Welcome, New Students!
As the new academic year approaches, we asked incoming first-year and transfer students to share why they chose Lewis & Clark.
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and each one helps make our community unique. As the school year is about to begin, we asked four incoming students to tell us their stories and why they chose Lewis & Clark.
Jared Brinen-Stout (he/him)
Academic Interests: Psychology and Studio Art/Photography
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Unique, Progressive, Forward-Thinking
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark for three main reasons:
- The school’s commitment to student well-being
- Class sizes that offer opportunities to interact with faculty
- The amazing Pacific Northwest location, with its great nature, its great weather (I like rain), and its environment of acceptance
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Lewis & Clark is like a hidden gem. The school fosters high standards of academics, original research, social awareness, environmental consciousness, and sustainability. These core missions attract a diverse student body. The individuals drawn to Lewis & Clark embody a wide range of ideals and values—with the commonality of wanting to be part of the school because they believe in the messages it supports.
Devon Hall (he/him)
Academic Interests: Psychology, Photography, Media Studies
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Unique, Expressive, Open-Minded
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
I chose Lewis & Clark because of its serene campus, its location, and its ideology around having a balanced education.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Lewis & Clark has so much personality that’s unlike any other school. I feel so intrigued by all the clubs and activities present.
Dylan Hunter (she/her)
Academic Interests: Psychology and Theatre
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Full of Opportunity
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
When I was looking for schools, right away I was enraptured by the beauty of campus and the surrounding areas of Oregon. When I was able to visit the college and see how vibrant the surrounding city life was—and especially the gorgeous looming trees all around—I was sold. I had already researched L&C’s expansive psychology and theatre programs, which I knew I was interested in pursuing. During the campus tours, I also heard about the vastness of academic opportunities, and seeing as I had a few different academic interests, it seemed only fit to set my sights on L&C.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Apart from the impressive scenery that I’ve already mentioned, the community surrounding the college is so tight-knit and offers a really good foundation to start from. The LLC (Living Learning Community), which is designed specifically to encourage community ties and to give you a place of already having many things in common with your peers, is an outstanding way to make sure you’ll find a set of individuals that you’ll likely be friends with for at least the rest of your college experience.
Kat Pendergrass (she/they)
Academic Interests: Sociology and Ecology
What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?
Cozy, Charming, Eclectic
Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?
The moment I set foot on campus, I knew it was home. The connections I made with the current students were instantaneous, and I felt a desire to move throughout the world in the way they did—confidently and kindly.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools?
Lewis & Clark is a rare combination of a friendly environment and an academically serious community. The administration not only values student engagement, representation, and equity, but also actively walks the talk.
More Stories
Student Support
Empowering New Students to ‘Stumble and Grow’
In a Seattle Times opinion piece, Robin Holmes-Sullivan, president of Lewis & Clark and a clinical psychologist, addresses how parents and caregivers can prepare their students for the“monumental transition” to college while supporting their autonomy and growth.
Belonging at L&C
Law School Welcomes Diverse and Dynamic Incoming Class
Get to know Lewis & Clark Law School’s incoming students—an impressive, diverse group of future legal professionals who are already making their mark.
Social Change and Innovation
Focusing on Women’s Health in West Africa
With funds from a Projects for Peace grant, Latifatou “Lati” Savadogo BA ’24 spent the summer working to provide life-saving health screenings to displaced women in her home country of Burkina Faso.
Top Marks
L&C Earns Spot in Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for 2025
In addition to being listed among the nation’s 390 best colleges and on the Green College Honor Roll, Lewis & Clark received top rankings for most beautiful campus (No. 4), best college newspaper (No. 16), and most politically active students (No. 16).