Hall of Fame
Herb Yamanaka
- Induction:
- 2009
- Class:
- 1956
Few individuals have sacrificed so much for so many for the love of an educational institution as has one of the greatest ambassadors the University of Oregon will ever know. Through his countless contributions such as the spearheading of Oregon’s efforts for three decades of co-hosting the Far West Classic holiday basketball tournament in Portland, to helping manage a trio of Olympic track and field trials and numerous conference and NCAA national championship event s on the Oregon campus, in addition to the cultivation of millions of dollars for intercollegiate athletics as well as his alma mater, Herb has graciously placed the needs of others above his own. Whether it was in his role as ticket manager, concessionaire, security coordinator or fund-raiser, his motivation has been one of simplicity . . . it has always been about the Ducks’ student-athletes because that is the way that former Oregon football coach and athletic director Len Casanova would have wanted it. Since graduating from Oregon with a degree in biology in 1956, the Hawaii native worked under no fewer than 12 athletic directors in almost every capacity imaginable, yet the two characteristics that have remained unchanging throughout the years have always been his heart and dedication. Yamanaka has been recognized as a lifetime Gold President's Associate, is a lifetime member of the Eugene Oregon Club, and was a recipient of the Leb Casanova Lifetime Achievement Award. He has conference rooms named after him in the Casanova Center and at Jane Sanders Stadium. He and his wife sponsor the Donna and Herb Yamanaka Endowed Athletic Scholarship.
Duck Insider 10-17-25
Saturday, October 18
Trent Kersten & Iva Šucurovic | Postgame vs. Minnesota
Saturday, October 18
Duck Insider 10-15-25
Friday, October 17
Tracy Joyner | Postgame vs. Wisconsin
Friday, October 17
