Updated on April 11, 2017 Story by Andra Brichacek In the overarching story of what it take to make a difference in the world — whether that means helping the little guy, saving the planet or tackling huge issues like homelessness — corporations are often cast as the villain. Some big companies have been trying to flip that script, however, by leveraging their considerable resources to do good and to reach people with inspiring stories that make a real, positive impact.

Multimedia Journalism Master’s students get to the bottom of a Forest Service map that shows Portland as a toxic-air hotspot.

Michael LewisMichael Lewis, author of the best-selling books “

Story, photos and video by Schaeffer Bonner What happens when you gather the world’s leading strategic communication experts around one table? They talk. And UO students are listening. Communications professionals from leading organizations across the Pacific Northwest, including Microsoft, Intel, Columbia Sportswear and The Port of Portland, came together on Oct. 14 at the SOJC’s George S. Turnbull Portland Center.

A Multimedia Journalism Master’s student investigated the controversy surrounding a statue of Ghandi in Johannesburg, South Africa.

  Story and photos by Christian Hartwell. Video by Christian Hartwell, Jing Wong, David Zupan and Nick Schuening. “I felt numb. I didn't really know what to feel. I didn't even cry until I got on the bus the next day, and that’s when it all hit me,” Talilo Marfil said. He was talking about his son’s death.