In 1945, Pauline Barto Sandoz became the first woman to graduate from Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. Her path was anything but straightforward. Facing institutional and cultural resistance, she spent seven years earning her degree — relying on persistence and a willingness to challenge expectations about who belonged in forestry.
More than 75 years later, the college looks dramatically different. Women now make up half of its undergraduate population, a significant shift from its early decades. The student body has also become more diverse across race, ethnicity and identity, reflecting Oregon State’s broader commitment to making advanced education accessible to all.
That progress is ongoing, shaped by the community and carried forward by those within it.
The Paulines, a College of Forestry student club founded in 2022 by graduate student Jess Blunn, builds on Sandoz’s legacy by creating space for connection and support among students who have historically been underrepresented in forestry. The group includes women, people assigned female at birth, gender minorities and students from diverse backgrounds.
Christoph Anderson, the club’s current president, said the organization can play a critical role in helping students find community.
“The club provides a space to be different, in an environment where that hasn’t always been accepted,” Anderson said. “It helped me find community and kept me from dropping out in a time where I was struggling to find my footing.”
The club’s name honors Sandoz’s legacy — one shaped by perseverance. According to her daughter, Sylvia Sandoz, Pauline Barto Sandoz had to fight to enroll in the College of Forestry, and some professors refused to admit her into their classes. Despite those barriers, she persisted, ultimately helping open doors for future generations.
The Paulines carry that work forward through peer support and shared experiences. The group hosts biweekly meetings, social events and roundtable discussions each term. These conversations bring together women in forestry — including students, faculty and professionals from agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service — to share their experiences in the field.
Sandoz’ impact is also recognized through the Pauline Barto Award, awarded once year as part of the college’s Dean’s Awards, which honors faculty and staff who demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion and community within the college.
As the club prepares for a leadership transition with many current officers graduating this spring, members are focused on sustaining that momentum. Anderson is hopeful new members will step into leadership roles and continue expanding the community the club has created.
“I want there to be more people willing to stand up for others and more people willing to just have a space for community, like I needed as a student,” Anderson said.
The field of forestry is evolving, shaped by new ideas, perspectives and voices. At the Oregon State, that evolution is reflected not only in enrollment numbers, but also in the growing networks of support that help students thrive.
For The Paulines, that work highlights how far the field of forestry has come — and the powerful role students continue to play in shaping its future.