Class of 2021 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Ruby Van Dyke

Posted on July 2, 2021 3851 views
Ruby Van Dyke is a 2021 graduate from Santa Rosa, California. Their major is Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood.    Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU because it is one of two schools in the Northwest (NorCal to Washington) with a bachelor’s in gerontology, and I love the rain more than anything.    [more…]
Business & global affairs | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Raynie Ehret

Posted on July 2, 2021 2745 views
Raynie Ehret is a 2021 graduate from Olympia, Washington. She is a Business major with a concentration in Marketing/Management, plus a minor in Spanish with a certificate in Translating and Interpreting.   What has your experience been like as a student in the Honors Program? Yes, I am a part of the Honors Program at [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Karina Ortiz Ramirez

Posted on July 1, 2021 2244 views
Karina Ortiz Ramirez is a 2021 graduate from Salem, Oregon. Her major is Early Childhood/Elementary Education, with a minor in ESOL/Bilingual Education.    How has being a Dreamer impacted your journey to and within college? Being a Dreamer impacted my journey to and within college by always giving me the motivation to keep going and [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Morgan McLain

Posted on July 1, 2021 2115 views
Morgan McLain is a 2021 graduate from Roseburg, Oregon. He completed an Elementary Master of Arts in Teaching degree.   Are you a transfer student? If so, where did you transfer from and what has the experience been like? The eMAT Graduate Program was my first experience at Western Oregon University. The experience that I’ve [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Suzanne Duda

Posted on June 30, 2021 281 views
Suzanne Duda is a 2021 Master’s Program graduate from Albany, Oregon. She is majoring in Elementary Education.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU for several reasons. First, I was already familiar with WOU, having earned my paralegal certification there, and because I had worked in the Public Relations department for a year. [more…]
Class of 2021 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Emily Creasy

Posted on June 29, 2021 385 views
Emily Creasy is a 2021 graduate from Gladstone, Oregon. She is a Social Science major with a concentration in Political Science, plus a minor in Psychology. She is also WOU’s Honorary Political Science Student of the Year.   What has the experience been like as a transfer student? I transferred from Clackamas Community College. I [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Lily Collinsworth

Posted on June 29, 2021 290 views
Lily Collinsworth is a 2021 graduate from Keizer, Oregon. She is an English major.   What has the experience been like as a transfer student? I transferred from Chemeketa Community College after I earned my AAOT. While it was tough to transition to a university-level workload, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the level [more…]
Class of 2021 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Karen Silva

Posted on June 28, 2021 288 views
Karen Silva is a 2021 graduate from Rigby, Idaho. She is a Biology major with a Pre-Professional focus.   How has being a Dreamer impacted your journey to and within college?  Being a Dreamer at times made it challenging to go through college, being a first-gen student and trying to figure a couple things out [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Jasmine Altamirano

Posted on June 27, 2021 651 views
Jasmine Altamirano is a 2021 graduate from Portland, Ore. She has earned a Master of Science in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, plus a minor in ESOL Education.    What has your experience been like as a first-generation student? I feel a lot of pride in saying that I am the first person in my family [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Emily Grande-DePriest

Posted on June 27, 2021 268 views
Emily Grande-DePriest is a 2021 graduate from Dufur, Oregon. She is an Early Childhood Studies major with a minor in History.    Why did you choose WOU?  Originally, I wanted to study both education and ASL, and WOU offers both programs. When I changed my major and minor to Early Childhood Studies (ECS) and History, [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Elli Manoogian-O’Dell

Posted on June 26, 2021 280 views
Elli Manoogian-O’Dell is a 2021 graduate, earning a Master’of Arts in Teaching. She is from Corvallis, Oregon.   What has been your most memorable class?  I took a class from Professor Wu during fall term that really changed how I feel about teaching. We discussed curriculum, assessment, and classroom management through the lens of racial [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Heather Casey

Posted on June 26, 2021 378 views
Heather Casey is a 2021 graduate from Kingman, Arizona. She is majoring in ASL/English Interpreting, with a minor in ASL Studies.    What has your experience been like as a transfer student? I transferred to WOU from Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona in 2018. I have absolutely loved my experience at WOU, and I [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Erin Worley

Posted on June 25, 2021 305 views
Erin Worley is a 2021 graduate from Dallas, Oregon. She is an Integrated English Studies major with a minor in Communication Studies.    What has your experience been like as a student in the Honors Program?  I have been involved with WOU’s Honors Program since freshman year, and I have really enjoyed my time in [more…]
Class of 2021 | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Jenny Rooper

Posted on June 24, 2021 352 views
Jenny Rooper is a 2021 graduate from Silverton, Oregon. She is a Pre-Med major.    What has your experience been like as a student in the Honors Program?  Yes, I am an honors student! I’ve really enjoyed the Honors Program here at WOU, especially in comparison to how it’s run at other schools. Though occasionally [more…]
Business & global affairs | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: N.J. Johnson

Posted on June 24, 2021 314 views
N.J. Johnson is a 2021 graduate from Scappoose, Oregon. He is majoring in Public Policy and Administration, with a minor in Organizational Leadership. N.J. has also served as ASWOU President, and he has received the title of Public Policy and Administration Student of the Year.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU for [more…]
Business & global affairs | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Juliana Cameron

Posted on June 23, 2021 391 views
Juliana Cameron is a 2021 graduate from Marysville, Washington. She is majoring in Business with a focus in Marketing, and her minor is Health. Juliana is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized as the Don Boderman Volunteer of the Year, as well as being an IFC Committee member. [more…]
Class of 2021 | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Parker Marson

Posted on June 23, 2021 364 views
Parker Marson is a 2021 graduate from Pleasant Hill, California. He is majoring in Exercise Science with two minors in Human Biology and Chemistry.    Why did you choose WOU?  I chose Western because of the success of the track and field team, and I was sold by how beautiful the campus was. The small [more…]
Class of 2021 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Emily Beck

Posted on June 22, 2021 400 views
Emily Beck is a 2021 graduate from Springfield, Oregon. She is majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Health. Emily is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she received the Psychology Peer Advising Leadership Award.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU because it was close to home, affordable, [more…]
Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Channing Bushman

Posted on June 22, 2021 254 views
Channing Bushman is a 2021 graduate from Morgan Hill, California. She is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Special Education and Humanities, plus a minor in American Sign Language Studies. She is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Residence Hall Association Executive Board Member [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2021 | Grad profiles

Grad Profile: Natalie Dean

Posted on June 21, 2021 598 views 1 comment
Natalie Dean is a 2021 graduate from Eugene, Oregon. She is an English major with a concentration in Writing, and she is an award winner for WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized for earning a Leadership Certificate.   What has your experience been like as a first-generation student? I was so nervous to [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Carlos Fonseca Jr.

Posted on June 21, 2021 470 views
Carlos Fonseca Jr. is a 2021 graduate from Klamath Falls, Oregon. He is a double major in Exercise Science and Physical Education Teacher Education. Carlos is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where he was given a Distinguished Student Leader award, the Arbor Park and Barnum Resident Assistant of the Year award, [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Leslie Rincon

Posted on June 20, 2021 243 views
Leslie Rincon is a 2021 graduate from Monmouth, Oregon. Her major is in Early Childhood Studies (ECS).   What has the experience been like as a transfer student? I transferred from Chemeketa. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education and my Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT). It was really easy to transfer over [more…]
Class of 2021 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Nick Cabacungan

Posted on June 19, 2021 954 views
Nick Cabacungan is a 2021 graduate from Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a Biology major with a concentration in Pre-Professional Studies, plus a minor in Chemistry.    What has been your most memorable class?  The most memorable class has to be Physics with Dr. Schoenfeld. Although his class was tough, he has taught me how to [more…]
Class of 2021 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Antonia Scholerman

Posted on June 18, 2021 1070 views
Antonia Scholerman is a 2021 graduate from Bend, Ore. She is a History major with a minor in Art History. Antonia is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized with a Distinguished Student Leader award.   What has been your favorite annual event at WOU?  The Holiday Tree Lighting [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Jeanette A. Betancourt Garcia

Posted on June 18, 2021 893 views
Jeanette A. Betancourt Garcia is a 2021 graduate from Independence, Ore. She is an Education major with a minor in Bilingual Education/ESOL Endorsement.   What has your experience been like as a first-generation student?  My experience has been challenging throughout the years, since I am the second one in my family to attend college. My [more…]
Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Alondra M. Bocanegra Guerrero

Posted on June 17, 2021 941 views
Alondra M. Bocanegra Guerrero is a 2021 graduate from Independence, Oregon. She is an Early Childhood/Elementary Education major, with a minor in English to Speakers of Other Languages.   What has your experience been like as a first-generation student? It has definitely been beyond challenging to navigate through this process all by myself, but I [more…]
Class of 2021 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Lily Gallagher

Posted on June 15, 2021 720 views
Lily Gallagher is a 2021 graduate from Independence, Oregon. She is a Psychology major with a minor in Gender Studies, and she is an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was given the Abby’s House Social Justice Award.   What has the experience been like as a transfer student? Yes! I transferred [more…]
Academics | Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Trani Rae Morton

Posted on June 14, 2021 599 views
Trani Rae Morton is a 2021 graduate from Chino Hills, California. She is a double major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting and ASL Studies.   What has been your most memorable class?  I really can’t name just one. I love all of my teachers and the staff interpreters at WOU. If one [specifically] was life [more…]
Academics | Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Danielle Cramer

Posted on June 13, 2021 342 views
Danielle Cramer is a 2021 graduate from Keizer, Oregon. She’s graduating with an Elementary Master of Arts in Teaching, along with a minor in ESOL Endorsement.   What has been your most memorable class?  My most memorable class during my eMAT program was 615: Critical Inquiry into the Foundational Narratives of Schooling with Dr. Dana [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2021 | Grad profiles

Grad Profile: Kaeli Hancock

Posted on May 26, 2021 1536 views
Kaeli Hancock is a 2021 graduate from Prineville, Oregon. Their major is Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production Training with a concentration in Stage Management.    What has been your most memorable class?  My most memorable class has definitely been History of Architecture and Decor with Scott Grim. We created our own handwritten textbooks with [more…]
Academics | Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Adam Schaeffer

Posted on May 18, 2021 3624 views
Two people and a child holding hands and standing in front of a field of flowers
Adam Schaeffer is a 2021 graduate from Ballwin, Missouri. He’s completing a Master’s of Education with a major in Educational Technology, plus a graduate certificate in Instructional Design.   Why did you choose WOU?  WOU was local, online, affordable, and had the exact degree I was looking for!   Do you have any advice for [more…]
Class of 2021 | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Lauren Gerig

Posted on May 17, 2021 1292 views 1 comment
Lauren Gerig is a 2021 graduate from Canby, Oregon. She is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Human Biology. Lauren is also an award winner from WOU’s Leadership Recognition Month, where she was recognized for earning a Leadership Certificate.   What has been your most memorable class?  The Anatomy and Physiology sequence was [more…]
Campus & community

Fall 2021 Admissions are Still Open: Is WOU Right for You?

Posted on May 2, 2021 382 views
It’s not too late to apply for WOU! Unlike many other colleges, Western Oregon University is open to applications and registration up until the start of Fall Term every year. WOU strives to make higher education accessible, and part of that process is allowing leeway in regard to students’ individual struggles and obstacles.   WOU [more…]
Academics

WOU Faculty Help Create Improved Willamette Promise Spanish Proficiency Exam

Posted on April 29, 2021 1332 views
Painted WOU logo on a street with brick buildings and trees in fall in the background
This past year, WOU faculty Dr. Patricia Gimenez-Eguibar and Dr. Claudia Costagliola have collaborated with the Willamette Promise team to create a more easily accessible and diverse Spanish proficiency exam to reward potential WOU students with Spanish credits. Their primary goals and following achievements were centered on designing a secure online assessment—given our current virtual [more…]
Academics

WOU Introduces the Accelerated Undergraduate to Master’s Pathway

Posted on April 7, 2021 1952 views
Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
Beginning fall 2021, WOU is opening up a new avenue of opportunity to prospective master’s degree students. The Accelerated Undergraduate to Master’s Pathway (AUMP) allows current WOU seniors to complete both undergraduate and graduate credits at once, with a long-term potential of receiving their master’s degree early. Seniors can take up to 16 credits that [more…]
Campus & community

Dana Schowalter: Falls City Pop-Up Soup Kitchen

Posted on April 1, 2021 1862 views
During the February ice storm and subsequent power outages in local areas, Dr. Dana Schowalter helped create a pop-up soup kitchen in the Falls City Community Center. Her collaborators were WOU alumni Lynn Bailey and TJ Bailey, WOU student parent Amy Houghtaling, as well as Jami Kidd and Donna Creekmore. For two days while serving [more…]
Academics

Training for Racial Healing and Understanding: A WOU-Led Local Initiative

Posted on March 15, 2021 1420 views 2 comments
Dr. Jaclyn Caires-Hurley, a WOU assistant professor in the Department of Education & Leadership, and Dr. Greg Willeford, a WOU Criminal Justice professor, recently created a training program titled Racial Healing and Understanding, following important and sensitive American events regarding racism in 2020. The training is designed for local communities, businesses, and administrators in the [more…]
Campus & community

MLK Video Contest: Aiyanna Suazo

Posted on March 5, 2021 1905 views
Aiyanna Suazo is the first place winner of this year’s MLK Video Contest at WOU. She is a first year student and is majoring in Higher/Middle Education.    Why do you see Dr. King as an important leader, even today? He’s influential to people all over the world. He led a huge civil rights movement. [more…]
Student life

Student Q&A: Kayley Arpaia

Posted on February 8, 2021 151 views
Kayley Arpaia is an active and notable member of WOU’s campus community. She’s a third year Biology major with an emphasis in Zoology, and she is working toward a double minor in ASL and Social Sciences.   Why did you choose WOU? I originally chose WOU because I wanted to become an ASL/English Interpreter. I [more…]
Campus & community

Hamersly Library Amenities

Posted on February 8, 2021 1924 views
Hamersly Library is packed full of amenities to help students study, research, and create projects. There are a multitude of books to check out, shelved on all three floors, ranging from fiction to textbooks. If a student requires aid searching for resources, they can ask friendly staff, typically at the front desk. Citation guides and [more…]
Education

Student Q&A: Madi Knox

Posted on January 28, 2021 166 views
Madi Knox is a third-year student at WOU and an active part of our campus community. She is majoring in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, with a minor in Theatre Arts.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU because I am from a really small town, so when I came to campus and saw how [more…]
Education

Student Q&A: Cheyanne Bumgardner

Posted on January 25, 2021 199 views
Cheyanne Bumgardner is a WOU junior and an active part of the campus community. She is an American Sign Language/English Interpreting major with a minor in Psychology.   Why did you choose WOU? I chose to attend Western because of the ASL/English Interpreting major and leadership opportunities. I knew that I would gain a great [more…]
Campus & community

2021 MLK Celebration Week

Posted on January 12, 2021 2380 views
On January 18, WOU will kick off its 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration week, packed with panels and activities. This year, our celebration is inspired by Dr. King’s speech at the Southern Methodist University on March 17th, 1966. As he stated then, “We have come a long, long way but we still [more…]
Academics | Social & behavioral sciences

Spanish Degrees and Certificates Open Up Career Options

Posted on December 20, 2020 2496 views
Western Oregon University’s Spanish Department has three new certificates to help WOU students gain a competitive edge in the job market. The certificates are in Spanish-English Interpretation and Translation, Bilingual/Biliteracy and Social Justice and Service Learning (Bilingual). In addition to these certificate program’s, students can major in Spanish or Spanish Education, and minor in Spanish, [more…]
Academics | Health & wellness

Student Contact Tracers Gain Professional Skills While Aiding Polk County

Posted on December 18, 2020 2823 views
Exterior of Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center
[This story is a follow-up piece to “WOU Students are Training to Be Contact Tracers”]   In the initial months of the pandemic, WOU faculty collaborated with Polk County Public Health to create a student-led COVID-19 contact tracing initiative. The group was gathered, trained, and instructed by Assistant Professors of Community Health Megan Patton-Lopez and [more…]
Academics | Science & technology

New Criminal Justice Major in 2021: Cybersecurity

Posted on December 16, 2020 2519 views
Beginning fall term 2021, WOU’s Criminal Justice Sciences Division will have a new major, a Bachelor of Science in Cybercrime Investigation and Enforcement, also known as Cybersecurity. The major will require 72 total credits, which are broken down into four main groups: criminal justice, cybercrime investigation and enforcement, information systems, and electives. The mission of this [more…]
Campus & community

Finding and Applying for On-Campus Jobs

Posted on December 6, 2020 2331 views
[Co-written by Cheyan Swan and Erin Worley]   WOU offers many opportunities for student employment on-campus within a variety of different organizations. There are a multitude of options even during quarantine, as many departments have temporarily moved online. Whatever your qualifications and preferences are, there’s sure to be a job for you. Here’s some helpful [more…]
Campus & community

Alfred P. Maurice Online Art Sale

Posted on November 25, 2020 1914 views
This is a companion piece to “Art for Innovation.”   The Alfred P. Maurice Art Sale is conducted by Western Oregon University in honor of the late Alfred Maurice, an avid art collector, an artist in his own right, and a friend and benefactor to our campus community.    Since 2011, WOU students have participated [more…]
Academics | Education

New Faculty Q&A: Leanne Cusack

Posted on November 17, 2020 2500 views
Dr. Leanne Cusack is a new WOU Health and Exercise Science assistant professor. She’s attended University of Waterloo (Canada) and Oregon State University, and she’s been teaching at a university level for about 10 years. This term, she is teaching Epidemiology and Infectious Disease/Injury Prevention. Cuasack’s office can be found at RWEC 237.   Why [more…]
Academics

New Faculty Q&A: Yuliana Kenfield

Posted on November 1, 2020 2212 views
Dr. Yuliana Kenfield is a new WOU Education and Leadership assistant professor, who is teaching two classes this term: ED 446  Environments for Diverse Learners and ED 352 Social Studies Teaching Methods. She has attended Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, and University of New Mexico, and she has been [more…]
Campus & community

5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween Virtually

Posted on October 29, 2020 1790 views
Everything looks different this academic year, including the holidays. If you’re a huge Halloween fan such as myself, you may be lost on how to celebrate safely. Luckily, through WOU and some outside sources, having a fun, virtual Halloween is possible!   Our first option is for students currently living in the residence halls: Res [more…]
Academics | Education

New Faculty Q&A: Lin Wu

Posted on October 28, 2020 2140 views
Dr. Lin Wu is a new assistant professor for the Education and Leadership department. Wu has spent seven years teaching in K-12 and four years teaching in higher education. Wu graduated from the University of Washington and is currently instructing two classes at WOU: ED 418 Assessment, Planning, and Instruction; as well as ED 623 [more…]
Academics | Alumni | Social & behavioral sciences

Alumni Profile: Curtis Holbert

Posted on August 26, 2020 9224 views
Curtis Holbert graduated from WOU in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Writing. Holbert is from Burns, Oregon, but currently works as a Title Examiner in Redmond, Oregon.   What is your current position?  Title Examiner. I research deed records, as well as other public record items to issue reports [more…]
Campus & community

Five Reasons to Enroll This Fall

Posted on August 24, 2020 1658 views
Enrollment requires important decisions for every student–which courses to pursue, how to shape your schedule, and how many credits per term is right for you. As students, we have to be particularly thoughtful about enrollment this upcoming school year. COVID-19 has swept the world, and Oregon, in turn, causing changes to our academic environment, workplace [more…]
Science & technology

Alumni Profile: Francisco Aranda

Posted on August 18, 2020 1980 views
Francisco Aranda graduated from WOU in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Business and a minor in Spanish. In 2015, Aranda graduated from WOU with a master’s degree in Management and Information Systems, and now works as a product analyst at Nike.   Why did you choose WOU? In my sophomore year of high school, [more…]
Academics | Alumni | Business & global affairs

Alumni Profile: Kelsee Coito

Posted on July 27, 2020 2778 views
Kelsee Coito graduated from WOU in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Business. Coito is originally from Mililani, Hawaii, but currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, working as a Marketing Ambassador for Topgolf.   Why did you choose WOU? I originally chose WOU for the cheerleading program.    What advice do you have for future [more…]
Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Jose Raul Magana Mendoza

Posted on June 19, 2020 2832 views
Jose Raul Magana Mendoza is an Early Childhood/Elementary Education major with a minor in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). He is from Salem. As an outstanding 2020 graduate, we interviewed Magana about his most notable experiences from WOU, as well as his future plans.   What has your experience been like as a [more…]
Academics | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Blanca Miranda-Aguilar

Posted on June 18, 2020 2458 views
Blanca Miranda-Aguilar is an Interdisciplinary Studies major from Arroyo Grande, Calif. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed her on college memories and lessons learned.   What has your experience been like as a first-generation student? Yes, I am a first-generation student. I was lucky enough to find and get the help of the Multicultural Student [more…]
Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Kelsie Greenhill

Posted on June 18, 2020 2298 views
Kelsie Greenhill is a Public Policy and Administration major with a minor in Spanish. She is from Willamina, Ore. As a notable 2020 graduate, we interviewed Greenhill on her favorite aspects of WOU and fond memories from college.   What has the experience been like as a transfer student? I transferred from Chemeketa Community College. [more…]
Arts & culture | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Kayli Smith

Posted on June 17, 2020 2091 views
Kayli Smith is an art major with a concentration in ceramics, as well as a minor in art history. Her hometown is Dallas, Ore. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Smith about her experience at WOU and her future plans.   Why did you choose WOU?  Ceramics has always been a class that I felt [more…]
test

Grad Profile: Ayanna Arceneaux

Posted on June 16, 2020 1922 views 2 comments
Ayanna Arceneaux is a Political Science major with a minor in Health. She is from Puyallup, Wash. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Arceneaux on her favorite memories from WOU and the lessons she wants to pass on to incoming students.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU not just for softball, but [more…]
Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Emily Swart

Posted on June 15, 2020 2432 views
Emily Swart is an Interdisciplinary Studies major from Salem, Ore., the two focuses of her major being humanities and social science. As an outstanding non-traditional graduate, we interviewed Swart on her most memorable experiences here, as well as her takeaways from college as a whole.   Why did you choose WOU?  I come from a [more…]
Academics | Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Leah Coyle

Posted on June 15, 2020 1743 views
Leah Coyle is a Communication Studies major from Portland, Ore., who has also completed a minor in Humanities. As an outstanding graduate, we interviewed her on her WOU experience, including her favorite memories and the lessons she’s learned.   Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? I am the first member [more…]
Class of 2020 | Science & technology | test

Grad Profile: Jonny Watt

Posted on June 14, 2020 1999 views
Jonathon “Jonny” Watt is an Elementary/Middle School Education major with a concentration in Middle School Mathematics. He is a Kansas City, Kansas. As an outstanding 2020 graduate, we interviewed Watt on his favorite aspects of WOU and his future plans for after graduation.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU because I was [more…]
Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Kelly Soto

Posted on June 14, 2020 1508 views
Kelly Soto is a graduating nursing student from Ontario, California. She transferred to WOU from Chemeketa Community College, where she completed her nursing prerequisites and obtained her Associate Arts of Oregon Transfer degree. As an outstanding WOU 2020 graduate, we interviewed Soto about her college experience and future plans.   What has your experience been [more…]
Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Karina Lopez

Posted on June 9, 2020 1779 views
Karina Lopez is a Communication Studies major and a Health minor from Independence. As an outstanding 2020 graduate, we interviewed Lopez about her experiences being a first generation student and a leader to her peers in our campus community.   What has your experience as a first-generation student been like? My experience as a first-generation [more…]
Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Zoe Noel Cawthon

Posted on June 8, 2020 1991 views
Zoe Noel Cawthon is a philosophy major from Salem. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Cawthon on her most notable memories and life lessons from WOU.   What has been your most memorable class? My most memorable class was Forensic Anthropology with Jerielle Cartales! It has nothing to do with my major, and I took [more…]
Class of 2020 | Education | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Danel Camacho

Posted on June 7, 2020 1820 views
Danel Camacho is a Community Health Education major and a Human Biology minor from Roseville, Calif. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Camacho about her experience being a transfer student, as well as her fondest memories from being a student-athlete and interacting with our WOU community as a whole.   Are you a transfer student? [more…]
Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Melissa Long

Posted on June 6, 2020 2071 views
Melissa Long is a Secondary English Language Arts Education major from Bend, Ore. As an outstanding 2020 graduate, we interviewed Long on the lessons she learned during college and her favorite memories from WOU.   Where did you transfer from and what has the experience been like? I transferred to WOU from Chemeketa Community College [more…]
Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Kaela Wehrman

Posted on June 5, 2020 2159 views
Kaela Wehrman is a Secondary Education Language Arts major from Albany, Ore. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Wehrman on her most memorable communities and moments from WOU.   Why did you choose WOU?  I chose WOU because from the first moment I stepped on campus to tour, I could feel the sense of a [more…]
Class of 2020 | Social & behavioral sciences

Grad Profile: Arianna Stone

Posted on June 4, 2020 1846 views 1 comment
Arianna Stone is a Psychology major with a minor in Social Science. She is from Salem, Ore, and originally earned her Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer degree from Chemeketa Community College before transferring to WOU. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Stone about her impact on multiple WOU communities, her fondest memories, and her future [more…]
Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Salvador Garcia Lopez

Posted on June 3, 2020 1938 views
Person sitting in a red graduation cap and gown, smiling
Salvador Garcia Lopez is an Earth Science major with a minor in Biology. He is from Portland, Ore. As a 2020 graduate, we interviewed Lopez on his favorite experiences from WOU and his plans for after graduation.   Where did you transfer from and what has the experience been like? In the fall of 2017, [more…]
Academics | Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Kailee Goodrich

Posted on May 17, 2020 3475 views 8 comments
Person smiling, standing in front of blooming trees
Kailee is graduating with degrees in both American Sign Language (ASL) Studies and ASL/English Interpretation Major, and she has also earned a minor in health. She is from Livermore, California, where she attended Las Positas Community College and completed her Associate in Arts degree before transferring to WOU. As an outstanding student and member of [more…]
Academics | Arts & culture | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Sean Tellvik

Posted on May 15, 2020 2537 views 1 comment
Sean Tellvik is a graduating English major, with a concentration in Writing and a minor in Humanities. He is from Hillsboro, Ore., and has served an active part of our community through clubs, sub-communities, and working as a tutor at the Writing Center. We interviewed him on his most notable experiences from his years here [more…]
Campus & community

WOU Department Feature: Disability Services Office

Posted on May 3, 2020 2221 views
Hello Spring with a bicycle
Although the office is currently closed to in-person visits, ODS staff are still available to students during their usual hours through phone, email, and Google Hangouts. For a complete list of where/how to contact ODS, visit their website. We’re continuing our department feature series with the Disability Services Office (ODS). We talked to Assistant Director [more…]
Student life

Student Health and Counseling Center Q&A

Posted on April 27, 2020 155 views
Due to Spring Term campus closures, the SHCC is not currently available for in-person visits. Students can still book appointments with doctors and counselors and conduct their meetings through phone calls. The office also offers COVID testing to students, given that students have called beforehand and meet the requirements. The SHCC’s hours remain the same. [more…]
Campus & community

Student Profile: Jose Andres Hernandes-Galvin

Posted on April 27, 2020 2259 views
Person smiling as he stands in front of a layout of WOU logos. He is holding a hat with the symbols of his fraternity, shaded from the bright sun beyond him.
Jose Andres Hernandes-Galvin (who goes by Andres), is an Interdisciplinary Studies Major with a concentration in Social Studies, Humanities, and Education, as well as a minor in Chicano/Latinx studies. When first considering colleges to attend, “I originally had to choose between WOU and PSU. I got a scholarship to come to WOU, but was skeptical [more…]
Campus & community

Q&A with Campus Public Safety Director Rebecca Chiles

Posted on March 20, 2020 4236 views
Black SUV with words "public safety" painted on it
We had the opportunity to talk with Rebecca Chiles, director of WOU’s Campus Public Safety (CPS) department, about her role on campus and what she enjoys about working on campus. Can you describe your current position?  I’m director of Campus Public Safety, which encompasses environmental and occupational health and safety, parking services and emergency management. [more…]
Student life

3 Steps to Commencement

Posted on March 12, 2020 177 views
Are you a WOU senior anticipating commencement? Or even a junior planning ahead for that big day? Before you order your cap and gown and walk across that stage, there are a few steps to keep in mind to prepare for graduation. Firstly, you do not need to be graduating that spring term to attend [more…]
Campus & community | Student life

Women of Culture Celebration 2020

Posted on March 3, 2020 1630 views
[Co-written by Cheyan Swan and Erin Worley] This Wednesday, March 4, WOU’s Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is hosting their Women of Culture Celebration in the WUC’s Columbia Room. There is no cost to attend, but registration is necessary. Interested individuals can head to MSSP Office during their weekday hours of 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. [more…]
Student life

4 Things to Do Over Spring Break

Posted on February 27, 2020 129 views
Spring Break is approaching quickly, and after the chaotic bustle of prep week and finals, we can find ourselves at a loss for how to spend this free week before jumping back into the hustle.  Although Alternative Break applications are closed for this year (they close October 20th, if you would like to sign up [more…]
Social & behavioral sciences

Criminal Justice: Taryn VanderPyl Q&A

Posted on February 25, 2020 131 views
Dr. VanderPyl smiling at camera, color set to black and white.
Dr. VanderPyl is an assistant professor for WOU’s Criminal Justice Sciences Division.    What is your research/area of focus? What classes are you currently teaching? I am proud to be a big nerd! I love research and teaching, so I could go on and on about both. I am a qualitative researcher, so I spend [more…]
Campus & community

Resident Halls: Barnum

Posted on February 8, 2020 1395 views
Of all the housing options at WOU, Barnum Hall differs most. Jojo McGee, a Barnum RA from this past academic year, characterizes the residence hall by its layout, as it is very similar in feel and practicality to an apartment. Because Barnum is not comprised of halls that share bathrooms and other gathering spaces, residents [more…]
Campus & community

Resident Halls: Landers

Posted on February 7, 2020 1240 views
Landers Hall is comprised of three floors and four pods per floor that are open to residents. Traditionally, pods were organized by pairs with one RA overlooking each pair per floor. In the new system, beginning in Fall 2019, each pod is overlooked by their own RA. Jaqcueline Cach Briceno, the RA of Pods 3 [more…]
Campus & community

Residence Halls: Heritage

Posted on February 6, 2020 1364 views
Heritage Hall is a four-story, stand-alone building that houses first-year students. The RA of Fourth Christensen, Leah Coyle, defines Heritage and its community as overall welcoming. The programs, environment, and atmosphere are interesting, safe, and inclusive. One of the notable benefits is the halls’ layout, shaped in a T formation with a community area in [more…]
Campus & community | Student life

Residence Halls: Ackerman

Posted on February 5, 2020 1713 views
Students studying in a hallway in Ackerman Hall
Ackerman Hall is the newest amongst WOU’s first-year housing options. It is comprised of three coed wings per floor, spanning up through three full residence floors. Zac Cole, the RA for Third Taylor this academic year, characterized Ackerman’s community experience by its mixed class nature. Ackerman is the only residence hall that fills each hall [more…]
Academics

Honors Program Insights

Posted on January 22, 2020 1947 views
Western Oregon University’s Honors Program is a subcommunity of the university’s academic populace. The required curriculum is developed by and for the students engaging in it, as the Honors Committee is comprised of both instructors and honors students. Leading the program is Gavin Keulks, who has been WOU’s Honors Director for 10 years. For his [more…]
Academics | Arts & culture

Author Advice: From Writers for Writers

Posted on November 1, 2019 1552 views
Street view of the large Hamersly Library, a three-story building with many windows.
To celebrate National Author’s Day on November 1, we sought advice from campus authors (fiction, poetry, academic work, etc.) to feature, in order to highlight writers’ accomplishments and passions, as well as stoke the interest of newer writers. Here is what they had to offer. Plotting Advice: “Make an outline first – then add by [more…]
Campus & community

Paranormal Tales of Todd Hall

Posted on October 31, 2019 1992 views
An old photograph of Todd Hall, a brick building pictured through sepia.
Written by Natalie Dean Todd Hall rests at Western Oregon University, built as the first dorm in 1912 and was named in honor of Jessica Todd, who was the first Dean of Women. Her legacy lingers in the building’s halls due to her well-known discipline, even after her retirement in 1931. She made sure the [more…]
Campus & community | Top News

The Haunting of Todd Hall: An Interview with Natalie Dean

Posted on October 31, 2019 2768 views
The side of historic Todd Hall, a brick building, bathed in late afternoon sunlight.
During October, there is an abundance of ghostly, paranormal, and spiritual content to consume. The afterlife and the make-believe take center stage during America’s preparation for the frightful and fun-filled night of All Hallows’ Eve. Humans have displayed an interest in the afterlife since the early days of society, ranging from the lore-based traditions of [more…]
Campus & community | Top News

Fun Fall and Halloween Activities in the Area

Posted on October 25, 2019 1820 views
A green field with lots of pumpkins
Story by Cheyan Swan All around campus, temperatures are dropping, the leaves overhead are changing colors, and Halloween decorations are popping up in town. Fall has arrived, and with it are the many exciting and fun harvest activities in the greater Monmouth area. Local farms and businesses offer affordable activities for WOU students and beyond, [more…]