Mark Odom Hatfield has dedicated his life to public service. A much-loved Oregonian, he was elected the youngest secretary of state and the youngest governor in Oregon's history. He went on to serve five terms in the U.S. Senate - Oregon's longest-serving senator - and throughout his distinguished political career, he never lost an election.

While in Washington, Senator Hatfield was known for working across party lines for the common good and voting on principle rather than political expediency. As a Republican, Senator Hatfield fought for a range of positions that make him difficult to classify politically. He is a humanitarian, a passionate advocate for peace and human and civil rights, and an early conservationist. His formative experience as a young Naval officer during World War II led him to be an early and outspoken critic of the Vietnam and Gulf wars. He was pro-life, advocating against abortion and the death penalty and acting as a champion for public welfare programs while urging improvements in health, education and social services. Senator Hatfield fought earnestly throughout his career for environmental protection and conservation, including reforestation, pollution control and development of alternative energy. Additionally, he has been a long-time defender of Oregon's Native American tribes. Bipartisan respect for his integrity and leadership has been the hallmark of his career.

Willamette University has enjoyed a long, rich relationship with the Senator. He is an alumnus, a former professor and dean of students of the University as well as a life trustee. The Mark O. Hatfield Library is proud to bear his name and serve as the repository for the Senator's collection of papers and mementos.

Timeline: Hatfield, Mark Odom.

July 12, 1922: Born in Dallas, Polk County, Oregon.

1943: Graduated from Willamette University

1943-45: Served in the U.S. Navy during WWII

1947-48: Attended Stanford University, graduating in 1948 with a master's degree in political science.

1949-55: Served as associate professor of political science and dean of students at Willamette University.

1951-55: Served as a member of the Oregon State House of Representatives.

1955-57: Served as a member of the Oregon State Senate.

1957-59: Served as Oregon Secretary of State.

1958: Married Antoinette Kuzmanich.

1959-66: Served as governor of Oregon.

1967-97: Served as a U.S. Senator for Oregon (re-elected in 1972, 1978, 1984 and 1990). Served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations from 1981-87 and again from 1995-97.

1997: Resumed teaching political science at several Oregon universities.