From powerful artistic expression and thought-provoking lectures to community celebrations and milestone events, May at Linfield University brings together the full spectrum of campus life. The month begins with reflection and cultural connection through exhibitions, performances and the annual Camas Festival, then builds into a dynamic Inauguration Week honoring Linfield’s past, present and future. Throughout May, students, faculty and guest artists share their talents across concerts, showcases and symposia, culminating in Commencement Weekend — a celebration of achievement and new beginnings. Together, these events highlight Linfield’s commitment to creativity, scholarship and community connection.
Through May 1: “Continuality”
The Linfield Art Gallery in the Miller Fine Arts Center displays “Continuality,” an exhibit by artist Tammie Dupuis, through May 1, 2026. Dupuis was born and raised in northwestern Montana on the Flathead Reservation. Her father was Qlispeʼ (Upper Pend d’Oreille) and Séliš (Bitterroot Salish), and her mother descended from non–Indigenous settlers who arrived on the reservation in the 1920s. Situated between these two cultural lineages, her aesthetic navigates their intertwined and often fraught histories while exploring her own experience as a mixed–blood person. Dupuis works through both Indigenous and non–Indigenous modes of making and seeing. Her practice spans a wide range of materials and processes, including paint, wood, fabric, resin, hair, bone, paper and beads.
Dupuis will give a final artist talk on 3 p.m. Friday, May 1 as part of the annual Camas Festival.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. This exhibition is sponsored by the Lacroute Arts Series and the Department of Art. For more information on the exhibition, please visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
Through May 10: Linfield Theatre Program presents “Alice by Heart”
Go back in time and through the looking glass in “Alice by Heart,” a musical by the creators of “Spring Awakening.” This poignant piece follows a young protagonist and her friend as they shelter in a London tube station during World War II air raids. They escape their dark circumstances through their imaginations and a copy of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. on April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. on May 9 and 10.
Tickets are available at $16 for full price; $14 for seniors (62+) and Linfield faculty and staff (two tickets per ID); and $10 for students 13+ (any school, one ticket per ID).Tickets are on sale at www.linfield.edu/arts or the box office. Seating is reserved. This play may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Children under the age of seven (including babes in arms) will not be admitted to any performance.
This production is sponsored by the Linfield Theatre Program in collaboration with the Department of Music, with special thanks to Damian Lillard Toyota and the Lacroute Art Series, generous sponsors for the 2025–26 theatre season. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. For more information, call 503-883-2292 or visit linfield.edu/arts.
May 1: Camas Festival
Linfield University hosts its annual Camas Festival on Friday, May 1, 2026, welcoming the community to campus for a day of connection, learning and celebration. Events take place between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. around Nicholson Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Developed in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Camas Festival centers on the camas plant — a vital Indigenous food source — and honors its deep roots in the land, history and lifeways of the Pacific Northwest.
Highlights of the festival include:
- Indigenous Creators Market, featuring various artisans and vendors.
- Guided tours of the camas patches at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours originate at Nicholson Library with shuttle service to the Cozine Creek restoration area.
- Demonstration on “Camas Cultivation and Preparation” at 12:30 p.m. by members of the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde.
- Artist talk by Tammie Dupuis at 3 p.m. on her exhibition “Continuality,” currently on display at the Linfield Art Gallery.
- Cultural demonstrations and educational presentations.
- Family-friendly activities throughout the day.
For a full schedule of events, visit linfield.edu/camasfest.
May 1: Storytelling on Stage
Linfield’s Learning Across Boundaries program hosts a special night of storytelling from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 in Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium. Throughout the year, members of the Linfield community have had the opportunity to work with guest lecturers and storytelling artists to develop a personal narrative to perform. The May 1 event is the culmination of that work. Come hear a range of perspectives and ideas in this inaugural event.
May 2: Pike x Zeta Car Wash
Drive through Pioneer Way for a donation-based car wash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority are teaming together for this fundraiser. Funds raised benefit breast cancer survivors and research.
May 4: “Celebrating Linfield Community: 168 Years of Connection and Change” Exhibit and Reception
As part of Inauguration Week, enjoy this special exhibit honoring the Linfield community over its 168-year history. Featuring items from the Linfield Archives and Special Collections, the exhibit was curated for the Linfield Anthropology Museum by students and Leslie Walker, associate professor of anthropology and museum coordinator. A reception at 4 p.m. Monday, May 4 includes remarks from Walker. The exhibit will be on display May 4-8. See the full schedule of Inauguration Week activities at https://linfield.edu/inauguration/.
May 4-5: 53rd Walter Powell Philosophy Lecture
The 53rd Walter Powell Philosophy Lecture features distinguished philosopher Peg Brand Weiser as the 2025–26 speaker. The lectures take place on at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5 in Jonasson Hall. Community members are warmly invited to attend both evenings of thoughtful discussion and engagement.
An expert in feminist philosophy and aesthetics, Brand Weiser is professor emerita of philosophy at Indiana University Bloomington and currently a faculty member at the University of Arizona. She has held national leadership roles, including serving as president of the American Society for Aesthetics. For more information, contact Jesús Ilundáin-Agurruza, chair of the Department of Philosophy, at jilunda@linfield.edu or (503) 883-2362.
May 5: Portland Campus Student and Faculty Showcase
As part of Inauguration Week, the university hosts a student and faculty showcase from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 on the Linfield University Portland Campus. Hear short presentations from School of Nursing faculty and students about their research and Linfield experience. Light lunch provided. Tours of the Portland campus available starting at 1:15 p.m. Presentations include:
- Poster presentations from current Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing students
- Members from the Linfield Student Nurses Association, the Linfield chapter of the National Student Nurses Association.
- “Breaking Down Barriers: Advocacy of accessibility in nursing education and practice” presented by Sari Platt, associate director of learning support services; Julie Fitzwater, associate dean and associate professor; and Paul Smith, dean and professor.
- “Fostering Professionalism in Nursing Education: A dual assessment of faculty and student perceptions” presented by Fitzwater, Kiki Fornero, associate professor; Mindy Zeitzer, associate professor; Cheryl Langford, associate professor; Kathryn Kuskie, assistant professor; and Mihee Chung, assistant professor.
See the full schedule of Inauguration Week activities at https://linfield.edu/inauguration/.
May 6-12 National Nurses Week
Linfield University joins the American Nurses Association to celebrate National Nurses Week, May 6-12. As part of the celebration, Linfield takes part in the #NursesLightUptheSky campaign by lighting up the oldest building on our McMinnville campus — Pioneer Hall — to celebrate and thank nurses everywhere. Pioneer will be illuminated all week long in their honor. Come to campus to see the lights, and share your images on social with #LinfieldUniv and #NursesLightUptheSky.
May 6: McMinnville Campus Student Showcase
As part of Inauguration Week, guests are invited to the McMinnville Campus Student Showcase at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 in Fred Meyer Lounge. Explore the Linfield student experience with posters and presentations created by McMinnville campus students. Includes reception and remarks by Jeff Mackay ’88, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. See the full schedule of Inauguration Week activities at https://linfield.edu/inauguration/.
May 6: Creating Vasa: Reimagining the Creation of Sacred Spaces in Higher Education
Join Linfield University for an engaging lectureship with Makerusa “mak” Porotesano, educator, organizer and climate justice advocate, as he invites us to reimagine how sacred spaces are created and sustained within higher education. His speech, “Creating Vasa” takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 in Nicholson Library’s Austin Reading Room. Drawing from Indigenous Pacific Islander worldviews, Porotesano explores the concept of Vasa — the relational space that connects people, communities, ancestors and land — and how this framework can transform campus environments into places of belonging, healing and collective responsibility.
May 6: Wildcat Band Concert
The Linfield Wildcat Band performs a year-end concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 in Ted Wilson Gym. The concert showcases songs from halftime performances and more. Genres will include rock, Motown, R&B, disco and funk. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserve your seat at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
May 7 – McMinnville Campus Faculty Showcase
As part of Inauguration Week, enjoy a range of mini-lectures from McMinnville campus faculty. The showcase starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7 in Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium. Faculty speakers include:
- Sonia Ticas, professor of Spanish and Latin American studies, College of Arts and Sciences
- Max Klein, assistant professor of sport management, School of Business
- Gayatree Sarma, assistant professor of practice, School of Business
- Michael Crosser, professor of physics, College of Arts and Sciences
- Emily Evanstein, assistant professor of education, College of Arts and Sciences
See the full schedule of Inauguration Week activities at https://linfield.edu/inauguration/.
May 8: Investiture Ceremony of President Mark Blegen
As part of Inauguration Week, join the university community for the Investiture Ceremony of Mark Blegen, the 21st president of Linfield University. The ceremony begins at 3 p.m. Friday, May 8 in Ted Wilson Gymnasium. Post-ceremony reception to follow in Dillin Hall or the adjacent lawn.
The ceremony features:
- Performances by Linfield’s choral and instrumental groups
- Premiere of a new musical work by composer and Linfield professor William Campbell
- Debut of a new poem by author and Linfield professor Joe Wilkins
- The formal installation of President Mark Blegen
See the full schedule of Inauguration Week activities at https://linfield.edu/inauguration/.
May 8: Wildcat Fridays
Prospective students — including first-year and transfer students — and their families are invited to Wildcat Fridays at Linfield University this spring. Visit the McMinnville campus on May 8 to get a peek at life at Linfield. This special event gives prospective students a chance to tour campus and attend an information sessions. Students can also schedule optional one-on-one appointments with financial aid, professors and Learning Support Services. There are different schedules for students at various stages of their college search: one specific for admitted or enrolling students and another for those earlier in their search. Learn more at https://apply.linfield.edu/portal/wildcat-fridays.
May 8: AI Book Club: “How to Think With AI”
Part of the School of Business’ Artificial Intelligence and I (AIAI) Initiative, the community is invited to discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The spring semester book is “How to Think With AI” by Alison McCauley. Hosted by Nicholson Library, the AI Book Club meets on the second Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m. in Nicholson Library’s Austin Reading Room.
May 13: Student Composer Concert
Experience new student compositions in their premiere performances at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 in Delkin Recital Hall. As part of the Lacroute Composer Readings and Chamber Music Mentorship Program, Arcturus Winds — a woodwind quintet from the 45th Parallel Universe — will perform the original student works. Arcturus Winds features the following musicians from the Oregon Symphony:
- Joe Berger, horn
- Zach Galatis, flute
- James Shields, clarinet
- Karen Wagner, oboe
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserve your seat at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
May 13: Linfield Gallery: “E.E.K! (Esoteric, Evolution, Kippage)” Senior Capstone
“E.E.K! (Esoteric, Evolution, Kippage)” showcases the work of Ezra Miller, Elijah Ng and Kaitlin Harwood, members of the Linfield University Department of Art’s 2026 senior capstone class. The exhibition will be on view May 13–30 in the Linfield Gallery, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. Light refreshments and wine will be served.
Exploring themes of human impact on the natural world, hidden interconnections within nature and society, and the emotional dimensions of gender disparity, the exhibition invites viewers to consider both the visible and unseen forces shaping contemporary experience.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The artists will present a public talk from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the Nicholson Library Austin Reading Room. For more information, visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
May 14: Year-End Choral Concert
Celebrate the close of the academic year with a lively and heartfelt performance by the Linfield University choirs, featuring a new composition by Linfield’s William Campbell. Campbell is an award-winning composer, pianist and educator. At Linfield, he serves as Department of Music chair, associate professor and director of composition studies. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. in Delkin Recital Hall, located in the Vivian Bull Music Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserve your seat at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
May 18: Opera and Musical Theatre Showcase
Join Linfield University singers for an evening of selections from classic opera and contemporary musical theatre. The performance begins at 7 p.m. in Delkin Recital Hall, located in the Vivian Bull Music Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserve your seat at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
May 21: Student Symposium
Linfield holds the 34rd Annual Student Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 21 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, artwork and research in the natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and other fields. 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 21: Arts Crawl in the Arts Quad
Join Linfield University for the second annual Arts Crawl in the Arts Quad on Thursday, May 21. This is a campus-wide celebration of student creativity. Visitors can explore the Linfield Gallery for the Senior Capstone Exhibition and Makers Market, hear original works from the winners of the Lacroute Prizes in Poetry and Prose, and pick up a copy of the 2026 “Camas: A Journal of Art & Literature” at Nicholson Library. The Linfield Theatre Program will present short Shakespeare scenes throughout the courtyard and quad, while music students in the Instrumental Performance Ensemble will perform a concert of art-, film- and video game–inspired works, along with original student arrangements, in Delkin Recital Hall. Guests are encouraged to wander the Arts Quad and experience all the arts. Admission is free. For more information and directions, visit www.linfield.edu/arts.
May 21: Instrumental Performance Ensemble
Kicking off the second annual Arts Crawl, the Linfield Instrumental Performance Ensemble will present a dynamic concert featuring music inspired by art, film and video games, along with original student arrangements. The performance begins at 4 p.m. in Delkin Recital Hall, located in the Vivian Bull Music Center. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserve your seat at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
May 22-23 Spring Dance Showcase
Join Linfield University for an evening of movement and expression. The Spring Dance Showcase features the university’s talented dancers in two performances on May 22 and 23.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night for the 7 p.m. start in in Marshall Theatre, located in Ford Hall.
Admission is $10 for the general public. Admission is free for students, Linfield employees and children ages 7–12. Children under the age of seven, including infants, will not be admitted. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.linfield.edu/music/events.html.
This event is presented by Linfield’s Department of Music in collaboration with Linfield Theatre.
May 29-31 Commencement Weekend
Linfield University celebrates the Class of 2026 at the Spring Commencement Ceremony and the Spring Pinning Ceremony on Sunday, May 31. Both events happen on the Commencement Green at the McMinnville campus. Commencement starts at 10 a.m. and the Spring Pinning Ceremony at 2 p.m.
Leading up to events on May 31, the university celebrates its students with various ceremonies and events throughout Commencement Weekend. A full Commencement Weekend schedule is available at https://linfield.edu/commencement/spring-commencement/events.html.
See more Linfield events at linfield.edu/calendar.html or view the comprehensive athletic schedule of events at golinfieldwildcats.com/calendar.
