2022 Rutherford Outstanding Student Organization

Duck Samba

Duck Samba is a student organization that is dedicated to providing access to the study, appreciation, and performance of the samba traditions of Brazil. The ensemble prides itself on welcoming all individuals, regardless of experience, age, student status, financial circumstances, etc.

Duck Samba aims to serve as an educational and cultural resource for the University of Oregon, the local community, and the state of Oregon. The group focuses on the samba traditions of Brazil, increasing representation of musical styles here at the University of Oregon. This year Duck Samba has been a resource to the campus and community by performing at major campus events including UO women’s soccer games, UO men’s and women’s basketball halftimes, and events with the UO School of Music and Dance.

Duck Samba received a $1,000 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

2022 Excellence in Creative Co-Sponsorship

Museum of Cultural and Natural History Student Club

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History Student Club’s mission is to increase UO student involvement with the museum and its exhibits. This is done through promotional events such as tabling, crafts, food, and giveaways as well as through collaboration with other groups. This year the club partnered extensively with a wide variety of campus and community partners to host fun and educational programs and events that celebrated diversity, culture, community, and history. 

Some of their partnerships include: Craft Center, Duck Nest, Center for Student Involvement, Bee Friendly Committee, Anthropology Club, Star Wars Club, UO Physics Department, and Eugene Pioneer Cemetery Association. 

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History Student Club has received a $500 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

2022 Excellence in Community Impact

National Lawyers Guild

The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is the oldest and largest progressive bar association in the country. Their mission is to use the law for the people, and to prioritize people over property. NLG is an anti-racist, anti-imperialist, anti-capitalist organization.

The NLG hosts a major annual event—the Week Against Mass Incarceration. This year the NLG partnered with various student organizations, affinity groups, and community partners to host an exceptional week of events related to the housing crisis in the era of COVID-19. Additionally, they volunteered their time providing basic necessities for unhoused individuals throughout our community. 

The National Lawyers Guild has received a $250 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.

2022 New Student Organization of the Year

Taylor Swift Society

The Taylor Swift Society is a newly established student organization formed in the interest of uniting people through the music of Taylor Swift and similar musical artists. Anyone with a love for the singer song-writer genre is welcome and encouraged to join! Established during the 2021–2022 academic year, the Taylor Swift Society aims to have as much member involvement as possible, and to foster a positive environment for anyone and everyone who attends their events. In the past year the group has quickly grown, facilitating friendships and community through an appreciation of Taylor Swift and similar music. 

The Taylor Swift Society has received a $250 cash award that may be used to strengthen, expand, and celebrate the group’s mission and work.