At the Center for Spiritual Life, we like these questions. We explore these questions specifically in The Studio, a weekly gathering of religious, spiritual, and unaffiliated students. I’m excited to see what unfolds — look for the zine that will emerge later this semester. For me, being my fullest spiritual self often means moving more into my body and less into my head. On February 15, I’ll be leading an embodied spirituality InterPlay workshop. Come join me! For some, feeling most at home or being their fullest self includes practicing their faith or engaging in traditions that connect them to their ancestors and communities. As we move through the coming weeks, may we be mindful and supportive of one another during several important religious seasons/holidays.

Ramadan begins on or around February 17. Muslims around the world observe this holy month through prayer, reflection, and fasting from dawn to sunset. The Center for Spiritual Life wants to support all of our observant Muslims during Ramadan while at Lewis & Clark, so please reach out with needs. The Muslim Student Association can also offer support (msa@lclark.edu.) To wish someone well, you can say “Ramadan Mubarak” (Blessed Ramadan). It’s kind to be mindful of fasting by avoiding comments about eating or drinking.

Lent begins for many Christians on February 18 with Ash Wednesday. This season of reflection leads to Holy Week and Easter and may include receiving ashes, fasting, or taking on a meaningful practice. The Center for Spiritual Life is offering an "Ashes to Go" in the morning of Feb. 18th and can help connect students to faith communities off campus. 

Please reach out if you need religious or spiritual accommodations for housing or other needs, help connecting with a faith community, or simply want a place to be. I'm here for you!

Hilary Martin Himan, Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life

Enter for a chance to win this week's river otter t-shirt giveaway! Just complete the entry form by Wednesday, Feb. 11 at noon. 

The countdown is on: River Otter Week officially begins on Monday, February 16, only one week from today! The week will feature events, installations, and activities celebrating all things river otter, culminating with first looks at our river otter on Friday, February 20.

Root for our student-athletes at all away games this week. Go L&C! For more details, visit lcpioneers.com/calendar.

Moss Appreciation Week will return to Watzek Library and other campus locations February 8-15, 2026. You can expect many of the classic events to recur including the Moss Petting Zoo, a moss walk, a new Ear Forest installation, a keynote lecture, and terrarium-making workshops, among others…plus a few new surprises. 

Join IME and the Black Student Union (BSU) for a month of events and activities (on and off campus) that highlight and celebrate black history and culture!

Events:
- Wild ‘N Out - Feb. 13
- Grand Gesture Books - Feb. 22
- Celebration of Black Art - Feb 28 
- Spirit Week! Feb. 23 to 27

Flyers and RSVPs for individual events coming soon!

It could be easy to dismiss the playful, cooperative, and ridiculously cute river otter as a mascot worthy of serious athletic competition. But behind that cuddly exterior, the river otter has a hidden fierce side that stacks up to the competition in the NCAA Northwest Conference. Learn more.

The Hive is a central, digital portal designed to help students stay connected and engaged. Access your class schedule, housing portal, advisor contact, student support services, and so much more in this central portal! Don't forget to bookmark The Hive, customize your dashboard, and utilize it regularly. 

The 2026-27 FAFSA is now open! If you are a continuing undergraduate student who wants to be considered for need-based financial aid in 2026-27, please submit the 2026-27 FAFSA by February 15, 2026.

With the start of spring semester, the Student Health Center has noticed an uptick in influenza cases on campus. This mirrors an increase in cases locally in Portland and nationally. Learn more about ways to help protect yourself and others.

Feb 9
6 p.m.

Frank Manor House, Armstrong Lounge

2025-2026 Visiting Writers Series: Rick Barot

LC English welcomes Rick Barot as the fourth of six authors in our 2025-2026 Visiting Writers Series. 

Feb. 10
3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Smith Hall, Albany Quadrangle

Overseas Welcome Back Celebration

This event is meant to give a warm welcome to our students who are returning from an overseas program (Full Year 2024-2025, Spring 2025, or Fall 2025). Attendees will have the chance to re-connect with fellow students, as well as some of the offices and departments around campus with which they may want to re-engage.

Feb. 10
7 - 9 p.m.

Fowler Student Center, Council Chamber

Mattersdorrf-Steinhardt Lecture: Homelessness is a Housing Problem

Presented by Gregg Colburn, Marsha and Jay Glazer Endowed University Professor, University of Washington. Dr. Colburn will discuss findings from his book Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns. He will discuss why certain cities have high rates of homelessness, while others do not.

Feb. 11
3 - 4 p.m.

Waztek Library

Calligraphy Workshop

Join us for a calligraphy workshop taught by artist Gregory MacNaughton, outreach coordinator of Cooley Gallery, Reed College. 

Feb. 13
3 - 4:30 p.m.

Fowler Student Center, Room 350

Ethical Engagement Workshop

The Lewis & Clark Department of Music present humorous and poignant music for lovers and haters at its ever-popular annual (Anti)Valentine’s Concert! Join us for performances by Lewis & Clark’s three choirs, a cappella group, and vocal soloists. Katherine FitzGibbon and John Cox, conductors.

Feb. 13
6:30 p.m.

Fowler Student Center, Stamm

Black History Month: Wild ‘N Out

Get ready for laughs, culture, and friendly competition at our Black History Month Wild ’N Out–style Roast Battle! College students are invited to bring the heat with clever jokes, bold personalities, and good vibes. Enjoy refreshing mocktails, high-energy entertainment, and a night of community, comedy, and Black excellence you won’t want to miss!

Feb. 13
7:30 p.m.

Evans Auditorium

(Anti)Valentine’s Concert

The Lewis & Clark Department of Music present humorous and poignant music for lovers and haters at its ever-popular annual (Anti)Valentine’s Concert! Join us for performances by Lewis & Clark’s three choirs, a cappella group, and vocal soloists. Katherine FitzGibbon and John Cox, conductors.

Feb. 16
5 p.m.

Hoffman Gallery

An evening of storytelling with the legendary Marta Lu Clifford

Join us for an afternoon of coyote stories with local Indigenous performer Marta Lu Clifford (Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Oregon). Learn more about the history of the Pacific Northwest through the lens of traditional “ikanum” or stories from the people who have stewarded the Willamette Valley for over twenty thousand years.

IME’s First-Generation* Connections Program aims to bridge generational gaps by supporting first-generation college students through meaningful connections with staff, faculty, and alumni. Through insider knowledge about industries, higher education, and navigating complex social systems, participants will gain valuable insight into life at L&C and beyond. For our L&C students who are interested in the First Generation Connections Program, please sign up visiting this link!

Students, staff, and faculty, as well as community members, are invited to join Hilary, facilitator of InterPlay and Chaplain, as she leads 90 minutes of an embodied spirituality practice called InterPlay.

InterPlay is a community-building practice that enables participants to find their creative power, collaborate with others, and expand their personal awareness through simple storytelling and movement forms, theater games, improvisation, stillness, and sound.

This Sunday’s workshop, Feb. 15 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. in Gregg Pavilion, will focus on and InterPlay form called “Dances on Behalf of”. We’ll call to mind the people of Minnesota, Oregon, and elsewhere who are affected by ICE and who are on our hearts and minds right now. Please RSVP in advance.

Office of the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

East Hall 101

thebark@lclark.edu | go.lclark.edu/bark | 503-768-7110