Philosophy Student Resources | University of Portland

Student Resources

Four students representing the Philosophy Club smile from behind their table at the UP student activity fair on a sunny day outdoors.

Student Resources

Student Engagement

The Philosophy Club

The purpose of the philosophy club is to provide activities and events for people at the University of Portland interested in the discussion and examination of philosophical issues. We sponsor speakers and events on campus throughout the academic year.

A sampling of events annually sponsored by the club:

  • Faculty discussion panels and debates. In the past we were involved in the gay marriage panel and panel debate on the question of God's existence.
  • Various movie nights and discussions are hosted by the club. Last year we watched the documentary on the founding father of Deconstruction, Jacques Derrida, and we also hosted Awakenings, a 1990 movie about the treating of degenerative-disease victims.
  • We also organize speaker events, inviting philosophers to present their work. Last year we had speakers cover topics including: Spinoza and rationalist philosophy, natural science, and progress philosophy.

Franz Mayr Award for Passion and Aptitude for Philosophy (Est. 2005)

Awarded each year there is a graduating Philosophy major who demonstrates unusual passion and aptitude for Philosophy.

  • 2026 Thalía Medina
  • 2025 Ben Carey-DiGregorio
  • 2024 Anthony Broetje
  • 2023 Jordan Geniza
  • 2023 Jack Jensen
  • 2023 Noah Lamberger
  • 2022 Angelica Garcia
  • 2021 Cole W. Fitter
  • 2021 Katherine C. Rojas
  • 2020 Quinn McCray
  • 2019 Sitara Nath
  • 2017 Evan N Montella
  • 2016 Dylan R Vahradian
  • 2014 Emma J. Irwin
  • 2013 Benjamin Cilwick and Alec Jones
  • 2012 Danielle Nelson and Joseph Starzl
  • 2011 Tyler Bryan-Askay
  • 2010 Kaycie Rueter
  • 2009 Amanda Mosher
  • 2007 Chelsea Egbert
  • 2006 Dean O'Harra
  • 2005 Anthony Pepitone

Philosophical Achievement Award for Scholastic Excellence (Est. 2006)

Awarded each year to the graduating major with the highest grade point average in Philosophy.
  • 2026 Thalía Medina
  • 2025 Ben Carey-DiGregorio
  • 2024 Amelia Christensen
  • 2023 Grace Bowman
  • 2023 Hannah Monti
  • 2023 Maria Wanzek
  • 2023 Braden Williamson
  • 2022 Clare Spinner
  • 2022 Charlie Menke
  • 2022 Maile Heen
  • 2021 Meredith E. McMurray
  • 2020 Isabel Cortens
  • 2019 Michael C Dale
  • 2018 Hayley L Miller
  • 2017 Ambrose C Robinson
  • 2016 Madeleine M Boyle and Nathan L Seppi
  • 2015 Daphne Aldyn B Baracena
  • 2014 Anthony C-H Nguyen
  • 2013 Valerie Schiller
  • 2012 Gabrielle Hansen
  • 2011 Robyn Gentry and Nicole Iranon
  • 2010 Anhlinh Hoang
  • 2009 Amanda Mosher
  • 2008 Michael Schmitz
  • 2007 Chelsea Egbert
  • 2006 Brant Norquist

The Agora Award for Leadership in Promoting Philosophical Dialogue and Community

Awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership in promoting philosophical dialogue and community, named after the gathering place in the center of ancient Athens where Socrates famously roamed and sought to engage others in philosophical conversation.
  • 2026 Caden Robertson
  • 2025 Samantha Lugo
  • 2024 Daniela Gutierrez
  • 2023 Madeleine Lesieutre
  • 2023 Nathan Williamson
  • 2022 Madison Johnson
  • 2021 Megan M. Musquiz
  • 2020 Francesca Chicoine
  • 2019 Dagan T Kay
  • 2018 Shivam S Swamy and Christian B Wells
  • 2017 Elisa C Reverman
  • 2016 Jason P Smith
  • 2013 Victoria Li

Two Year Course Schedule

  • PHL 310/X: Decolonial Education and Politics
  • PHL 321: Logic
  • PHL 332/X: Philosophy of Mind
  • PHL 336/X: Native American Philosophy
  • PHL 391/X: Aesthetics
  • PHL 412: Philosophy of Law

  • PHL 314/X: Philosophy and Feminism
  • PHL 325/X: Bioethics
  • PHL 326/X: More-than-Human Consciousness
  • PHL 324/X: Disagreement, Polarization, and Injustice
  • PHL 372: Medieval Philosophy
  • PHL 488: Senior Seminar

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