E.B. LEMON DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Rick Spinrad, M.S. '78, Ph.D. '82

From his days doing his own research as a graduate student at Oregon State to his present position running one of the nation’s most crucial scientific agencies, oceanographer Richard W. “Rick” Spinrad has dedicated his life to the pursuit of ocean and climate health. Nominated by President Joe Biden and swiftly confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June, he is administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This caps 35 years of contributions to public interest research in academia and in various governmental roles. He is widely credited with helping to solidify OSU’s position as a powerhouse of publicly funded research.

View Rick Spinrad's memory book - signed by friends and family to recognize his achievements.

Watch on YouTube.

Daniel De León, M.S. ’22  – Don and Shirley Wirth Young Alumni Award, OSU Alumni Association

OSU Innovation & Design Network – Outstanding Alumni Network Award, OSU Alumni Association

Sara Rothschild & Bob Rothschild, ’65 – Dan W. Poling Service Award, OSU Alumni Association

George Cabrera, ’68, Ed.M. ’69, Ed.M. ’72  – 2024 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award, OSU Alumni Association

Barbara Bremer LaSalle, ’64 – E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award, OSU Alumni Association

Cathryn Guinn Rudd, ’76, and James H. Rudd, ’06 (Hon. alum.)  – 2024 Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award, OSU Alumni Association

How to Stand Out Early in Your Career with Ellen Raim

May 19, 2026

This interactive session features Ellen Raim, CEO of People Matter Consulting, an expert in organizational culture, workforce strategy and career development.

Travel Talks | From Savannah to Sofa: What Wild Cats Can Teach Us About Our Feline Companions

May 14, 2026

This captivating Travel Talk helps us understand our sofa-dwelling cats through a richer, wilder lens, while providing fascinating insights into the behaviors of wildlife you might encounter on your world travels.

Ask Alumni | Transform Your Career & Community Through Volunteering

May 13, 2026

Beaver alumni will share how volunteering has shaped their professional journeys and enriched their lives. Discover practical ways to get involved, make a difference and transform both your career and your community through service.

What Do We Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence?

Apr 28, 2026

Hear from Special Advisor on AI for OSU Libraries Kiri Wagstaff, Ph.D., an award- winning scientist who worked on Mars rovers with NASA and served as AI Advisor to Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.