtz, Kara Kanetake and Zoë Jones can’t get enough of curiosity, culture,and connections. The heroes take on enemies involved in heinous crimes centered around social, cultural and emotional challenges and crises. Through this journey, our heroes have produced artifacts that symbolize their harrowing expedition through the pointy mountains of demand, deep river of denial and the thick fog of uncertainty; these very physical relics that have been extracted for your viewing pleasure. Quake at the sight of these worldly treasures! Interact with this collection of experimental works via visualizing an ocular migraine, shopping for clothing, dissecting the human body, playing with a deck of cards and stepping into a whole other world. Follow our heroes as they go out with a “POW! CLANK! ZAM!”
Featured artists:
- Berhane Hammer: Hammer captures the visual auras and sensations amplified by ocular experiences through digital and traditional multimedia illustrations.
- Kayley Dombrigues: With a vastly populated tourism industry, Hawaii consistently faces misconceptions and mistreatment of its vibrant land, people and culture. Filipino–Hawaiian digital artist, Dombrigues, challenges these fallacies — often provoked by stereotypes in the media — through her merchandise line, Hāla.
- Savanha Shurtz: Incorporating aspects of psychological horror, Shurtz is a painter and sculptor fascinated by the internal human body, toeing the intersecting lines of grief, loss and regret.
- Kara Kanetake: Creating community is integral to Kanetake’s work as a graphic designer. Her recent work has expanded beyond technology and invokes a multi–disciplinary practice, resulting in the design of a pack of cards based on her upbringing.
- Zoë Jones: Velkommen! The experimental art and narrative illustrations of Jones develop richly cultured and fictional worlds that may conform to the unique needs of those who experience learning differences and neuro–divergency.
For more information, please visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
May 15-16: Shakespeare in the Courtyard
Who can resist a raucous comedy about a man turned donkey turned man again, a ne’er-do–well fairy imp, four lovers on a collision course, and a wedding celebration culminating with the performance of “Pyramus and Thisbe” by a swath of rude mechanicals? Queen Elizabeth the First of England certainly could not, and we hope you can’t either. Join Linfield’s theatre program for “Shakespeare in the Courtyard” at 5 p.m. May 15 and 16 to enjoy scenes from “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” as well as from “Richard III,” featuring one of Shakespeare’s most unscrupulous villains as he woos Lady Anne. Enjoy these scenes plus a healthy diet of Shakespearean insults, praises, soliloquies and sonnets as you wander the greens of Linfield’s Arts Quad. Admission is free.
May 16: Opera/Musical Theatre Showcase
Experience the drama and passion of opera and musical theatre in this dynamic showcase! Performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16 in Delkin Recital Hall. Linfield’s voice students bring beloved scenes to life with soaring melodies, heartfelt performances and compelling storytelling. The event features selections from classic operas and contemporary musicals performed by Linfield students.
May 16: Art Crawl in the Quad
Join Linfield University for its first–ever Arts Crawl, celebrating student creativity at Linfield! Visit the Linfield Gallery for the Senior Capstone Exhibition and purchase original art and crafts at the Makers Market. Hear original poetry from the winners of the Lacroute Poetry Prize and original works from the Camas literary journal at the Nicholson Library. View short scenes from “Shakespeare in the Courtyard” in the Arts Quad from the Linfield Theatre Program. Hear Linfield voice students bring beloved classic opera scenes and songs from musical theatre to life with soaring melodies, heartfelt performances and compelling storytelling in the Delkin Recital Hall. Wander the quad and experience the arts! Food, wine and mocktails will be available for purchase.
May 17: Linfield School of Nursing Healthcare Symposium
The inaugural Linfield School of Nursing Healthcare Symposium is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Linfield University Portland Campus. Registration is $50; $25 for students in any medical training program. Highlighting the symposium is a keynote lecture from Rook Bartz, RN, BSN, the gender and sexual health program manager at Legacy Health. Bartz, an acclaimed speaker, author and nurse educator, brings decades of experience providing training on gender-inclusive and gender-affirming care. Register for the event online at https://www.linfield.events/store/p843/Linfield%27s_School_of_Nursing_Healthcare_Symposium.html.
“This is an opportunity for health care professionals and students to deepen their understanding of inclusive care practices that are vital to equitable and effective patient outcomes,” said Paul Smith, dean of Linfield’s School of Nursing “The event, and especially Rook’s talk, provides for a professional, timely and relevant discussion for today’s workforce.”
May 19: Instrumental Performance Ensemble
From cinematic scores to dance-inspired pieces, this concert is a celebration of instrumental diversity! Linfield’s student musicians will take you on a journey through tangos, rags, waltzes and more, with original arrangements crafted by Linfield’s own composition students. Enjoy this night of music by the Instrumental Performance Ensemble at 7 p.m. Monday, May 19 in Delkin Recital Hall.
May 21: Student Composer Film Scores
Discover the magic of music in film at this special event! Linfield’s student composers will premiere their original film scores, created as part of the Lacroute Composer Readings and Chamber Music Mentorship Program. The showcase begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21 in Delkin Recital Hall. Come experience firsthand how music shapes the cinematic experience!
May 21-28: Memorial Day flag display
Linfield honors its veteran students with a special Memorial Day flag display on the Portland and McMinnville campuses. The university will be placing 500 American flags on the Academic Quad of the McMinnville campus and 100 flags around the Portland campus. Linfield alumni, veterans and the public are invited to come see the display and meet Emily Delo, Linfield’s veteran affairs coordinator. Delo will be on the Portland campus Thursday, May 22 and on the McMinnville campus Friday, May 23. She is available to provide information about using the GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon program at Linfield. For more information, contact Delo at edelo@linfield.edu or 503-883-2539.
May 23: Student Symposium
Linfield holds the 33rd Annual Student Symposium Thursday, May 23 across the Linfield University McMinnville Campus. This all-day event highlights the innovation and academic achievements of Linfield students. Students present a diverse range of work, including performances, short films, artwork, research in the natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and other fields. Attendees can fill out an event passport by participating in a variety of presentations to receive a special Linfield-themed gift. The Student Symposium at Linfield University is sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Wendell L. Foote Science Endowment. Visit the symposium’s website for more information.
May 23-24: Dance Showcase
Movement, rhythm and storytelling come together in this exciting dance showcase! Linfield’s student dancers will dazzle audiences with original choreography and expressive performances in collaboration with Linfield’s Theatre Program. Performances are at 7 pm. Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24 in Marshall Theatre (located in Ford Hall). Tickets are $10 for general admission seating. Students and Linfield employees are free with ID. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.linfield.events/linfield-music-tickets.html.
May 28: Élana Gatien Senior Recital
Witness four years of musical growth in one culminating performance! Élana Gatien, music and creative writing double major, presents aer senior composition recital, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Delkin Recital Hall. The performance features music written as part of the Lacroute Composer Readings and Chamber Music Mentorship Program at Linfield University. Through the years, Gatien has written for a wide variety of instruments and ensembles, working closely with professional musicians to enhance aer scores. With the help of professors, peers and Linfield’s musicians-in-residence, aer work has evolved.
Gatien’s musical ethos centers around emotion and self-expression. Using color, timbre, texture and melody, Gatien brings a unique blend of technique and passion to aer pieces. The music is at turns introspective, groovy, immersive, whimsical and vulnerable.
See more Linfield events at linfield.edu/calendar.html or view the comprehensive athletic schedule of events at golinfieldwildcats.com/calendar.
