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ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ student competes in American Ninja Warrior

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ student competes in American Ninja Warrior

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ student Caiden Madzelan is a first-year majoring in exercise science and has competed on the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, three times at 19. American Ninja Warrior is a competition show where elite athletes compete on...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosts Panamanian percussion musician

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosts Panamanian percussion musician

Photo: Carlos Camacho teaching his masterclass to Western students MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s percussion ensemble hosted guest artist Carlos Camacho from the University of Panama for a week-long residency in March. The percussion ensemble recently...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alum highlights social work career

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alum highlights social work career

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alumnus Michael Waller ‘08. Waller received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western, leading him to a career in social work. Western introduced Waller to his two...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosts Polk County youth conference Picture Your Future

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosts Polk County youth conference Picture Your Future

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosted Polk County’s youth conference earlier this month for the second year in a row. The conference invited all rural Polk County high school juniors to Picture their Future.Ìý Polk County Family & Community Outreach...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates successful Giving Day

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates successful Giving Day

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, held on March 5, saw great engagement. With 696 donors giving to nearly 60 funds, Giving Day raised $208,406 as of Friday, March 15. These funds will support scholarships, campus...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ highlights recent publications and resources

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ highlights recent publications and resources

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ highlights the publications of new works by staff and faculty. From October 2023 to February 2024, 37 works have been published, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the Western community. In addition to traditional...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Isaac Ford as Jensen Lecture Series speaker

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Isaac Ford as Jensen Lecture Series speaker

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Isaac Ford Jr. as the upcoming speaker for the Jensen Lecture Series on Thursday, April 4 in the Columbia Room in the Werner University Center.Ìý The public is invited to attend a reception...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ unveils new strategic plan

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ unveils new strategic plan

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Ìý ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ unveils its new transformative strategic plan accompanied by a new mission and vision statement and core values that was approved by the ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Board of Trustees at the February...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ staff selected for NWCCU fellowship

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ staff selected for NWCCU fellowship

Pictured from left to right: Malissa Larson, Megan Habermann-Guthrie, Leanne Merrill Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D. MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ staff from the Division of Student Affairs has been selected for The Northwest Commission on...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ serves the community through mentorship

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ serves the community through mentorship

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Ìý Since 1999, ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Division of Behavioral Sciences has supported Talmadge Middle School students in Independence, Oregon to foster positive mentoring relationships. Juniors and seniors at Western...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Professor to present on recent expedition to Antarctica

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Professor to present on recent expedition to Antarctica

Pictured: Henry Hughes Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.Ìý–ÌýÌýÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµÌýProfessor of Literature and Writing Henry Hughes, Ph.D., recently returned from an expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula to...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Alum and Community Leader Makes a Difference

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Alum and Community Leader Makes a Difference

MONMOUTH, Ore.Ìý– ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµÌýis proud to highlight the accomplishments of former Oregon State Representative and alum Teresa Alonso Leon ‘02. Alonso Leon received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western and a Master of Public Administration...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to be featured in award-winning Amazon Prime show

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to be featured in award-winning Amazon Prime show

Starting from back left: Max Smoot-Brown, Layla William, Nancy Montecinos, Wolfie, President Peters, David Echevarria, Hunter Hall, Brenda Rocio Martinez, and Aneli Godinez-Martinez at The College Tour VIP launch event. Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Model United Nations hosts annual fundraiser

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Model United Nations hosts annual fundraiser

Starting from left to right: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Ricardo Pelegrin, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D., Makeena Helseth, Tyler Plath, Sophie Davenport. MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Model United Nations (MUN) club hosted its annual International Awareness...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates Annual Giving Day on March 5

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates Annual Giving Day on March 5

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on March 5, 2024. Giving Day is a crowdfunding day that allows everyone to financially contribute to the projects they want to focus on. Since its inception in 2016, the...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to host Health & Exercise Science career day

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to host Health & Exercise Science career day

Photo credit: @woucampusrecreation MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ will be hosting its annual Health & Exercise Science Career Day on February 8. This event invites current and prospective students to explore the exciting opportunities in public health...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ awarded grant to boost services for veterans

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ awarded grant to boost services for veterans

Pictured: Students hanging out in the Veterans Resource CenterMONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ recently was selected as one ofÌý14 institutions to receive funding from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs through the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant,...

New VITA tax site hosted at ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

New VITA tax site hosted at ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

AARP and the IRS sponsor Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Image of Western students participating in day of service for MLK Jr. Day MONMOUTH, Ore. – In honor of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is excited to share the opportunities happening this month to commemorate his life and...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Fall 2023 Honor Roll

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Fall 2023 Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for fall 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alumni creates a significant impact on the community

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alumni creates a significant impact on the community

Image of Emily Swart ’20MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to highlight the achievements of alumni, Emily Swart ‘20. She majored in interdisciplinary studies, leading her to embark on a fulfilling career as the donor relations manager at Marion...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµÌýprofessor receives recognition for film

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµÌýprofessor receives recognition for film

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Professor of Theatre and Dance, Leslie Watanabe, has received several prestigious awards for his film Bonsai released this year. It was showcased at various film festivals this year. Bonsai is a...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces new major in Ethnic Studies

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces new major in Ethnic Studies

Pictured from left: Ricardo Pelegrin Taboada, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D.MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to announce a new major in Ethnic Studies, starting fall 2024-25. This major aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to host 56th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ to host 56th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to host the 56th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that brings joy and unity to campus and the community. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. The...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alumnus a changemaker in education

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alumnus a changemaker in education

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is excited to highlight the successful journey of alumnus Juan Larios ‘01, ‘06, who currently serves as Superintendent for the Woodburn School District. Larios, who received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ presents Shakespeare’s, Much Ado About Nothing

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ presents Shakespeare’s, Much Ado About Nothing

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Theatre Department is proud to announce the upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Much Ado About Nothing. This play is part of the ongoing commitment to provide students with a solid foundation in...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates first-generation day

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates first-generation day

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ proudly celebrates First-Generation College Celebration Day, a day that recognizes and celebrates the achievements and aspirations of first-generation college students. As an institution dedicated to fostering student success...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation adds four new board members

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation adds four new board members

Top left: Hunter Hall, bottom left: Dave Novotney, top right: Joyce Peters, bottom right: Linda Yorke MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation announces four new members to its Foundation Board. The new members, Hunter Hall ’23, Linda Yorke, Dave Novotney...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ sees first Enrollment Boost in over a Decade

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ sees first Enrollment Boost in over a Decade

MONMOUTH, Ore. â€“ ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces a momentous boost in overall enrollment, marking the first substantial increase in over a decade. For the fall term of 2023, the university experienced a remarkable five percent rise in overall...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ appoints Venu Nair as General CounselÌý

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ appoints Venu Nair as General CounselÌý

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President Jesse Peters announced the appointment of Venu Nair as the General Counsel for the institution. Nair will begin this role Oct. 23. “Mr. Nair’s deep experience in higher education and his commitment to diversity,...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates over 50 new Diversity ScholarsÌý

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ celebrates over 50 new Diversity ScholarsÌý

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Multicultural Student Services and Programs (MSSP) hosted its annual Diversity Scholars recognition celebration for the 2023-2024 academic year, dedicated to celebrating students’ academic excellence and commitment to...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Announces Recipients of Alumni Excellence Award

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Announces Recipients of Alumni Excellence Award

Top left: Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Ph.D., bottom left: Mark Zook, right: Katherine CookMonmouth, Ore.Ìý – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Awards for 2023. Since 1985, Western has selected one award...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Celebrates Homecoming Week 2023

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Celebrates Homecoming Week 2023

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is thrilled to kick off its highly anticipated homecoming week, a time-honored tradition that brings together alumni, students, and the local community for a week filled with fun, festivities, and school spirit. This...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ recipient of prestigious award

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ recipient of prestigious award

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is one of 21 higher education institutions in the country recognized for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement by The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)....

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ awarded first Title III grant with perfect score

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ awarded first Title III grant with perfect score

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.- ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ was recently awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Title III grant for the first time, securing the full amount of $2,048,136. This accomplishment was the result of a collaborative effort...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ welcomes new scholars

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ welcomes new scholars

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is proud to partner with the nation’s largest scholarship and success program for immigrant youth, TheDream.US, to help more Dreamers achieve their college and career goals. This year, Western Oregon...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Summer 2023 Honor Roll

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces Summer 2023 Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ welcomes students back to campus

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ welcomes students back to campus

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ welcomes the 23-24 incoming students with PACK Welcome Week (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know), a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help them become acclimated to campus life, one week before classes begin. From...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation releases annual report

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation releases annual report

MONMOUTH, Ore. –ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Foundation released its annual report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2022-2023, as well as recent fiscal year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and...

Western forensic anthropology alumni joins faculty to educate and inspire

Western forensic anthropology alumni joins faculty to educate and inspire

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ alumni Jerielle Cartales ‘13, aspired to be a forensic anthropologist since high school, after watching the television show, Bones. Western’s forensic anthropology minor, coupled with a major in Biology, was the opportunity...

Western Oregon announces Spring 2023, Honor Roll

Western Oregon announces Spring 2023, Honor Roll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ announces the following undergraduate students’ names for the Honor Roll for their academic accomplishments in the spring 2023 semester. The honor roll is composed of students who earned 12 credits or more which are not...

Maureen Brakke named Director of Marketing and Communications

Maureen Brakke named Director of Marketing and Communications

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President, Dr. Jesse Peters, recently named Maureen Brakke as the university’s Director of Marketing and Communications, effective July 31st. “Not only does she have the experience and skills to immediately have a...

Western Oregon celebrates 166th Commencement Ceremony

Western Oregon celebrates 166th Commencement Ceremony

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ held its 166th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  The ceremony was held on McArthur Field under ideal weather conditions for Monmouth, Oregon. Following three years of alternative Commencement ceremonies,...

Western Oregon names Jamiere Abney, Director of Admissions

Western Oregon names Jamiere Abney, Director of Admissions

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Vice President of Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs, recently named Jamiere Abney as the university’s Director of Admissions, effective June 30. “Jamiere is a high-level strategic thinker with a strong enrollment management...

Western Oregon selects Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jose Coll

Western Oregon selects Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jose Coll

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President Jesse Peters named Dr. Jose Coll as the university’s next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Coll will start in the new role on June 30th. “Dr. Coll’s experiences in higher education leadership have...

Western Oregon announces Commencement keynote speaker, Dan Rayfield

Western Oregon announces Commencement keynote speaker, Dan Rayfield

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ is pleased to announce that Dan Rayfield, who serves as Oregon’s 69th Speaker of the House, will be this year’s keynote speaker for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on June 17th, 2023.  A WOU alum 03’, Speaker Rayfield...

Western Oregon selects Executive Director of Human Resources Desiree Noah

Western Oregon selects Executive Director of Human Resources Desiree Noah

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Dr. Jesse Peters, ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President, names Desiree Noah as the university’s Executive Director of Human Resources. Please join us in congratulating Desiree Noah, who will begin her role on June 26th. “Desiree Noah is the right leader...

Western Oregon hosts 2nd Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit

Western Oregon hosts 2nd Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit

MONMOUTH, Ore. –  On April 26th, 2023, ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ hosted its 2nd Annual Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Summit. The first Summit, in April 2022, focused on developing a shared understanding of what it means to be a federally-designated HSI. This...

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ’s 2023 Athletic Auction

ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ’s 2023 Athletic Auction

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Wolves Athletic Auction is returning for its 37th year on Saturday, June 3, and again will feature an in-person and online silent auction with several great items up for bid. This is the most impactful...

The Write Place moves to ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

The Write Place moves to ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Write Place, a nonprofit founded at Western Washington University in 2013 and dedicated to creating and supporting literary and artistic projects that inspire appreciation of humanity’s intimate relationship with the natural environment, is moving...

Honor Roll Winter 2023

Honor Roll Winter 2023

Congratulations to all ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ students who made Honor Roll! Please note: The lists are published two days after grades are posted for the preceding term and are not updated with grade changes received after that date. Victor...

Another successful Giving Day for ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

Another successful Giving Day for ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 2023 ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ Giving Day (Howl from the Heart) was a great success! More than 500 benefactors made gifts to support 74 different funds to benefit students and programs. As of Friday, March 17, $205,795 has been raised due to your...

Ricardo Lujan Valerio named Director of Government Relations

Ricardo Lujan Valerio named Director of Government Relations

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President, Jesse Peters, recently named Ricardo Lujan Valerio as the university’s Director of Government Relations, effective January 16th. “I am pleased to welcome Rico to the leadership team at Western. Not only does...

Western Oregon presents Considering Matthew Shepard

Western Oregon presents Considering Matthew Shepard

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµâ€™s Smith Fine Arts Series presents a striking lineup of shows this 2022-2023 season, including Considering Matthew Shepard on March 3rd and 11th, 2023. The March 3rd performance supports the WOU choral program....

Western remains the largest preparer of new teachers in Oregon

Western remains the largest preparer of new teachers in Oregon

MONMOUTH, Ore. – According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Title II report, ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ remains the largest preparer of newly licensed teachers in Oregon for the second year in a row. WOU graduated 14.56% of all licensed teachers in the state...

Katie Wojke named Vice President of Advancement at WOU

Katie Wojke named Vice President of Advancement at WOU

MONMOUTH, Ore. – ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ President, Jesse Peters, recently named Katie Wojke as the university’s Vice President of Advancement, effective January 30. “She is a productive fundraiser, partnering with donors to support students, faculty, and...

Outdoor Program Connects Students with Oregon’s Beauty

Outdoor Program Connects Students with Oregon’s Beauty

It’s no secret that one of the biggest ÀÖ²¥ÊÓÆµ selling points is its location. From its vantage point in the Mid-Willamette Valley, WOU is primed to dispatch students to day trips on the sandy beach shore, up snow-capped mountains or into lush...