Welcome, New Students!

As the new academic year approaches, we asked incoming first-year and transfer students to share why they chose Lewis & Clark.

August 04, 2023
Entering class on the Glade.
Entering class on the Glade.
Credit:

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)

Jared Brinen Stout BA '27 Hometown: Mill Valley, California

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)

Devon Hall BA '27 Hometown: Seattle, Washington

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)

Dylan Hunter BA '27 Hometown: Bozeman, Montana

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)

Kat Pendergrass BA '27 Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

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.

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Students sitting on the Glade and walking around on campus.
Rear view of little boy and his classmates raising arms to answer teacher's question during the lecture in the classroom.
Kaia and Morgaine standing next to each other with their arms crossed, smiling at the camera.
The president and a group of students smiling and reaching their hands out to the camera. A black and orange balloon arch is behind them.