Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College stands out as a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in beautiful Portland, Oregon. With a motto of "Explorare, Discere, Sociare" (To Explore, To Learn, To Connect), it champions a spirit of inquiry, knowledge, and community. The college is celebrated for its commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education, delivered within a vibrant and historically rich campus.

The college's journey began in 1858 as Albany Academy, established by Presbyterian pioneers in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Evolving swiftly, it became the Albany Collegiate Institution in 1866 and officially reincorporated as Albany College in 1867, marking its foundational year. Notably, it has been co-educational since its very first graduating class in 1873, a testament to its progressive spirit from early days. After establishing a junior college in Portland in 1934 and fully relocating there by 1939, the institution solidified its presence in the vibrant city.

The significant transformation occurred in 1942 when the college acquired the stunning Lloyd Frank "Fir Acres" estate in South Portland and proudly adopted the name Lewis & Clark College. This move cemented its identity and provided the picturesque campus students enjoy today. Looking to the future while honoring its past, Lewis & Clark recently engaged its community in a search for a new mascot, culminating in the adoption of the River Otter in February 2026—a decision enthusiastically supported by students, alumni, and staff alike.

With a diverse student body of 3,462 and led by President Robin Holmes-Sullivan, Lewis & Clark College continues to provide an engaging and supportive environment. It prepares students not just with academic knowledge, but with the critical thinking skills, collaborative spirit, and adventurous mindset needed to thrive in a complex world, embodying its rich heritage and forward-thinking ethos.