Pictured LTR: President Jesse Peters, Jan and Mike Morgan, Wolves Rising Campaign co-chairs, and Katie Wojke, Vice President of Advancement & Executive Director of the WOU Foundation
Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. 鈥揙n Saturday, December 14, 2024, 乐播视频 announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Wolves Rising: The Campaign for 乐播视频. The campaign, with a goal of $20 million in current support and future gift commitments, will raise critical funds to ensure Western鈥檚 nearly 170-year-old legacy of providing a personalized learning community where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.
鈥溊植ナ悠� is known for shaping students into impactful leaders in the educational, governmental, business, and community sectors across the state of Oregon,鈥� said alumnus Mike Morgan, Ph.D., WOU Foundation board chair, and Wolves Rising campaign co-chair. 鈥淭hrough the Wolves Rising campaign, we will ensure Western remains accessible and relevant for future generations of Wolves,鈥� adds alumna Jan Morgan, Wolves Rising campaign co-chair.
The Wolves Rising campaign reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to student success. Funds raised through this campaign will help the university provide more scholarship funds for students with demonstrated merit and financial need, Wolves Athletics including a new turf field for Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Soccer, and student success through the new Student Success Center and resources for basic needs.
鈥淐ontributions to our Wolves Rising campaign will enhance scholarship opportunities, support our athletics programs, and empower our students to succeed,鈥� said Western President Jesse Peters. 鈥淚 am grateful to everyone who has made this campaign possible and thank our community for supporting听 Western. Together, we are building a personalized learning community where every student feels a sense of belonging and can thrive.鈥�
Over the past decade, 乐播视频 has made significant strides to fulfill the needs of students and communities. The university has expanded to offer more degree programs to help educate and prepare graduates to fill community needs. This includes the addition of several graduate programs, including its inaugural doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. The university has also worked to expand its presence in Salem. During that same time, the endowment held by the WOU Foundation has doubled, allowing the university to offer more scholarships and student support resources to students.
Recently, Western has partnered with various community organizations to enhance student success and academic achievement. Notable initiatives include:
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Establishing a direct admissions program with Central High School, allowing graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who attend Western to receive an automatic merit-based scholarship.
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Securing a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education to enhance bilingual educational resources in the Central School District and the cities of Monmouth and Independence.
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Creating a streamlined pathway for students enrolled in Chemeketa Community College鈥檚 Bachelor of Applied Science program, enabling them to further their education and career prospects through graduate coursework at Western.
These efforts reflect Western鈥檚 commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
As of December 14, the university has raised more than $17 million toward the Wolves Rising campaign. All alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of 乐播视频 are warmly invited to participate in Wolves Rising: The Campaign for 乐播视频.
鈥淓ach and every gift is a demonstration of support for Western鈥檚 mission and our students. Thank you to those who are choosing to strengthen our campus and community, one purposeful gift at a time,鈥� shares 乐播视频 Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director of the WOU Foundation Katie Wojke.
To make a gift and become part of our Giving Wolves community, visit wou.edu/wolvesrising or call 503-838-8281.
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About 乐播视频
乐播视频, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon鈥檚 oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.