Be Good. Be Orange.

Submitted by Jordan Hamilton

After reading through many Oregon State University (OSU) documents, such as the Oregon State University strategic plan, I have noticed several words that Oregon State University associates itself with, most notably accountability, diversity, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. Most of the documents I have encountered, regarding how Oregon State University refers to itself and its constituents, are all centered towards a collaborative group and are rarely directed towards the individual. While Oregon State University is a large institution and creating a positive university image is critical to the goals of the university, I would like to place more emphasis on the development of the individual, specifically on the creation of originality within the individual. After all, creating a morally diverse group begins with the individual doesn’t it?

Prior to my involvement in Oregon State University’s philosophy program, I had not challenged myself to think of why I believed in the values that I upheld to highest standard in my life. I knew that I associated myself with certain beliefs and practices; however, I had never considered why I associated myself with these beliefs. Upon completion of this ethics course I felt immense growth in myself in the way I question my actions and beliefs. This is the skill that I associate with “Being Orange”, the ability to challenge yourself, your beliefs, and your actions on an individual level. I refer to this value as originality.

The value that I associate with “Being Orange” is originality. In my ideal world I want to be a part of an institution and society that promotes originality, meaning that everybody has the freedom and obligation to challenge their beliefs on the most extreme level. By being able to perform this skill of questioning beliefs and values on the individual level, we, as an institution, have the potential to see the most growth and development towards the values that Oregon State University associates itself with, such as diversity, accountability, and social responsibility. Oregon State University has this idea of creating an eclectic group of people that can achieve great heights, yet as an institution it fails to challenge individuals to critically think about why individuals adopt the values they have. Without questioning personal values, I believe the individual does not know if they truly believe in the values and therefore cannot fully employ these values in the work they perform.

I want to see Oregon State University take more initiative to challenge its constituents on an individual level, rather than the large scale university level. This is where Oregon State University fails to uphold their vision. Moreover, I would like to challenge Oregon State University constituents, meaning all students, staff, future students, and alumni, to become more original and consider why they cherish the beliefs and values they do. After witnessing the results of challenging my own beliefs firsthand, I have seen the growth that can take place on the individual level and it is truly eye opening. This idea of originality is best shown in a quote from John F. Kavanaugh S.J. where he states, “Intrinsic personal value – the foundation of ethical value – starts when our individual life journeys begin. It ends only with the cessation of our existence.” With those words in mind, create your foundation of ethical value, so you can begin your life journey. Be Original, Be Orange, and challenge yourself on the individual level and you can more knowingly achieve the success you desire. This is the Oregon State University that I want to be a part of.

Ake’la Ventura

Be Original, Be Orange

There are many other Universities out there that can “be” something, but it is difficult to just define a school by one word. Here at Oregon State University we are known for “Being Orange” and it describes our whole campus. To understand our campus and our community, we first must understand that to be orange has many meanings to the diverse population here at Oregon State University.

The colors of our school have a strong influence on what “Being Orange” means. Even though our school color choice represents what it means to “Be Orange”, it isn’t half as much of what “Being Orange” truly means. To most of us here on campus we think of collegiate sports and dressing up for the games when we imagine what “Being Orange” means. “Being Orange” can relate to much more than greatness. It represents each person’s individual values whether it be pride, dedication, or intelligence. “Being Orange” is a value that we students and faculty pride ourselves on. This value represents our greatness that Oregon State University has to offer us. The idea that the color orange embodies our community in a way that it encompasses everyone that has a relationship with the university whether it be a student, staff, or a sports fan.

To me “Being Orange” is being original. You are your own person and that makes Oregon State University diverse. Everyone brings something to the table whether it is being from a different state, being from out of the country, and a boy or a girl. For example, the piece of art that was built out of branches outside of the MU Quad, that is unique to our campus and brings some culture to campus. Being original means that you can be yourself and not care what other people think because you are just being you. You are unique and powerful in your own way. You are intelligent and should be proud of how far you have gotten in life. “Being Orange” doesn’t just mean to excel at sports and academics, but encompasses being philanthropic in your community and to be someone that anyone would be proud of. Alumni of Oregon State University represent “Being Orange” in what they do, no matter how big or how small. We want each generation in society who has graduated to have values that derive from what they have gained from Being Orange at Oregon State University.

To positively show what it means to “Be Orange”, we need to show the community how to come together so that we can all be united and complete a common mission of “Being Orange”. There are already many activities around the university that implements acts of “Being Orange”. What should happen is we ought to express “Being Orange” throughout other communities and not just our own. I feel that the student athletes would make more of an impact at doing just that. They are well known and the travel during their sports season. I think that the progress in academia and showing our student athletes to the community would be a positive.

Since there have been recent acts of racism and segregation. I would love to see our university as an accepting place where we can live together in peace and harmony. Since we are a diverse campus there are groups and cliques that need to be dissolved. “Being Orange” means being a part of something different and original. Not only that, but being a part of Oregon State University. This could encourage the community to be mindful about what is going on and the can connect to the different values of “Being Orange”. The better the community is at “Being Orange”, the better we can all get along in an optimistic, respectful and empathetic way the more better Oregon State University will become.

Orange Nation

            Wait! For those who have attended or those of us currently attending attended Oregon State University at one point know this title should read Beaver Nation. When traveling around campus one can see “Be Orange” stickers in windows of dorms, cars, and classrooms. Each person on this campus in some way has shown himself or herself to be a beaver, what exactly is a Beaver though? In order to be a beaver and a part of this community it is expected that each person have their own idea of what it is to “Be Orange.”

This concept of being orange is very abstract and has been given means of being interpreted to the will of whoever considers him or her a beaver believer. Orange is seen as a dedication to the school and the values we as a community choose to perpetuate along with a degree that came from OSU. After talking with a few students who also happen to be my roommates they concluded being orange is compassion towards the world and a personal desire to grow and become an educated person. Other topics, which came up, included compassion and integrity. I asked if they could be orange without being a beaver and the simple response was yes. This is important because in the view of my roommates not only do students, faculty, and staff have an opportunity to be orange, but the community around the college also has a chance to be a part of the larger community.

Being Orange could be a different interpretation depending on the reader, however, my definition of being orange is a little different of an idea then the conventional view. I believe being orange is a desire within each person to better oneself. We simply want to take the academically and socially beneficial aspects of being a OSU community member and roll them into a definition including compassion, trust, drive, desire, innovation, community, friendship, and integrity. This list could go on and on. What I want it to mean by being Orange is an instant bond between two peoples who choose to share similar sets of core values. This could bring different morally diverse people into one group with the same set of values and drive behind decision making which could lead to beneficial for all then each group of moral theorists battling for a definition instead of what is right for Mankind.

In order to “Be Orange” it was once only those attending or whom have attended OSU, however, through this assignment I have been lead to believe that anyone in the surrounding community of the college could choose to “be orange” through engagement within the campus. There is not a simple definition of being orange it is up for interpretation based on who is analyzing the action in the view of being orange. Maybe an idea similar to this which has drawn all these people together could be used and applied to all the moral theories and allow all the moral theorists to work together and thus attempting to find an underlying superior golden moral code for all.

Be Open. Be Orange.

Submitted by Danielle Goodrich

PHL 205

Winter 2014

As I am in my fourth year of school at Oregon State University, I would think that I have a pretty good idea of what it means to “Be Orange” to me. Although, as I sat down to complete this assignment, I struggled to initially think of one word of advice to give to my peers. How could I possibly sum up the last couple of years and make a suggestion to others to be able to be a positive contribution to the OSU community while making a fulfilling college experience for themselves?

To start the exploration of this idea, I thought about what has made my experience at OSU one that I am proud of and I realize that it isn’t just one experience that makes up my story, but rather a collection of experiences. I have had the privilege to among other activities, join organizations on campus, get involved in many events, participate in summer internships, and even take part in research groups. Each of these experiences has added up to make the ultimate “Orange” story for me and even though no one else will have the same story, it is important for everyone to be open and get involved in a diverse range of groups on campus.

As I completed the preparation for this assignment by defining accountability, diversity, integrity, respect, and social responsibility the term that stood out to me the most was social responsibility , which was mentioned in the OSU Strategic Plan with this description, “We contribute to society’s intellectual, cultural, spiritual, and economic progress and well-being to the maximum possible extent.” Through this, OSU expects each person- students, professors, faculty, and others- to uphold a positive orange atmosphere through giving every part of themselves to everything they do on and around campus. I think that the collaboration of everyone’s diverse backgrounds and viewpoints in a situation is what make it the most successful. That is why I stress that each person should be open to new experiences on campus and to let the orange thrive within them. Personally, I have been able to develop so much through the combination of all of my experiences and my ability to be open to each one. It is not always easy to open yourself to everything, but the rewards from this risk can be boundless if we allow them to be.

In the OSU community, a college experience has become so much more than an education through class work and it is in our favor as students to take advantage of all of the other educational opportunities available. We are at a time that we may not be financially stable, but we are physically and intellectually able to give ourselves to the improvement of organizations and the lives of others. Something that I have found to be very rewarding is taking part in my sorority, Delta Gamma, and a community service leadership organization called Students Today Leaders Forever. These have been wonderful experiences that have allowed me to develop my leadership skills and give back to the community. Everyone can find their preferred way to give back through contribution to the organizations, clubs, events, etc. of their own preference through an open an orange perspective.  I hope that everyone is able to open themselves up to new and enriching experiences with opportunities to improve themselves and the OSU community.

Submitted by Bayla Sek

Being orange has many different meanings and interpretations from the Oregon State University community, however, wearing orange and black along with clothing that establish the new beaver logo is one feature that portrays what being orange means.  A lot of people come to OSU for many different reasons and motives, and that’s why being orange to me can differ to another person’s perspective. Everyone attending Oregon State obviously has the ultimate goal of graduating and receiving a college degree, which is one way to think of being orange. Being orange could also be interpreted as living in Oregon, more specifically Corvallis!

Being orange, in respects to being a student, could come off as being responsible, mature, and friendly. The university would want us all to represent them in the best light possible so all of those attributes would be necessary in order to create civil environment within the OSU community. Committing an action that OSU would forbid could also show what it means to not be orange. That’s when utilitarianism that we learned in class is considered for being orange because the university would want all of us to do actions that will benefit us all.

Being orange to me personally is so amazing for me and my family. I’m a first generation college student so the opportunity to receive an education at this level is incredible and I’m so grateful to be in the position I’m in. I think based on my background and everything that I’ve experienced, being orange to me is inspirational because it represents an opportunity that my parents never had the chance to pursue. Furthermore, during the first part of the term, we had our show and tell assignment with our lab groups and I didn’t know what to bring, so I just pulled out my student identification card. I explained that this I.D. card might not mean much to my group but it truly shows how far my family has come since moving to the United States decades ago. I do believe I inspired my group in regards to what an OSU student I.D. meant to someone like me, so I think from my peers perspective, being compassionate towards one another is another foundation of being orange. In addition, through some readings and lectures, I’ve learned a lot about self-compassion. I didn’t realize how much I neglected self-compassion and yet it has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, etc. I remember one detail specifically where it explained that if you show yourself more self-compassion, than you’ll have more to give to others. I believe that would directly coincide with being compassionate towards one another and being orange because everything starts with you, so if you help yourself before others, you’ll have more to offer. This one little small change can indirectly improve the OSU community and make it an even better place to live and make being orange a sign of gratification.

In conclusion, I’ve given my perspective on what being orange means to me, however there is no definite explanation on what being orange means. Being orange is totally subjective because it may mean one thing somebody and another for somebody else. There will never be a right or wrong answer so being orange can be several different things. Overall, I truly believe if we can keep inspiring one another and show compassion towards one another as well as self-compassion, I think we can improve as a community and attest why being orange is special.

Michael Cecil
PHL 205
3/17/2014
Assignment 5

Be You Be Orange

Be Orange is a saying that gets tossed around quiet a lot among the faculty and administration of Oregon State University, while at the same time it can often confuse a fellow student when asked what it means to Be Orange. It’s a statement that Oregon State University, or OSU, uses to define a set of core values that each OSU associate is expected to uphold. This set of morals makes a point that these core values are traits that benefit not just the individual, but it reflects a positive outlook to the community both locally, as well as any outside parties that are unfamiliar with the standards that the OSU community holds its self too.

To each student the definition of Be Orange can greatly range. Many roles play a part in how a single individual would define what it means to Be Orange. But overall many would agree that it could be defined as being yourself. Oregon State prides itself on the diversity and freedom allowed in the University, and all of that comes to show that Be Orange really means be who you want to be. Whether that’s being an athlete, a mathlete, a philosopher, an artist, an engineer, or anything else, OSU welcomes all with open arms. OSUs website constantly shows time and time again how encouraging they are of people in the OSU community, pursuing their goals.

How I define Be Orange comes from a background of experiences and observations throughout my years. My definition has also evolved over the years as my awareness and experiences grew. To me, Be Orange is a statement that defines the OSU community, and that Be Orange means be part of our community. And what makes someone part of this community is valuing the freedom of diversity in yourself, as well as others. OSU is very welcoming to all walks of life with a large portion of its student population being outside the country, which shows one of the ways as to how OSU values a diverse community. OSU shows diversity of the minds by providing a broad range of classes and majors to choose from. But this statement can also be turned around on certain parties and define them as not Being Orange, and therefore are not welcome in this family that OSU has created.

Making the world anything is a difficult task in itself because there will always be someone who disagrees with what you value or believe in. But that is the whole part of Being Orange is that freedom of choice and believing what you want. That diversity in beliefs ultimately creates the diversity in creativity that has shaped this great world we live in today. So in a way I’m arguing that the world is already Orange, they just don’t know it yet.

Submitted by Lindsay White

Being orange at Oregon State University (OSU) does not just mean that you wear a Beaver jersey to a football game or wear a Beaver sweatshirt when going to your class, it means much more than that.  It means having pride and being compassionate for your school and your fellow students when you are not only on campus but also in your community.  Being orange means having compassion for other Beavers when you are at school and when you are at home during breaks as well.

Having compassion for another person is defined as having sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  I believe that once a person is able to feel compassion for others it is much easier to feel compassion for themselves also.  Being orange to me means that we as students at OSU are able to feel compassion for one another and not criticize one another, but are able to bring one another up and make each other feel good.  I understand that there are students at OSU that are unable to feel compassion for their fellow class mates, but I hope that one day they will be able to feel the way that I feel for my fellow students at OSU.  I feel like students attending OSU are just as important and deserve as much respect as me, and I hope to show that in my time at OSU.

One of the core values of the strategic plan at OSU is social responsibility.  This relates to compassion because according to the strategic plan we contribute to society’s intellectual, cultural, spiritual, and economic progress and well-being to the maximum possible extent.  This is showing compassion because OSU students are able to help one another when help is needed.  An example of social responsibility at OSU is when campus became non-smoking.  This may not have been great news for cigarette smokers on campus, but I would bet that they could understand why non-smokers would want this to become official.  I would hope that smokers at OSU would be compassionate towards non-smokers because they can take their smoke breaks a few blocks away from campus and then be respectful.

I want “be orange” to mean that students and alumni of Oregon State can feel compassionate and sympathetic for one another.  I want students to respect me as a fellow Beaver and I want to feel compassion for other students when they need compassion.  I want students and alumni of OSU to feel a sense of pride from their school and when they tell their friends and family away from campus what being orange means I want them to be proud of the people that they spent their college years with.

Jillian Hartze
PHL 205
Portfolio #5

What Does It Mean To Be Orange?
The campus of Oregon State University is a close-knit community. The city of Corvallis supports the endeavors of the University by lovingly embracing the title of “college-town” and “beaver believers” while still maintaining a community feel. Many have described this attitude as well as the spirit among the students and faculty as being “Orange.” But what does this mean? What sort of values and morals are imperative to be able to glorifying be “Orange”? It sounds a daunting task fit for only the most consummate at Oregon State, but in my time here on campus, I’ve found it to be natural endeavor.
When I first got to college I was overwhelmed with the feeling that if you didn’t know what you were taking or studying you were doing something wrong. Being a political science major in a sea of engineers and business majors was a belittling moment for me. It took some time to believe that I really did belong on campus, but it was those communities among students at OSU that dissipated all my fears. I was supported by my fellow liberal arts peers and lifted up to a place where I could see that I too am a beaver who has a place here. It has been those little moments of motivation and words of encouragement that has truly taught me what it means to “Be Orange”.
Being orange isn’t simply about having good grades or volunteering on campus once in a while, as some may believe, but it’s about finding yourself using the best possible means. Being orange is to be sincere in what you do. It’s about listening to our moral judgment and making the best choices for ourselves and others on campus. Our University has set values they wish to uphold for all on campus such as integrity, diversity, accountability and respect. These are just some of the values that play a large role in what it means to “Be Orange”. I’ve had professors who teach a subject… but that’s all they do. They have no compassion for their students or true stock in us, and sadly they lose out on what it really means to be part of this community.
There are signs all over campus calling for us to “Be Orange”, but does anyone really know how to do this? The best example I can give of someone who knows truly how to “Be Orange” is of my second year French professor, Armelle Dennis. This woman born and raised in France came to study abroad at OSU in her college years and found her way back to Oregon to become a professor. She found her home in the community of Corvallis and it is evident in the way she spends her days. Armelle will go out of her way to make sure a student understands what she is teaching. On days she is gone from class, she video-tapes herself to make sure no lesson goes without some clarification. She takes the time to sit down with each of her students at the end of each term and talk to them about how they felt the class went and their plans for the future. I’ve already discussed with her my interests in studying abroad and she’s gone as far as to recommend places and tell me I’ve got a recommendation in her if I need. She goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to her job, and I believe that’s because she’s found her true self at Oregon State.
Being Orange is not simply about doing community service or being a spirited Beaver; it’s about doing what you love and enhancing the community around you as you do it. It’s about promoting the greatest endeavor of happiness which is to enhance the happiness of everyone, including yourself.