More Than a Game: Oregon’s Jaqua Center Puts the Scholar in Scholar Athlete

More Than a Game: Oregon’s Jaqua Center Puts the Scholar in Scholar Athlete

At the University of Oregon, the pursuit of excellence does not stop on the field. Just east of campus, across from one of Eugene’s busiest intersections, stands a striking glass building that represents something far less visible but equally vital to the Ducks’ success: academic achievement.

The John E. Jaqua Academic Center for Student Athletes is a 40,000-square-foot learning hub that embodies the university’s commitment to supporting the full development of its 520 student athletes. Since opening in 2010, the Jaqua Center has served as a gathering place for Oregon’s student athlete community, offering a tranquil, purpose-built environment where academic performance is valued as highly as athletic success.

Named in honor of John E. Jaqua, a varsity athlete, war veteran, and longtime University of Oregon supporter, the center was made possible through the generosity of Phil and Penny Knight. Jaqua’s legacy encourages each new generation of Ducks to rise to their full potential and take pride in their academic journey as much as their athletic pursuits.

From the outside, the building’s glass exterior stands out as a modern architectural landmark. It brings in natural light while reducing external noise and heat from the city. Inside, the design reflects a deep sense of Oregon pride, integrating art, athletics, and academic values. The central atrium serves as the heart of the space, with heritage displays celebrating the university’s athletic tradition and a digital board that lists upcoming tutorial sessions, creating a parallel between game day preparation and academic readiness.

One standout feature is the “A Few Who Just Did It” wall, which honors Oregon student athletes who went on to achieve academic and professional distinction. The display includes engraved oak portraits of figures like author Ken Kesey, polar explorer Ann Bancroft, and Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Another dramatic mural composed of 10,000 small acid-etched photos of student athletes forms a pixelated image of Albert Einstein, offering a subtle but powerful reminder that intelligence and athleticism go hand in hand.

The building includes 35 private tutor rooms, 40 study carrels designed for two students each, three dedicated teaching labs, a computer and graphics lab, and a library. It also houses a 114-seat auditorium, 25 offices for advisors and faculty, and several student lounges, creating spaces for focused study, academic collaboration, and mental recharge. The café, open to the public seven days a week, serves coffee and snacks named in tribute to former Oregon athletes and features a fireplace in the shape of the university’s signature “O.”

Every detail in the Jaqua Center reinforces the importance of academics. The floors are engraved with the names of Academic All-Americans. A colorful glass wall honors Pac-12 all-academic recipients. The stairwells carry the names of more than 4,000 Oregon graduates who lettered in sports between 1945 and 2009. These physical reminders are more than decoration. They are inspiration and proof of the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

At Oregon, academic achievement is not treated as an afterthought or an eligibility requirement. It is part of the culture. The same effort that goes into preparing for a championship season is directed toward helping athletes prepare for life after sport. The Jaqua Center is both a symbol and a tool for that mission.

Oregon’s student athletes know they are expected to push themselves, not just in practice and competition, but in classrooms, study halls, and labs. The Jaqua Center equips them with the resources and environment to do so.

This is what it means to be a scholar athlete at Oregon. The drive to compete is matched by the drive to learn. And that balance is what makes the Duck legacy truly enduring.