Academics – Today at WOU

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Danielle Gauntz Posted on April 28, 2022 3935 views

Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) - April 28th Monmouth Ave.

Holocaust Remembrance Day begins Wednesday, April 27th and ends the evening of Friday, April 29th. Each year, Western Oregon University puts on an event to commemorate the lives lost during the Holocaust. The Holocaust encylopedia defines, “The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime [more…]

Academics | Jasper's posts | Science & technology | Writers

Ava Howard Teaches Research Skills with BI409 Practicum

Jasper Beck Posted on February 15, 2022 6538 views 1 comment

Dr. Ava Howard is a Biology professor at Western Oregon University who recently taught a field research practicum course over the summer. She has been teaching plant biology and ecology at WOU for 13 years. In addition to teaching, she is also involved in creating scholarship and research opportunities for students, which she is very [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Education | Jasper's posts | Writers

WOU Alum Greg Garcia Wins Oregon History Teacher of the Year Award

Jasper Beck Posted on January 24, 2022 5721 views

Greg Garcia, an alum of Western Oregon University and teacher at Franklin High School with Portland Public Schools, was named the 2021 Oregon History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in July. To honor this inspiring achievement, we want to share the highlights from our interview with him. When [more…]

MLK Celebration Week at WOU Promotes Black Excellence Through Storytelling

Jasper Beck Posted on January 12, 2022 2430 views 2 comments

Western Oregon University’s week of activities celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is Jan. 17-21. I interviewed Alexis Larson, a member of the 2022 MLK Jr. Celebration Week Planning Committee, about the inspiration of the events of the week. The overarching theme of this year’s celebration is promoting Black excellence [more…]

Academics | Admissions | Uncategorized

Bilingual Teacher Scholars program expands scholarships and eligibility

Marion Barnes Posted on January 11, 2022 2164 views

Female student wearing a red graduation gown and a multicolored scarf that says bilingual teacher.

Oregon has experienced a shortage of bilingual teachers for many years, and Western Oregon University (WOU) has been working to address this gap while trying to help diversify the state’s teacher workforce with our Bilingual Teacher Scholars (BTS) program. BTS provides bilingual and bicultural students (in Spanish and English) with an annual scholarship of $3,000, [more…]

Arts & culture

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Melanie Landon-Hays

Jasper Beck Posted on December 16, 2021 2243 views

A photo of the Western Oregon University sign on campus.

The Mario and Alma Pastega Awards of Excellence were given in June 2021, but because of timing issues, three faculty profiles were not included in the Commencement program. They are offered here instead and on the Pastega Award web page. —- The Award for Excellence in Service recognizes faculty accomplishment in service, honoring work that engages [more…]

Academics | Jasper's posts | Science & technology | Writers

Forensic Anthropology Professors Host Podcast

Jasper Beck Posted on November 26, 2021 3522 views

Title card for Cabin Femur: Forensic Anthropology in the Age of Quarantine

Dr. Misty Weitzel and Jerielle Cartales teach forensic anthropology here at WOU who have started a podcast together titled Cabin Femur: Forensic Anthropology in the Age of Quarantine. The following is a curated version of my interview with them about the podcast and forensic anthropology in general. Jasper: Okay, why don’t we just hit the [more…]

Arts & culture

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Dr. Jaime Cloud

Jasper Beck Posted on November 23, 2021 2737 views

The Mario and Alma Pastega Awards of Excellence were given in June 2021, but because of timing issues, three faculty profiles were not included in the Commencement program. They are offered here instead and on the Pastega Award web page. —- The Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching honors a full-time faculty member [more…]

New Destination Western Program Succeeds in Preparing Students

Jasper Beck Posted on November 22, 2021 1909 views

Destination Western (DW) is an all-new two-week residential program that wrapped up prior to the start of the 2021-22 academic year. I had the dual pleasure of not only participating in the program itself, but also interviewing some of the brilliant minds behind it. Megan Habermann is the director of new student and family programs [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture | Jasper's posts | Writers

Linguistics Professor David Hargreaves Publishes New Poetry Collection

Jasper Beck Posted on November 10, 2021 1693 views

Dr. David Hargreaves has been a professor of linguistics here at WOU since 1998. He has recently published a collection of original poems, titled Running Out of Words for Afterwards. I had the pleasure of interviewing him about this new book, and how it was inspired by his experiences studying the Nepal Bhasa language in [more…]

Arts & culture

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Dr. Cornelia Paraskevas

Lisa Catto Posted on November 3, 2021 1864 views 1 comment

The Mario and Alma Pastega Awards of Excellence were given in June 2021, but because of timing issues, three faculty profiles were not included in the Commencement program. They are offered here instead and on the Pastega Award web page. —- The Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship honors a full-time faculty member [more…]

Arts & culture | Press release

Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series opens season with international jazz singer Halie Loren

Lisa Catto Posted on September 29, 2021 3183 views

The Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University (WOU) is pleased to celebrate its 44th season returning to live, in-person performances at Rice Auditorium on the WOU campus. The 2021-22 season includes six events, and each begin at 7:30 p.m. The season opens on Friday, Oct. 8 with international jazz singer/songwriter Halie Loren. [more…]

Education

Western Oregon University receives $2.1 million to increase support for DeafBlind individuals

Lisa Catto Posted on September 29, 2021 2018 views

The DeafBlind Interpreting National Training & Resource Center (DBI) in Western Oregon University’s Research & Resource Center with Deaf* Communities received a $2.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant supports the DBI’s work to increase the number of qualified Protactile language interpreters with the expertise to [more…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Raynie Ehret

Cheyan Swan Posted on July 2, 2021 2909 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on July 1, 2021 2401 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on July 1, 2021 2244 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 30, 2021 401 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Lily Collinsworth

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 29, 2021 420 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 28, 2021 408 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 27, 2021 863 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 27, 2021 381 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 26, 2021 423 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 26, 2021 512 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 25, 2021 440 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2021

Grad Profile: Cheyan Swan

Lisa Catto Posted on June 25, 2021 370 views

Student in a red graduation robe crouching down and smiling in front of WOU sign

Cheyan Swan is a 2021 graduate from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are a Writing major with a minor in Sociology. What has your experience been like as a student in the Honors Program? I’ve spent four years in the Honors Program. Although it’s admittedly a lot of work, this program has offered me so [more…]

Class of 2021 | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Jenny Rooper

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 24, 2021 483 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 24, 2021 437 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 23, 2021 590 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 23, 2021 506 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2021 | Grad profiles

Grad Profile: Natalie Dean

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 21, 2021 788 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.

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 21, 2021 614 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 20, 2021 367 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 19, 2021 1103 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 18, 2021 1234 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 18, 2021 1090 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 17, 2021 1157 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…]

Academics | Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Trani Rae Morton

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 14, 2021 812 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 13, 2021 515 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…]

Science & technology

Math Major Riley Lamont Accepted Into a Fully-Funded Grad Program

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 27, 2021 547 views

This year, five WOU seniors from the Mathematics department were accepted into fully-funded graduate programs–a historic number. One of these 2021 grads is Lily Lamont from Albany, Oregon. She is a Mathematics major with a minor in Spanish. Why did you choose mathematics at WOU? Smaller classes and the campus itself! What was [more…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2021 | Grad profiles

Grad Profile: Kaeli Hancock

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 26, 2021 1707 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2021 | Grad profiles

Grad Profile: Julz Mudge

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 24, 2021 2157 views 1 comment

Julz Mudge is a 2021 graduate from Des Moines, Wash. She is a Performing Arts major with a double minor in Psychology and Communications. Why did you choose WOU? WOU was the first college I ever toured, and despite numerous other college visits, I always came back to WOU. There was something about it [more…]

Academics | Class of 2021 | Education

Grad Profile: Adam Schaeffer

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 18, 2021 4884 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 17, 2021 1467 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…]

Academics

WOU Faculty Help Create Improved Willamette Promise Spanish Proficiency Exam

Cheyan Swan Posted on April 29, 2021 1461 views

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 Student and Sociology Professor Co-Write Peer Reviewed Paper

Erin Worley Posted on April 12, 2021 2577 views

Aerial view of campus. Todd Hall in the foreground.

Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with student Quentin Kanta ‘23 about a peer-reviewed paper he co-wrote with visiting assistant professor in the Sociology Department, Dr. Evan Shenkin. Soon, the paper will be published in the United Nations Encyclopedia of Sustainable Development. Kanta, a Political Science major and Social Science minor from Grants Pass, [more…]

Academics

WOU Introduces the Accelerated Undergraduate to Master’s Pathway

Cheyan Swan Posted on April 7, 2021 2139 views 1 comment

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…]

Academics

Commencement 2021 Update

Lisa Catto Posted on March 30, 2021 2622 views

A student in a red graduation cap and gown giving a peace sign

Dear 2021 grads, We appreciate your patience as we’ve worked hard to make plans for our Commencement celebration in June. Thank you to all 2021 grads who responded to our survey about Commencement. From the survey results, it was very clear that an overwhelming majority of grads want three things from the Commencement celebration: 1) [more…]

Academics

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

Cheyan Swan Posted on March 15, 2021 1580 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…]

Education

Student Q&A: Madi Knox

Cheyan Swan Posted on January 28, 2021 275 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…]

Academics | Science & technology

WOU Secures Grant to Advance Computer Science Education

Erin Worley Posted on January 26, 2021 2955 views

WOU’s Dr. Lucas Cordova, assistant professor of Computer Science, has acquired a phenomenal grant that benefits WOU employees and students. The grant, a Tier 2 NSF grant that runs to October 2023, is titled “Collaborative Research: Testing Tutor – An Inquiry-Based Pedagogy and Supporting Tool to Improve Student Learning of Software Testing Concepts.” The grant’s [more…]

Education

Student Q&A: Cheyanne Bumgardner

Cheyan Swan Posted on January 25, 2021 396 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…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Choir Changes Due to COVID-19

Erin Worley Posted on January 20, 2021 2541 views

WOU Concert Choir performs in McArthur Field stadium. Approximately 20 students are spread out along the red bleachers, wearing masks and face shields.

COVID-19 has, unfortunately, affected the way many of us go about our daily lives. From the switch to online distance learning to the avoidance of social gatherings, the pandemic has changed the world. However, one thing the pandemic has been unable to change is the indomitable spirit of WOU. WOU faculty, staff, and students are [more…]

Academics | Health & wellness

Student Contact Tracers Gain Professional Skills While Aiding Polk County

Cheyan Swan Posted on December 18, 2020 3176 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on December 16, 2020 2810 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…]

Academics

WOU Students Brighten Residents’ Days at Emerald Pointe Senior Living Community

Erin Worley Posted on December 3, 2020 2368 views

Bright yellow, pink, and orange flowers stand out against dark green foliage

WOU students are dedicated to making a difference in their communities. This summer, as part of a community service project, four students committed to brightening the days of residents of Emerald Pointe Senior Living Community in Keizer. The four students, Hannah Childress, Derek Holdsworth, Keyna Hurd, and Sheyenne White, sent letters and flowers to the residents, [more…]

Academics

Tips for Creating a Productive Testing Environment at Home

Erin Worley Posted on December 1, 2020 2151 views

Even though it seems impossible, the end of the term is quickly approaching. With fall term being 95% online, it’s highly likely that you’ll have at least a couple tests to take from home throughout the term. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to help create a productive testing environment within your own space. [more…]

Academics

How to Stay Motivated as the Days Get Darker

Erin Worley Posted on November 29, 2020 2011 views

A dark gray sky with clouds and a silhouette of many trees along the bottom of the photograph

With the fall time change, the sun sets considerably earlier, and we have lost a lot of daytime brightness. Unfortunately, as we head into winter, the days will only get shorter, and these dark, gloomy skies will stick around. For a lot of students, this darkness can lead them to feel unmotivated, unproductive, and unenthusiastic. [more…]

Academics | Education

New Faculty Q&A: Leanne Cusack

Cheyan Swan Posted on November 17, 2020 2778 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

Winter Registration: What Students Need to Know

Erin Worley Posted on November 16, 2020 1981 views

WOU sign at the front of campus, glossy black with gold lettering, greenery behind it. Campus appears wet from rain.

Registration for winter term opens today! With WOU classes continuing to be conducted primarily online through winter term, registration looks different than years past. There are some important things that students need to be aware of. Here’s what you need to know: All students should have received an email with their registration date and time. [more…]

Academics

WOU Supports Students Studying in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with $2 Million in Grants

Lisa Catto Posted on November 5, 2020 3043 views

Aerial view of Western Oregon University campus with the tops of several brick buildings, lots of trees, a track, and rolling hills in the background

As a child of Afghanistan immigrants and the only Deaf person in her family, Durkhanai Haque knew she wanted to work with diverse Deaf or hard of hearing international communities. It was her father’s work as a respected radiologist in their small Georgia town, and the community’s acceptance of him, that inspired her to seek [more…]

Academics

New Faculty Q & A: Mary Layne Harrell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Erin Worley Posted on November 3, 2020 2452 views

As part of our ongoing new faculty feature series, we spoke with Mary Layne Harrell, Assistant Professor of Chemistry. We asked Harrell about fall term classes, adventures outside of WOU, and the joys of chemistry. Why did you choose WOU? When I interviewed, I got the sense that the school cares a lot about teaching [more…]

Academics

New Faculty Q&A: Yuliana Kenfield

Cheyan Swan Posted on November 1, 2020 2433 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…]

Academics | Education

New Faculty Q&A: Lin Wu

Cheyan Swan Posted on October 28, 2020 2516 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

New Faculty Q & A: Jay Schwartz

Erin Worley Posted on October 14, 2020 2416 views

Assistant Professor of Psychological Science Jay Schwartz smiles for a photograph. He is wearing a white printed shirt and is standing in the woods.

This is the first in a series featuring new WOU faculty members. We spoke with Jay Schwartz, assistant professor of psychological science. We asked him about his road to WOU, information about the classes he’s teaching this term, and what he likes to do when he’s not working. Check out his answers below. Why did [more…]

Academics

WOU Welcomes New Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dr. Hillary Fouts

Erin Worley Posted on October 7, 2020 2566 views

WOU Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Hillary Fouts smiles for a photograph. She is wearing a gray shirt, a purple-toned scarf, and glasses.

This summer, WOU welcomed a new dean of graduate studies and research, Dr. Hillary Fouts. As the new dean, she oversees the Sponsored Projects office, research centers and grant work, as well as Graduate Studies. Prior to joining WOU, Fouts worked at the University of Tennessee as a professor in the Department of Child and [more…]

Academics

Considering Interdisciplinary Studies? Here’s What You Need to Know

Erin Worley Posted on September 24, 2020 272 views

For some students, their desired career path or interests don’t fit in a specific major. Because of this, students may end up taking classes that they do not necessarily need or enjoy. Luckily, WOU has the answer. Students searching to customize their major can look into the Interdisciplinary Studies program, which allows more personalization to [more…]

Academics

Creating a Schedule (and Sticking to It!)

Erin Worley Posted on August 31, 2020 275 views

A sample student Google calendar for October 2020 is shown. There are multiple weekly Zoom meetings listed, as well as study group sessions. The calendar is white, and events are color-coded with red, blue, green, and pink.

As you now know, WOU will be conducting classes 95% online for the upcoming fall term. Some creative arts classes and lab portions of some courses will be meeting in person, with appropriate physical distancing and safety measures in place. What this means is that, for the majority of students, fall term will be entirely [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Education

Alumni Profile: Jordawn Jones

Erin Worley Posted on August 31, 2020 2267 views

WOU alum Jordawn Jones smiles for a photograph. Jones is wearing a black shirt, and has long brown hair.

As part of our ongoing alumni feature series, we spoke with 2014 graduate, Jordawn Jones, who majored in Exercise Science with a minor in Human Biology. Jones is now working as the Head Athletic Trainer and adjunct faculty at Sierra Nevada University. Why did you choose WOU? I planned to attend WOU to play basketball [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Business & global affairs

Alumni Profile: Casey Brown

Erin Worley Posted on August 28, 2020 2310 views

WOU alum Casey Brown smiles in his red graduation cap. He is wearing a black WOU shirt with red lettering, and a tan tassel hangs from his cap, displaying his graduation year (2020)

As part of a new feature series, we are catching up with WOU alumni to see where life has led them after graduation. Next up is Casey Brown ’20, from Independence, Oregon. Since graduation, Casey has been working as a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, and as a supervisor at Little Caesars on the weekends. [more…]

Science & technology

Alumni Profile: Francisco Aranda

Cheyan Swan Posted on August 18, 2020 2202 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…]

Arts & culture

Two WOU Ensembles Named Finalists for Prestigious Awards

Erin Worley Posted on August 5, 2020 2787 views

Western Oregon Chamber Singers pose in front of a large sign that reads "WOU" in red font. The 25 members are wearing black dresses or black dress shirts with red ties. They are standing outside, and there are multiple trees with bright green leaves in the background.

The above photograph is of Western Oregon University Chamber Singers. Western Oregon University is home to many talented musicians. With 14 different ensembles, WOU is bursting with musical performers from many different backgrounds, all showcasing their unique talents. Recently, two of these ensembles were awarded as finalists in prestigious categories: Western Oregon University Chamber Singers [more…]

Alumni | Education

Alumni Profile: Karen Edwards

Erin Worley Posted on July 28, 2020 467 views

WOU alum Karen Edwards smiles for a photograph. She is wearing a red sweater and is leaning against a white pole.

As part of our ongoing alumni profile series, we spoke with Karen Edwards, ‘16, an Interdisciplinary Studies grad who specialized in Early Childhood Studies and Communication Studies. At WOU, Edwards participated in multiple extracurriculars, including student government, on-campus jobs, and leadership activities. She mentioned that when she was not in class, she would attend various [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Business & global affairs

Alumni Profile: Kelsee Coito

Cheyan Swan Posted on July 27, 2020 3023 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…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs

Two WOU Business Owners Use Creativity To Create Community During Pandemic

Kristine Thomas Posted on July 3, 2020 2903 views

Two Western Oregon University alumni business owners have found there’s a solution to every problem, even one that seems like it is taking them on a wild, stop-and-go roller coaster ride. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered how Dawson Officer ’06 of 4 Spirits Distillery in Corvallis and Angela Anderson ‘99 of Syndicate Wine Bar in [more…]

Academics

WOU Adds New Programs and Certificates To Meet Career Demands

Kristine Thomas Posted on July 1, 2020 3070 views

Western Oregon University added six new programs and nine certificates in the last academic year that will prepare students for careers in growing job markets or to advance their careers. WOU Biology Professor and outgoing Faculty Senate President Kristin Latham-Scott said adding a new curriculum takes into consideration the changing demographics, interests and needs of [more…]

Education

WOU Students Are Training To Be Contact Tracers

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 23, 2020 3450 views

Peter Courtney Health and Wellness Center.

Western Oregon University Community Health students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to serve as contact tracers in Polk County. WOU’s Health and Exercise Science Division and Polk County Health Services professionals are collaborating to develop and implement a COVID-19 Prevention and Contact Tracing program that meets the [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Jose Raul Magana Mendoza

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 19, 2020 3146 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 18, 2020 2736 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Kayli Smith

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 17, 2020 2470 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…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Kranti Budhathoki

Erin Worley Posted on June 16, 2020 2375 views

Man wearing sunglasses and smiling with blue sky in background

Kranti Budhathoki is a graduating student from Kathmandu, Nepal. He is completing a degree in Business, and has been involved with many campus activities, including PLUS team, Associated Students of Western Oregon University, and working for WOU’s Strategic Communications and Marketing. What has your experience been like as an international student? I loved being here [more…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology | test

Grad Profile: Jonny Watt

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 14, 2020 2249 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 14, 2020 1763 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 | Education

Outstanding Graduate Student: Joshua Hodney

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 12, 2020 2294 views 1 comment

Surrounding himself with amazing people provided Outstanding Graduate Student Joshua Hodney ’20 the additional strength he needed to earn his Master of Arts in Teaching. “I am confident in my desire and effort to work hard at everything I do, but I know I would not be where I am without such a powerful support [more…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology

OHSU Golden Lamp Award: Paige McBride

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 12, 2020 1990 views 1 comment

There were moments when Paige McBride ‘20 never imagined she would be able to attend college, let alone receive a degree. Today, the recipient of the OHSU Golden Lamp Award is extremely proud to join the nursing profession as she graduates from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, Monmouth Campus. “Before starting [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Gabriela Acevedo-Solis

Erin Worley Posted on June 11, 2020 2226 views

WOU graduate Gabriela Acevedo-Solis poses in her red graduation gown. She is wearing multiple cords and stoles, representing the numerous organizations she has been involved throughout her time at WOU.

Gabriela Acevedo-Solis is a graduating student, who will be receiving a degree in Middle/High School Social Science Education student with a minor in Spanish. She is from Independence, and has been involved in numerous extracurriculars during her time at WOU, including the Multicultural Student Union, Student Engagement, and multiple volunteer organizations. How has being [more…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching: Kristin Latham-Scott

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 10, 2020 1901 views

Western Oregon University Biology Professor Kristin Latham-Scott hopes she engages her students with mind-expanding topics while also providing them the skills to tackle the challenges. Her dedication, creativity and enthusiasm to create student-centered learning spaces has earned Latham-Scott this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching. “I hope my students take with them [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Service: Cindy Ryan

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 9, 2020 2102 views

Dr. Cindy Ryan encourages her students in the Early Childhood Studies programs to be social justice warriors. “I tell them I really believe they can do great things, whether it’s causing ripples in ponds or waves in oceans,” Ryan said. “Everyone has the ability to change the world somehow.” Known for believing teaching and service [more…]

Academics | Class of 2020

Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award: Susan Griffin

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 8, 2020 1857 views

Susan Griffin does not consider her work as the academic program coordinator and adviser in the Student Success and Advising Office to be a job. Instead, she views it as a gift to be able to work beside the brave, hardworking students and colleagues at Western Oregon University. Known for her dedication and unwavering support [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Danel Camacho

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 7, 2020 2070 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 6, 2020 2307 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 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: April Bradley

Erin Worley Posted on June 6, 2020 2292 views 1 comment

WOU grad April Bradley smiles in front of her computer. She is wearing glasses and a dark blue shirt.

April Bradley is a graduating student from Aumsville, Ore., and she is completing a degree in Information Systems. While at WOU, Bradley has served as the family housing apartment manager for Alderview. Are you a transfer student? If so, where did you transfer from and what has the experience been like? Yes, however I [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Kaela Wehrman

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 5, 2020 2407 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 | Education | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Susiele Koga Truong

Erin Worley Posted on June 4, 2020 2431 views 1 comment

WOU graduate Susiele Koga Truong smiles in front of a railing.She is wearing a blue striped jumpsuit and a light wash denim jacket. She is holding an iced coffee and there is lush greenery behind her.

Susiele Koga Truong is a first-generation graduating student from Wailuku, Maui. She is a Community Health Education major, with a minor in Human Biology. Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? Yes, I’m a first-generation student and my experience through college has been eye opening and not only an experience [more…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Salvador Garcia Lopez

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 3, 2020 2227 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…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Natalie Legras

Erin Worley Posted on June 3, 2020 1981 views

WOU graduate Natalie Legras smiles in front of a brick wall with green plants below. She is wearing a striped shirt, blue jeans, and a WOU graduation cap.

Natalie Legras is a graduating student who is completing a double major in Information Systems and Humanities, with a minor in Business. She is from Scio, Ore., and has participated in the Honors program while at WOU. Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? Neither of my parents graduated from [more…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Zoe Chan-Tuyub

Erin Worley Posted on June 2, 2020 2257 views

WOU graduate Zoe Chan-Tuyub stands in front of the Natural Science building on campus. She is wearing a white shirt, black pants, a red graduation cap, and a white stole with multiple cords.

Zoe Chan-Tuyub is a graduating Business student from Sherwood, Ore. Throughout her time at WOU, Chan-Tuyub has participated in many extracurriculars, including PLUS Team, Kappa Delta Chi sorority, and Alternative Break. Are you a first-generation student? What has your experience been like? My experience as a first-generation student has been amazing. Since I started [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Faith Van Putten

Erin Worley Posted on June 2, 2020 2415 views 1 comment

WOU graduate Faith Van Putten smiles in her red graduation cap. She is leaning against a brick wall, and has a white tassel hanging from her cap.

Faith Van Putten is a graduating Early Childhood Studies student, with a minor in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). She is from Sacramento, California, and has participated in Peer Mentors, D.R.E.A.M., and Family Building Blocks while at WOU. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU because of the small class sizes, their [more…]

Alumni | Education

WOU Alumna Finds Herself in the Spotlight

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 1, 2020 2272 views

Western Oregon University alumna Colleen Thayer’s new high-profile assignments have placed her in a spotlight that’s slightly outside of her comfort zone. Even so, she gladly accepts the challenge, because she believes it’s important to provide accurate information to the deaf community during this unprecedented moment in history. A Certified Deaf Interpreter, Thayer has been [more…]

Academics | Science & technology

WOU Assistant Professor Defends the Shepherd of the Ecosystem

Kristine Thomas Posted on May 31, 2020 1997 views

Western Oregon University Biology Instructor John Laundré advocates for an animal too often viewed as bloodthirsty and dangerous. A world-class ecologist, Laundré is a cougar biologist who is devoted to defending an animal he believes is misunderstood. “Cougars are the shepherds of ecosystems, keeping herbivores in their ecological place. Time after time, it has been [more…]

Academics

A Celebration of Academic Excellence

Kristine Thomas Posted on May 28, 2020 2120 views

Person standing in front of a poster and talking to a group of people

Western Oregon University student Sandra Cerda-Lezama ’20 sought to understand what causes parent-child conflict. Graduate student Leslie McLane designed a lesson plan to equip high school students with the mental tools for effectively processing cognitive dissonance in school settings and throughout their lives. Although their projects differ, both McLane and Cerda-Lezama are excited to participate [more…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Eva Batenhorst

Erin Worley Posted on May 26, 2020 2375 views

WOU student Eva Batenhorst poses for a photograph outside, against a weathered white wall. She is wearing a cream colored sweater.

Eva Batenhorst will be graduating this spring, with a double major in Biology and Dance, and a minor in Physical Science. Eva is from Eugene, Oregon, and has participated in many extracurriculars during her time at WOU, including the Honors program, RHA, and PLUS team. Are you an honors student? What has your experience been [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Jon Montero

Erin Worley Posted on May 24, 2020 2311 views

WOU senior Jon Montero is standing in front of large rock structures. Jon is wearing a black Adidas shirt and glasses.

Jon Montero is a graduating student from Seattle, Wash., who is completing a degree in Exercise Science. Why did you choose WOU? I chose WOU because I was excited about the hands-on experience you receive when taking the courses. In the first year you practice teaching to your peers and in the second year you [more…]

Academics | Education

T.H. Gentle Professor of Education for 2021

Kristine Thomas Posted on May 23, 2020 2262 views

When she was a middle and high school teacher in rural China, Western Oregon University Associate Professor Xiaopeng Gong observed many of her students struggled with various social and emotional challenges. “As a teacher, there were so many questions that I wanted to find an answer to but did not have a means to do [more…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Megan McAllister

Erin Worley Posted on May 22, 2020 3631 views

WOU student Megan McAllister smiles in front of an outdoor stairwell. Megan is wearing a bright red shirt.

Megan McAllister will be graduating with a degree in Business. McAllister is from Klamath Falls, Ore., and has participated in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, as well as the Student Veterans of America club. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? Yes, I transferred from Klamath Community College as a junior. [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Maddie Hannah

Erin Worley Posted on May 20, 2020 2058 views

Graduate student Maddie Hannah smiles in front of bright pink flowers, with a pink flower in her hair. She is wearing a light gray WOU sweatshirt.

Maddie Hannah will be graduating from WOU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. Originally from Rome, Georgia, she graduated from WOU with a major in Humanities and a minor in Linguistics, and has worked as a graduate assistant for the Writing Center. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? I transferred [more…]

Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Heidi Benham

Erin Worley Posted on May 18, 2020 2861 views 3 comments

WOU student Heidi Benham smiles in front of a wooden wall. She is wearing a gray shirt, red lipstick, and glasses, and there is a green flower in her hair.

Heidi Benham is a graduating student from Dayton, Ore. She is completing a degree in Mathematics, with a minor in Linguistics. After graduation, Heidi is headed to the University of Connecticut. Are you a transfer student? What has the experience been like? I transferred from the Yamhill Valley Campus of Chemeketa Community College. The faculty [more…]

Academics | Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Kailee Goodrich

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 17, 2020 3838 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

Cheyan Swan Posted on May 15, 2020 2769 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…]

Academics | Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Camryn Skari

Erin Worley Posted on May 13, 2020 2385 views

Camryn Skari smiles for a photograph. Her hair is up, she is wearing red lipstick, and she is wearing and off-the-shoulder white shirt.

Camryn Skari will be graduating with a Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling this June. In addition to being a graduate student, Camryn has worked with the WOU Foundation Phonathon team for the past three years, and has been the lead caller for two years. What has it been like working for the [more…]

Academics | Education

Late WOU Professor Recognized for ‘Historic’ Contributions to the Field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Lisa Catto Posted on May 10, 2020 1815 views

A red bike rack that spells the name "Hank"

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities announced in early April that it was honoring the late College of Education Professor Hank Bersani in its National Historic Recognition Project 2000-2020. Bersani, a professor of special education who passed in 2012, was named a National Honoree in the project, which seeks to recognize the key [more…]

Academics | Alumni

Strong and Pretty – WOU Alum Competes in Strongman Competitions

Kristine Thomas Posted on May 6, 2020 2796 views 1 comment

Picking up logs with his bare hands, carrying a grand piano on his back, lifting a 40,000-pound monster truck and starring in “The Strongest Man in History” are a few of Robert Oberst’s accomplishments. A Western Oregon University alum, Oberst ’11 is a professional American strongman who has competed in the World’s Strongest Man competitions, [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Peter Sears Poetry Prize Winners Announced

Lisa Catto Posted on April 30, 2020 2053 views

An open notebook with "poetry" written on the corner of a page

To close out National Poetry Month with a celebration, winners of the 4th annual Peter Sears Poetry Prize were announced today. Congratulations to the these student winners: First Prize: To Bear Arms by Cylinda Neidenbach Second Prize: a spell for revenge by Cheyan Swan Third Prize: Flower Crowns by Katherine Sutton The poems (included below) will be [more…]

Academics | Science & technology

WOU Professor Creates Code-Breaking Competition

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 28, 2020 2119 views

An unscrupulous blackjack dealer helping a ring of hustlers. A race to discover the whereabouts of a deadly virus. A group suspected of hacking into a government website to steal U.S. Census data. The fictional plots in the Kryptos Challenge were created by Western Oregon University Math Professor Cheryl Beaver and Central Washington University Math [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Education

Recent InfoTech Graduate Helps Educators Navigate Emergency Shift to Online Learning

Lisa Catto Posted on April 20, 2020 2207 views 1 comment

Person in a WOU sweatshirt standing outside in front of tall rocks

By Anthony Rimel Kaitlin Lucas graduated from WOU’s Information Technology M.S.Ed. program in December 2019. And just a few months later she would be on the frontlines of one of the biggest moments in the history of educational technology: the unprecedented shift to online learning following the global outbreak of COVID-19. Lucas, who also earned a certificate [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Poetry Provides Perspective for WOU students

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 18, 2020 2105 views

For Western Oregon University students Katherine Sutton, Alexander O’Brien, Amber Jahn and Nova Kohnke, a poem is more than the elements used to create it such as alliteration, rhymes, rhythms or metaphors. Although they each have their own unique writing style, they all view poetry as a window for others to view their perspective of [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Poetry, a Language of Its Own

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 17, 2020 2168 views

Western Oregon University linguistics Professor David Hargreaves has noticed every known culture has a specialized language that is distinct from our everyday language. Hargreaves said this language is used in songs, folktales, stories, myths, mystic rituals, funeral laments and magic spells. “At the heart of this specialized language is the attention to language itself, rhythm, [more…]

Education | Spring/Summer 2020 | Western Edge magazine

I Love You Emoji Began at WOU

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 14, 2020 3735 views

For anyone who has texted the “I love you” handshape emoji, please thank CM Hall and Chad Ludwig. Hall, the co-project director of DeafBlind interpreting, and Ludwig, the director of RRCD, petitioned Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit that regulates the coding standards for written computer text that includes emojis to have the “I Love You” handshape [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Art for Innovation

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 8, 2020 2243 views

The late Alfred “Fred” Maurice’s curiosity and desire to see students succeed inspired him to establish a challenge for Western Oregon University students. A WOU benefactor and honorary faculty member (pictured below), he created the J. Dolores and Alfred P. Maurice Initiative, a challenge for undergraduates who complete a year-long project in quest for a [more…]

Academics

Remote Learning at WOU Relies on Moodle

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 6, 2020 2495 views

Western Oregon University graduate assistants Adrienne Allardt-Wong and Kerri Kunda have some helpful advice for students and faculty who are using Moodle for their remote spring term courses. Moodle is a learning management system used by WOU to deliver its remote access courses. “Just play around in Moodle for a bit, and you’ll get the [more…]

Academics | Education | Spring/Summer 2020 | Western Edge magazine

WOU Continues to Lead Nation in American Sign Language Education and Advocacy

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 3, 2020 2580 views

Western Oregon University’s Division of Deaf Studies and Professional Studies (DDSPS) is nationally known to be consistently at the cutting edge of innovation and excellence in its academic programs. Mark Girod ’94, dean of the College of Education, attributes the programs’ success to a dedicated faculty who are committed to access, equity and inclusion for [more…]

Academics

Six Tips for Remote Learning Spring Term at WOU

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 1, 2020 1745 views

As we venture into new territory of remote course delivery for spring term at Western Oregon University, students should remember one thing will never change. WOU is here for you. Now more than ever, communicating with your professors, adviser and staff is important. Whether you need to call, email or video chat, they are here [more…]

Academics

A Former Online Student Shares His Advice

Kristine Thomas Posted on April 1, 2020 3520 views

Adrian Trujillo knows all too well the challenges of navigating remote college courses. While studying for his bachelor’s degree, he also juggled being a father to three young boys and working a full-time job. Now the bilingual academic success adviser in Western Oregon University’s Student Success and Advising (SSA) Office, Trujillo, 25, is eager to [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture | Education

Lessons in the lessons: English and General Education

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 26, 2020 3140 views

There are lessons within the lessons taught in biology to literature to philosophy classes at Western Oregon University. And each lesson can provide us with guidance, insight and knowledge during this uncertain time. Today at WOU asked faculty to share with students and employees some perspective from their subject matter to help us navigate our [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

WOU’s Art and Wine Walk Benefits Students

Kristine Thomas Posted on March 9, 2020 2074 views

The late Alfred “Fred” Maurice was known to challenge people to move beyond their comfort zone to learn something new. His legacy continues to provide students at Western Oregon University with the opportunity to do just that. A WOU benefactor and honorary faculty member, Maurice created the J. Dolores and Alfred P. Maurice Endowed Challenge [more…]

Academics

Interested in Volunteering at AES? Here’s What You Need to Know

Erin Worley Posted on March 3, 2020 283 views

If you’re interested in participating in AES, but are unsure about presenting, volunteering is a great option to get involved with the event. As part of our ongoing feature series on the Academic Excellence Showcase, we spoke with AES Student Representative Chloe Miller about the need for volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. Miller, [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Western Oregon University Presents Urinetown, The Musical

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 26, 2020 2345 views

What happens when a hero challenges a sinister government official who has imposed a fee for citizens to pee? The only way to flush out the answer is to attend the Western Oregon University Theatre department’s presentation of Urinetown, The Musical on Feb. 27-29 and March 4-7. A tale of corruption, greed, shenanigans, love and [more…]

Academics

Attention Transfer Students: We’re Here to Help

Kristine Thomas Posted on February 17, 2020 1895 views

When you are ready to transfer to Western Oregon University, Dr. Kristin Mauro is definitely someone you want to meet. The director of Western Oregon University’s Transfer Pathways department, Mauro is an advocate and a valuable resource for transfer students. She works with students to view their transcripts and explain how their courses will transfer, [more…]

Academics | Alumni | Education

WOU Alum named National Superintendent of the Year

Lisa Catto Posted on February 14, 2020 1921 views

Congratulations to WOU alum Gustavo Balderas ’90 was just named the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year! This significant recognition speaks to his dedication to Oregon’s youth. Balderas is the son of a migrant family from Mexico who settled in Oregon. Balderas works for the Eugene School District and he’s the second WOU alum to [more…]

Academics | Education

Video: Police Trained to Communicate Better with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities

Lisa Catto Posted on February 4, 2020 2082 views

Part of a visor card for people who are deaf and hard of hearing to use if pulled over by police.

We’re thrilled to have collaborated with DPSST and Seek the World on this video highlighting how police are trained to communicate, interact, and partner with the deaf and hard of hearing communities. See any familiar faces? WOU ASL faculty and alumni! You can also view and share the video on our Facebook page!

Academics | Arts & culture

Western Oregon University Choirs Are Belgium-Bound

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 29, 2020 2332 views

Dr. James Reddan does more than ask his Western Oregon University choir students to shoot for the stars. Reddan, as an assistant music professor and director of choral activities, makes certain every student has the skills and knowledge to confidently reach the destination. “I have high expectations for my students, but they are always achievable [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Discover Exceptional Art Exhibits at Western Oregon University

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 23, 2020 1935 views

Paula Booth encourages people to walk through Western Oregon University’s art exhibits with the knowledge “nothing is expected of them when they do.” Booth is the director of the Cannon Gallery of Art and oversees the exhibits in the Hamersly Library and the Werner University Center. She is also an assistant professor. “Just come in [more…]

Academics

Honors Program Insights

Cheyan Swan Posted on January 22, 2020 2153 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 | Science & technology

Students Find Inspiration in the FEM in STEM Program

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 20, 2020 2338 views

Western Oregon University student Victoria Rhine can’t summarize in a single sentence the importance the FEM in STEM program has had on her journey to complete bachelor degrees in computer science and social science this year. But she can explain how the program is an inspiration to her and fellow STEM students. “I would not [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

WOU Honors the Work and Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 16, 2020 2119 views

Western Oregon University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration serves both as a tradition and a reminder. “It’s a tradition of celebrating and bringing the WOU community together to focus an incredible civil rights leader and activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Malissa Larson. Patrick Moser, assistant vice [more…]

Academics

General education classes build foundation for career success

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 15, 2020 1727 views

When Western Oregon University sophomore Maya Schlosser-Hall started college in 2018, she was on track to take four math classes to graduate as an education major. “Math is not my strong suit,” she said. “I was worried about taking four math classes because I was worried I wasn’t going to succeed in them and that [more…]

Academics

Priceless skill of perseverance

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 15, 2020 2599 views

Everyone has setbacks that cause them to want to throw up their hands and yell, “I quit.” Perhaps it was after being told they weren’t smart, fast, talented or creative enough to succeed in their chosen path. There is a long list of well-known people who experienced failure including Mozart, Dr. Seuss, Oprah Winfrey, Michael [more…]

Academics | Education

Virtual Tour of WOU’s ASL Programs

Lisa Catto Posted on January 14, 2020 1648 views

A person signing in American Sign Language with another person watching

Academics | Education

WOU Announces New American Sign Language Assessment Service

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 7, 2020 2900 views

Group of students in an American Sign Language class

Western Oregon University continues to be a leader in American Sign Language. Our Regional Resource Center on Deafness (RRCD) is the first to offer a nationwide ASL assessment service (called RSLA) in the western United States. The service uses Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) conducted in ASL to assess the individuals’ ASL skills. The service [more…]

Academics | Education

No Child Left Monolingual

Kristine Thomas Posted on January 6, 2020 2656 views 1 comment

Group of four students sitting at a table outdoors and smiling

Dr. Kim Potowski is eager to dispel several myths about languages in the U.S. and promote multilingualism. A professor of Hispanic linguistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Potowski is a renowned specialist in multilingualism and the founding director of her university’s Language in Context Research Group. Potowski will present No Child Left [more…]

Academics | Business & global affairs | Top News

New master’s in Organizational Leadership provides foundation for tomorrow’s leaders

Kristine Thomas Posted on December 9, 2019 1986 views

Group of students and a professor sitting around a cluster of tables

Western Oregon University professor David Foster explained leadership skills can be acquired in one of two ways – the college of hard knocks or preferably in WOU’s new master’s in Organizational Leadership program. “When people learn leadership skills in the college of hard knocks, they often make mistakes that have severe consequences,” Foster said. The [more…]

Academics | Top News

Major Myth Busting

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 27, 2019 1818 views

Two women, sitting on opposite sides of a desk.

Niki Weight is eager to bust three myths to hopefully help college students stop stressing so much about changing their major. National research indicates 80% of college students change their major at least once, adding it’s not uncommon for students to change their major three times. The director of Western Oregon University’s Student Success and [more…]

Academics | Campus & community | Fall/Winter 2019-20

Big News: Western Oregon University in Salem

Tori Cook Posted on November 26, 2019 1657 views

In the last edition of Western Edge, we told you about WOU’s expansion into Salem, where the university was leasing classroom space from the Willamette Education Service District. In September, WOU purchased a permanent space in downtown Salem: the historical Vick building on the corner of High and Trade streets. The building will get a [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 12, 2019 1894 views

Two men in suits stand on a stage and speak into a microphone

Experience the behind-the-scene escapades of a 1946 radio broadcast by attending the Western Oregon University Theatre Department’s presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 20-23. WOU Theatre Professor and Director Kent Neely said the live radio play is a great start to the holiday season for anyone who [more…]

Academics

Building and navigating pathways for students’ success

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 5, 2019 1717 views

Chelle Batchelor standing and smiling between shelves of books in a library

Shelve all the notions you may have about what it takes to properly manage a college library. Especially now that Chelle Batchelor has taken the helm at Hamersly Library. With more than 25 years of experience working in college libraries, Batchelor was chosen as Western Oregon University’s dean of Library and Academic Innovation, a new [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Author Advice: From Writers for Writers

Cheyan Swan Posted on November 1, 2019 1767 views

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…]

Academics | Alumni

Two Young Adult Authors Found Inspiration at Western Oregon

Kristine Thomas Posted on November 1, 2019 2084 views

Hardcover books of "Tarnished are the Stars" and "The Bone Houses" on a stone bench with a WOU Wolfie doll.

A 17-year-old gravedigger and three futuristic teens can trace their stories’ beginnings to their authors’ experiences at Western Oregon University. The gravedigger protagonist belongs to the imagination of Emily Lloyd-Jones ’10, and the space-age tech and steampunk-style clockwork teens to Rosiee Thor ’14. Both authors released young adult novels this fall. Lloyd-Jones’ fourth novel, The [more…]

Academics | Science & technology

Cybersecurity Program Perfect Fit for Transfers

Kristine Thomas Posted on October 25, 2019 1732 views

Person wearing a black jacket and glasses, sitting in front of an open laptop

As the father of three children, Matt Wick, 29, wanted the quickest route to earn a degree that would allow him to “work with his brain instead of his back.” He was surprised to discover that pathway would lead him to Western Oregon University. Wick had worked in construction and owned a small business for [more…]

Academics | Top News

WOU provides support and pathways for transfer students

Kristine Thomas Posted on October 25, 2019 1649 views

Transfer students were invited to “Celebrate Your Transfer Story” at WOU’s Transfer Pathways inaugural celebration of National Transfer Student Week (NTSW) Oct. 21-25. An annual event by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, NTSW celebrates transfer students and the professionals who support them on their journey. At WOU, the goal is to welcome [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Hamlet performed on campus in outdoor production

Lisa Catto Posted on July 24, 2019 1838 views

Several actors in costume of n an outdoor stage.

Looking for something fun to do over summer weekends? You’re in luck! The Valley Shakespeare Company (VSC) is performing their rendition of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet during the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. The VSC’s goal is to “[encourage] students, families and community members, young and old, to join in the [more…]

Campus & community | Education | WOU in the news

Oregon’s Public Universities Contemplate Tuition Increases

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on May 7, 2019 1886 views

Oregon’s public universities are looking at one major way to stay solvent next year – tuition increases. Some universities are contemplating double digit increases or waiting until May to make their decisions, hoping they may receive more state support. Portland State University is considering tuition increases of at least 14%. Eastern Oregon University in La Grande is among [more…]

Arts & culture | Campus & community | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Slippery Nature of ‘Sensual Fish’

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on April 4, 2019 2500 views 2 comments

“It’s kind of a slippery topic,” Henry Hughes told me Tuesday, in a conversation about his upcoming lecture “The Sensual Fish.” At its heart, the April 2 lecture is about fish. It’s part of the Montana State University Library Trout and Salmonid Lecture Series. But it’s also about sex. “The wet, dark, mysterious, fishy and primal [more…]

Alumni | Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: To Improve Teacher Diversity, Salem-Keizer Focusing on Training its Own Students, Classroom Aides

Caitlyn Nakatsukasa Posted on March 6, 2019 1984 views

Jessica Zamarron helps students with a math assignment in a bilingual Swegle Elementary School classroom.

Jessica Zamarron was inspired by her first-grade teacher at Swegle Elementary. Seeing Karina Rodriguez, another bilingual Latina, in front of the classroom, Zamarron knew her teacher had similar life experiences. If she had a problem at home or needed advice, Rodriguez was the teacher she went to. “I related to her,” Zamarron said. She remembered [more…]

Academics

20 Questions with New Provost Dr. Rob Winningham

Lisa Catto Posted on March 1, 2019 2443 views 1 comment

We’re thrilled that Dr. Rob Winningham is now serving as Western Oregon University’s provost. Winningham joined WOU in 2000 as an assistant professor of psychology. Over the years, this homegrown leader moved up the ranks to full professor, chair of the Behavioral Sciences Division, then interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, [more…]

Academics | Health & wellness

Q&A with Retiring Bob Hautala, Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Lisa Catto Posted on July 26, 2018 1797 views

Update 12/17/18: With heavy hearts, we report that Bob Hautala passed away from an accident a few days ago. We encourage you to comment on this post with your memories of beloved Dr. H. A memorial fund has also been set up in his honor with the WOU Foundation. If you’d like to give to [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

An Adaptation of Les Vampires; Opening This Week

Emily Carlston Posted on May 29, 2018 1920 views

Why Cross Chaos is a devised work based off the early 1900s silent serial film Les Vampires. The french film, by Louis Feuillade, is a comedy-thriller and portrays the inner workings of Paris Gangs. While guest director, Jessica Wallenfels did guide the group, the actors all had a part in creating the script. This lead [more…]

Academics | Education

T.H. Gentle Professorship Goes to Dr. Gay Timken

Lisa Catto Posted on May 23, 2018 2041 views

Gay Timken with past winners of the award and members of the Gentle family

On Thursday, May 17, Physical Education Teacher Education Professor Gay Timken was announced as the 2018-2019 T.H. Gentle Professor. Timken, who has been on the faculty at Western Oregon University for 15 years, will take over the professorship from Deaf Studies and Professional Studies Professor Elisa Maroney, who held the post during the previous academic [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

ONE: A Spring Dance Concert Piece

Emily Carlston Posted on May 10, 2018 1732 views

As a human, every day can bring up a different experience, but deciding on the voice in their narrative is up to the individual. ONE, a piece by student choreographer Tunya Dhevahpalin, is undertaking the issue between how we feel and the way people perceive us. Though a lot has changed, a lot more still [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Last Light: A Spring Dance Concert Piece

Emily Carlston Posted on May 7, 2018 1680 views

Andrew De La Paz jumping in front of some graphiti

Inspiration comes from anywhere, for the piece the Last Light, by student choreographer Andrew De La Paz explained he had two muses: the way light refracts through different mediums and the poem by Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night. By incorporating these two vastly different influences, De La Paz hoped to [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

The Best Little Auditorium in Monmouth

Emily Carlston Posted on February 24, 2018 1966 views

Scene shop workers, working hard on "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" two story set

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was not a place of fiction, it indeed existed under the name of Chicken Ranch. The prostitution started in the great depression as a way for the farm to survive, trading services for goods, eventually leading to the excess of chickens thus giving the 12 acre farm its name. [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

Q&A with Eric Frey, a Soldier, Scholar, Veteran, and Artist

Lisa Catto Posted on February 21, 2018 1930 views

Eric Frey ’19 describes himself as soldier, scholar, veteran and artist. So much so, in fact, that those four adjectives form the title of his latest art exhibition, which opened Feb. 19 in the Werner University Center and runs through March 4. Frey served more than 20 years in the Army before retiring from the [more…]

Academics | Arts & culture

English Faculty Garner Literary Award, Recognition

Lisa Catto Posted on February 12, 2018 1985 views

Two members of Western Oregon University’s English department faculty have recently earned national recognition from prestigious literary journals. Professor Henry Hughes won the 2017 Oberon Poetry Prize from the journal Oberon Poetry. The New York-based journal runs the annual contest to highlight the best unpublished poem from among hundreds of submissions. Hughes’ winning poem, Fish [more…]

Arts & culture

Theatre Department to Stage The Watson Intelligence

Lisa Catto Posted on February 7, 2018 1706 views

Two actors from The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence

The time-jumping play The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George will come to Western Oregon University’s Black Box Studio stage Feb. 8-10. The piece, which was a finalist for the 2014 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, will be directed by student Matthew Miller ’18. The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence takes a [more…]

Education | We are WOU

Q&A with information technology student Benjamin Kahn

Lisa Catto Posted on January 24, 2018 4211 views 1 comment

This week, we’re featuring the Information Technology (“info tech”) master’s program for We are WOU: Academics. We’d had a chat with a current student in the program about his experience. Meet Benjamin Kahn ’19 from Seattle who’s currently living and working in Portland as an instructional technologist at the University of Portland. Kahn Why did [more…]

Arts & culture | Features

iLumiDance Tour Melds Dance, Computer Science to Benefit Children

Lisa Catto Posted on January 17, 2018 4096 views

Western Oregon University Dance Professor Darryl Thomas’ latest touring project, in addition to his well-known Rainbow Dance Theatre, has an innovative and ambitious mission: inspiring young children to explore computer coding. Since 2013, Thomas and a troupe have been presenting iLumiDance to schoolchildren visiting WOU. The program focuses on dancers who are wearing black suits [more…]

Education

WOU Students Support TEDx Salem Event, Mission

Lisa Catto Posted on January 5, 2018 1731 views

The TED Conference motto is “Ideas Worth Spreading,” and Saturday at the Salem Convention Center, more than a dozen Western Oregon University students will help advance that mission. For the second year, seniors in WOU’s Interpreting Studies program will get valuable, real-world American Sign Language interpreting experience as they share the stage with presenters at [more…]

Alumni | Education | Features

WOU Master’s Degree from Home? Yes, Please!

Lisa Catto Posted on December 20, 2017 3965 views

If the idea of attending grad school classes at home while wearing pajamas is appealing, read on. Western Oregon University offers several online master’s degree programs that can completed on students’ own timeline and in the comfort of their own home. The dress code is up to them. One of WOU’s most popular online grad [more…]

Business & global affairs | Features

Feature: Entrepreneurship Minor a Popular Resource for Innovative Students

Lisa Catto Posted on October 19, 2017 1832 views

As the work force moves farther way from the traditional format—think employees who spend 10+ years at a company—to the modern affinity for a new job every few years, Western Oregon University’s Business program is ready for the change. Case in point: the entrepreneurship minor, which allows students, both current and incoming, to chart a [more…]

Arts & culture

One night only – “Blindside”

Emily Carlston Posted on October 3, 2017 1887 views

Stephanie Morin-Roberts posing for a picture with her left eye closed

The Incidental Fees Committee does a large variety of things around campus including bringing in a guest artist once a year. This year they have brought in the magnificent Stephanie Morin-Robert to perform her show Blindside. Due to a type cancer called retinoblastoma, she lost her left eye when she was only two years of [more…]

Features | Health & wellness

Feature: Student Health and Counseling Center Prepares for Grand Opening

Lisa Catto Posted on August 31, 2017 1856 views

The new Western Oregon University Student Health and Counseling Center has been serving students since June, but it won’t have its official grand opening until Oct. 2. When it does, and attendees get a chance to tour the interior, those familiar with the old SHCC will be impressed by the improvements the new building offers. [more…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs | Features

Feature: Alum Turns Hobby into Career, then Cruises into International Market

Lisa Catto Posted on August 9, 2017 1829 views

Larry Peterson ’05 doesn’t seem like a celebrity from the outset. The Western Oregon University alum is in his mid-40s, works in Independence and has a wife and four sons. But if you ask anyone who’s a fan of longboards—skateboards with extra length and interesting shapes—“Longboard Larry” is a well-known figure. He’s not convinced, though. [more…]

Education | Features

Feature: Silent Weekend’s Success a Testament to WOU Reputation in ASL Community

Lisa Catto Posted on August 4, 2017 1860 views

The ninth annual Silent Weekend event took place July 28-30 on campus, and a record number of participants were on hand for the American Sign Language-immersive experience. “(We had) 275 folks signed up from 18 states,” said event director CM Hall. “It’s our biggest year ever.” Hall, who in her regular duties is co-director of [more…]

Business & global affairs | Features

Feature: Digital Arts Instructor a Game Maker in Disguise

Lisa Catto Posted on July 27, 2017 1770 views

When talking with digital art instructor Tim Hutchings, it’s clear the conversation could go in many directions. Will he tell you about his years as a “fancy-pants artist,” with gallery shows throughout New York City and “traveling the world on someone else’s dime”? Or will he discuss his life as a WOU teacher, and how, [more…]

Arts & culture | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Outdoor Showings of ‘Much Ado’ Cost Nothing

Lisa Catto Posted on July 17, 2017 1616 views

At its core, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a story about how one person disrupts the lives of all around him. The troublemaker, Don John — better recognized as the villain in William Shakespeare’s oft-produced play — is the one who has to instigate the action. In the Valley Shakespeare Company’s upcoming production, Western Oregon student [more…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs | WOU in the news

WOU in the News: Vancouver Creator Could Tap Into Booming Board Game Industry

Lisa Catto Posted on July 13, 2017 1802 views

After saying for years he wanted to invent a board game, Marc Neidlinger finally decided it was time to roll the dice. “I said to myself, if I don’t do it now, I never will,” the Vancouver resident said. “If I don’t do it today, when? If you can’t answer that, it means it’s never [more…]

Arts & culture

Feature: WOU Adjunct’s Adaptation of Arabian Nights Showcases Talent of Local Children

Lisa Catto Posted on July 6, 2017 1875 views

Koko Le and Melody Allen play the peacock and peahen in Arabian Nights

The Apple Box Children’s Theater production of Arabian Nights makes its debut tonight in the amphitheater near Rice Auditorium, when more than local 40 children will bring to life playwright Maren Bradley Anderson’s magical vision. Anderson, an adjunct writing and English instructor at Western Oregon University, based the play on the classic tale One Thousand [more…]

Class of 2017 | Health & wellness

Golden Lamp Award: Stacie Chance

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 1878 views

Stacie Chance, the 2017 Golden Lamp Award winner, took a winding path to get to where she is today, but now that she’s fulfilling her life-long dream, there’s no deterring her from her ultimate goal. The Oregon Health & Science University honoree is focused on supporting the health and wellness of her community. To that [more…]

Class of 2017 | Education

Alumni Award of Excellence: Betty Komp ’90, ’92

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 1623 views

The 2017 Alumni Award of Excellence winner, Betty Komp, is the embodiment of Western Oregon University’s mission: providing a transformative education. Komp, now a retired Oregon legislator, came to WOU in the late 80s as a 30-something single mom seeking a significant change in her life. She graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in [more…]

Class of 2017 | Education

Julia McCulloch Smith Award: Aleisha Douthitt

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 1762 views

If the ultimate goal of attaining a degree is to get a job right out of college, Aleisha Douthitt, this year’s Julia McCulloch Smith Award winner for outstanding female graduate, is well ahead of the game. The Honors Program student already is putting her bachelor’s degree in elementary education to work; she landed a job [more…]

Class of 2017 | Science & technology

Delmer Dewey Award: Connor Thompson

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 1823 views

Connor Thompson, the 2017 Delmer Dewey Award honoree, has an incredible résumé. The chemistry major interned for NASA, researched nanotechnology and worked on a computational chemistry project involving cartridge cases from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But in discussing the most influential experience he’s had while on the Western Oregon University campus, the hyper-organized [more…]

Class of 2017 | Education

Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Jennifer Kepka

Lisa Catto Posted on June 16, 2017 1666 views

Jennifer Kepka has been working for years to make higher education accessible to more people, especially those with barriers to regular classroom attendance. But her work in online educational resources is just one of the reasons this year’s Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient reaps praise from her advisers and nominators. “Jennifer’s work is more than [more…]

Alumni | Health & wellness

Alumnus Valladares Planting Community Spirit for City of Independence

Lisa Catto Posted on June 1, 2017 1626 views

At first glance, it might not seem as though Erubiel Valladares ’05 is working in the industry he went to college to study. While at Western Oregon University, Valladares majored in The Arts with a focus on theatre, music and dance. Today he is community liaison for the City of Independence, working toward better engagement [more…]

Arts & culture

Play Combines Self-Determination with Slight Hint of Magic

Lisa Catto Posted on May 30, 2017 1719 views

"This Girl Laughs, This Girls Cries, This Girl Does Nothing" cast

The Western Oregon University Theatre’s final production of the academic year will be This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, and although the play by Finegan Kruckemeyer is often described as being “fairy tale-like,” guest director Jen Rowe is quick to indicate her preference for “fable.” “I try not to go down [more…]

Science & technology

Becka Morgan Helps Computer Science Students Develop Real-World Skills

Lisa Catto Posted on May 18, 2017 1657 views

The term “open source software” may not be part of the everyday vernacular, but it plays a significant role in our lives, driving the online engines of the digital world. And it just so happens that some Western Oregon University computer science students are getting a substantial head start in the open source world, thanks [more…]

Academics | Grace's posts

Peter Sears Poetry Prize Winners

Grace Salud Posted on May 11, 2017 1469 views

This was the first year of the Peter Sears Poetry Prize, planned to be an annual event. Dr. Henry Hughes, a literature and writing professor at WOU, founded the prize in honor of Peter Sears, a poetry mentor and friend to him for many years. Over 100 poems were submitted by students. Professors Marjory Lange, [more…]

Health & wellness

Food pantry seeks next step in service

Lisa Catto Posted on April 28, 2017 1907 views

WOU Food Pantry Director Rebecca Hardgrave being interviewed by KPTV reporters.

The WOU Food Pantry, housed in the Academic Programs and Support Center building, has been getting a lot of press in the past four months. Media attention has come from several newspapers and a television station, all of which is welcome support in the eyes of Director Rebecca Hardgrave ’18. “We appreciate the attention if [more…]

Arts & culture | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Crossed swords lead to ‘Classical Crossroads’ concert

Lisa Catto Posted on March 25, 2017 1631 views

We’ve all seen this way too many times. A sharp review, words are exchanged online, things get personal. And the next thing you know everyone’s typing in all caps, using death’s head emojis and … well, it’s just getting out of hand. We love a good art feud as much as anyone, but usually nothing [more…]

Education

New Mursion software takes teaching instruction to virtual level

Lisa Catto Posted on March 15, 2017 1832 views

Assistant Professor of Education Maria Peterson-Ahmad has been working for months to bring an innovative new education tool to Western Oregon University, and she will unveil the program tomorrow to a group of students, teacher-education partners and anyone who is curious about virtual classrooms. “I’m so excited to show Mursion to everyone,” Peterson-Ahmad said, her [more…]

Academics | Grace's posts

Places on campus for academic success support

Grace Salud Posted on March 13, 2017 1437 views

With finals just around the corner and spring term fast approaching, now’s a great time to take advantage of various academic centers and resources around campus. Science Center The Science Center is open this term until week 10, providing assistance for students in science related classes. It is located in the Hamersly Library in room 124. [more…]

Alumni | Education

WOU alum wins National Superintendent of the Year Award

Lisa Catto Posted on March 13, 2017 1641 views

Western Oregon University alumnus Matt Utterback ’89 has won the National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators. The award was announced March 2 in New Orleans. Utterback has been superintendent at North Clackamas School District since 2012, and during that time the district has made major gains in graduation [more…]

Academics | Kelsie's posts

Graduate programs for non-educators

Kelsie Johnson Posted on March 10, 2017 1402 views

Graduate programs at WOU aren’t only for students wanting to pursue a career in the education field. There are graduate programs in other fields such as criminal justice, interpreting studies, and more! These ones aren’t quite as complicated to sift through. Rather, they are based more on career goals and interests. Remember to complete the [more…]

Arts & culture

Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Conference brings Hispanic youths to campus

Lisa Catto Posted on March 8, 2017 1619 views

On March 3, Western Oregon University welcomed about 2,200 students, school staff and chaperones for the 27th annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference (CECLC), an all-day event meant to inspire Hispanic students to seek leadership roles. The day’s events started with a welcome and keynote address in the New P.E. building, where the bleachers overflowed [more…]

Health & wellness

National grant extends CASA’s reach

Lisa Catto Posted on March 1, 2017 1650 views

Last fall, The Research Institute (TRI) and the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women extended their six-year relationship until at least 2019. A $300,000 grant sealed the deal. There was not a lot of fanfare at the time, but the continuation agreement is a significant coup for Western Oregon University. Not only [more…]

Arts & culture

“Shakespeare in Hollywood” melds the Bard with a bad movie

Lisa Catto Posted on February 27, 2017 1726 views

Plenty of theatrical works involve a play within a play, but “Shakespeare in Hollywood” takes the concept to a new, hilarious level. Not only is there a movie within a play, but there also are characters from a Shakespearean comedy thrust into roles in a 1930s film. Confused? Don’t worry, said director Ted deChatelet. Just [more…]

Academics | Admissions | Byron's posts

Dual-enrollment at WOU and Chemeketa: is it for you?

Byron Kimball Posted on February 27, 2017 2479 views 2 comments

Is it possible to take classes at more than one college? Indeed! If you’re like many WOU students, you might be curious about what dual-enrollment is all about. You can choose to dual-enroll at both WOU and Chemeketa Community College. For many students, this can be a great way to help save money and get [more…]

Academics | Kelsie's posts

Why Attend Graduate School at WOU?

Kelsie Johnson Posted on February 26, 2017 1416 views

With so many options available for graduate school, the decision can take a lot of time, research, and applications. Western Oregon University is a great option for graduate school because of the affordable tuition, positive interactions between faculty and students, and the variety of programs offered. Here’s what it’s like to attend graduate school at [more…]

Academics | Kelsie's posts

Criminal Justice Career Day

Kelsie Johnson Posted on February 22, 2017 1686 views

High school and college students are invited to attend Criminal Justice Career Day to explore educational and employment opportunities available from various agencies. Representatives from law enforcement, correctional institutions, detention and jail facilities, juvenile and adult probation and parole programs and other special service fields will be available at the career fair. There will also [more…]

Arts & culture

Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project performs two nights on campus

Emily Carlston Posted on February 18, 2017 1608 views

Jayme Stone posing on a bench in front of a wall of instruments (mainly guitars) with band-mates

Showing two nights this upcoming week, the Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project is sure to be a hit in the Smith’s Fine Art Series. The Lomax Project was inspired by Alan Lomax, who documented the intimate history of remote places of the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and North Africa. By recording the voices of people around diverse [more…]

Education

Child Development Center adds SMART reading program

Lisa Catto Posted on February 17, 2017 1644 views

SMART volunteer Claire Woodruff reads to Marshall and Desmond

After a fall term spent organizing, scouting and preparing, the Child Development Center on Jan. 18 started welcoming volunteers with Start Making a Reader Today for weekly visits to Western Oregon University. The seven SMART volunteers read one on one with children for an hour each Wednesday morning, providing personal attention and sharing their enthusiasm [more…]

Arts & culture

“All in the Timing” – a series of wacky events

Lisa Catto Posted on February 6, 2017 1680 views

Director Kent Neely describes All in the Timing simply as a “ridiculous comedy.” The title, which comprises six short plays, doesn’t lean toward social commentary, parody or satire. It’s just pure fun with a heavy focus on wordplay, absurdity and the examination of personal relationships, all set in a comedy club-type atmosphere. “The interactions and [more…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs

Laura Gage: anthropology alumna on the go

Lisa Catto Posted on January 31, 2017 2260 views

Most of what people need to know about 2010 grad Laura Gage’s world view can be found in the title of her YouTube channel: “Laura the Explorer.” She’s a world traveler, and she attributes her adaptability to her time at Western Oregon University. Gage has taken the knowledge gained during courses for her anthropology major [more…]

Arts & culture

Free concerts to enjoy through the term

Emily Carlston Posted on November 14, 2016 1614 views

black and white picture of an old style microphone

If you are finding it hard to relax as the end of the term approaches and need an evening of escape, no worries WOU’s Music Department understands. Here are the free upcoming concerts from now until the end of the term to help you unwind. Nov. 14 – 7:30 p.m. – Smith Music Hall 121 [more…]

Business & global affairs

International Education Week

Kyle Kern Posted on November 14, 2016 1601 views

November 14 marks the beginning of this years International Education Week (IEW), an annual event that focuses on the advantages of global involvement in education. Beginning with a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State as well as the U.S. Department of Education, IEW promotes programs and organizations that include study abroad as well as [more…]

Arts & culture

Fall theatre production: “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell

Emily Carlston Posted on November 10, 2016 1591 views

The Machinal Set being built, large metalic beems framing the stage, very indurstiral looking

On November 10, the WOU Theatre Department will be putting on Machinal, a play written by Sophie Treadwell and directed by theater professor Michael Phillips. This play seems like a hollowing echo of the struggle of women through the decades to be more than just a household necessity and instead their own person. The story of Machinal is [more…]

Arts & culture

The Cannon Gallery of Art highlights students from the Pacific Northwest

Emily Carlston Posted on November 9, 2016 1623 views

Seek peek pictures of select pieces for the New Ventures: Student Design Exhibiton, Nov. 9th - Dec 9th, 2016

The Cannon Gallery of Art is opening its second exhibition of the year on Wednesday. The exhibition is called New Ventures: Student Design Exhibition and was originally created for the 2014 Portland AIGA Design Educators Conference. This will be the second showing of these pieces that were compiled from students all over Oregon and parts [more…]

Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Visiting professor helps music teachers combat student anxiety

Sarah Ratto Posted on October 31, 2016 1657 views

Musicians and music teachers learned about combating performance anxiety on Saturday during a workshop with Dr. Diane Baxter. Baxter is a Professor of Music at Western Oregon University and has performed all over the world. The free public workshop in Hermiston was made possible by the Oregon Music Teachers Associations and Oregon Community Foundation. Baxter [more…]

Academics | Kelsie's posts

It’s FAFSA Time!

Kelsie Johnson Posted on October 3, 2016 1373 views

Are you in need of financial aid for the 2017-18 school year? The first step to applying for aid is filling out FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a tool to help you apply for grants, work-study, and loans, all through one simple application. In the past, FAFSA has opened on [more…]

Arts & culture

Cannon Gallery kicks off fall exhibitions with local artist

Emily Carlston Posted on September 28, 2016 1594 views

A painting titled Acquiescence & Mystery; Jonahby TIm Timmerman

This week the Cannon Gallery of Art in Campbell hall will be opening its first exhibition of the year titled “Whomever Brought Me Here is Going to Have to Take me Home.” This exhibition is full of paintings from Tim Timmerman who has been an artist starting from a very young age. Timmerman continued his art [more…]

Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western Oregon opens new education building

Lisa Catto Posted on September 23, 2016 1703 views

The Richard Woodcock Education Center, new home of Western Oregon University’s College of Education, opened this week. The 58,000-square-foot building is the first multi-story building in Oregon constructed with cross-laminated timber. This is the first time the three divisions of the College of Education will be under one roof, including nearly 100 offices and 23 classrooms. [more…]

Alumni | Arts & culture | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Gut wrenching images: Rick Bartow’s ‘Things You Know But Cannot Explain’ exhibition

Lisa Catto Posted on September 16, 2016 1710 views

Rick Bartow walked onto his spirit journey on April 2, 2016 due to congestive heart disease. He had suffered two strokes, the last in August 2013. According to the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, this life-changing event affected his work and we see it in the collection as “exciting examples of Bartow’s production since [more…]

Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Multi-Story Buildings Going Up Using cross-laminated timber

Nicole Larsen Posted on September 1, 2016 1668 views

CLT Promises New Construction Boom in the Future, Pilot Programs Under Development in Oregon Multi-Story Buildings Going Up in Oregon Using cross-laminated timber (CLT). The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in multi-story buildings is no longer just something people are talking about. In Oregon, two new buildings that feature CLT are almost complete, and construction [more…]

Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Education Center Ready For Debut

Nicole Larsen Posted on August 24, 2016 1649 views

The Richard Woodcock Education Center is bustling with activity, but not from students — not yet. It’s faculty and staff who are moving into the new building for Western Oregon University’s Department of Education. Dean of Education Mark Girod is excited to have a base of operations for the 800 education majors on campus, as [more…]

Health & wellness

WOU receives grant to conduct important research on experiences among Oregon’s “Deaf community”: Researchers seek participants for their research

Lisa Catto Posted on August 3, 2016 1779 views

Western Oregon University (WOU) assistant professor Dr. Denise Thew Hacket, in collaboration with WOU’s Regional Resource Center on Deafness, received a $200,000 grant from the State of Oregon’s Department of Human Services. The funding allows for research targeting Oregon’s Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing loss communities. It will provide information regarding how well the [more…]

Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: New teachers get hands-on geography lesson

Lisa Catto Posted on July 27, 2016 1619 views

Two teaching graduates from OSU-Cascades returned from their trip to Spain and Portugal last week where they studied physical and human geography with the Center for Geography Education in Oregon at Portland State University. Heidi Wilson and Amanda Mattei received their Oregon preliminary teaching licenses from Oregon State University this summer and participated in the [more…]

Arts & culture

Summer Heatwave Concert Series

Emily Carlston Posted on June 21, 2016 1813 views

The top of the Summer Heatwave advertisement specifying the name, location, and time.

Staying around Monmouth this summer with nothing to do? Don’t worry, Western Oregon University is having a Summer Heatwave Concert Series. This open to all ages concert series is sponsored by Student Leadership and Activities. It starts this week and runs every Wednesday until the end of July. The concerts run from noon until the party [more…]

Class of 2016 | Science & technology

Maria & Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching: Cheryl Beaver

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2016 1836 views

Dr. Cheryl Beaver has found a way to balance her academic interests at Western Oregon University: mathematics and education. This year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient, she has flourished as a math educator. She and her husband, Dr. Scott Beaver, joined WOU in 2005. Prior to becoming a collegiate educator, [more…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2016

Mario & Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship: Darryl Thomas

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2016 1728 views

Darryl Thomas’ interest in dance began with the hope of meeting girls, but quickly grew into a deep adoration for the poetry and beauty of human movement. Thomas, this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity Award recipient, has had an eventful and productive career in dance. It all began in Detroit [more…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2016

Delmer Dewey Award: John Goldsmith

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2016 1819 views

Some students find comfort in classes, some in sports, some in extracurricular activities, while others are happiest with a mix of involvement during their college career. John Goldsmith, this year’s Delmer Dewey award recipient for outstanding senior male, took advantage of as many academic and leadership opportunities as his time and interest afforded. On the [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Golden Lamp Award: Kayla Corwin

Lisa Catto Posted on June 11, 2016 1757 views

There is no traditional route to Commencement, as Kayla Corwin learned. This Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) graduating student has been an undergraduate for nine years. “I had a long road getting here,” she said. Science has always been a strength of Corwin’s. In high school she took an anatomy class and while her [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad profile: Ashley Baxter

Grace Salud Posted on June 10, 2016 1622 views

Ashley Baxter Hillsboro, Ore. Community health education major Undergraduate Ashley Baxter is a graduating community health major. Baxter chose WOU because she heard it was affordable and when she toured the campus, she fell in love with the beauty. “I just knew I’d be happier here at this type of university.” Baxter enjoyed the amount of [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad profile: Matt Turner

Grace Salud Posted on June 10, 2016 1641 views

Matt Turner Prince George, British Columbia Applied exercise science major Undergraduate Matt Turner is a graduating applied exercise science major. He chose WOU because his academic advisor from Chemeketa Community College suggested it for what he was doing, which at the time was pre-physical therapy. His advisor said that WOU was a great school with smaller [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Grad profile: Mashael Alansari

Grace Salud Posted on June 10, 2016 1618 views

Mashael Alansari Saudi Arabia Master’s in Education Graduate Mashael Alansari is a graduating masters student getting her master’s in education. She chose WOU because her close friend studied here before her and talked about classes that were interesting. Her friend then encouraged Alansari to apply. She looked at the program and liked the description of [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad Profile: Dominik Heidemeyer

Emily Carlston Posted on June 10, 2016 1657 views

Dominik Heidemeyer smiling and and leaning on a fence with ancient Ruins in the background

Many move great distances to attend school, but not many in this year’s graduating class traveled as far as Dominik Heidemeyer. Heidemeyer is originally from a small town called Hülm that is on the outskirts of Goch, Germany. He came to Western because it was close to where he ended up living with his wife [more…]

Class of 2016 | Science & technology

Grad profile: Kaylee Church

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 10, 2016 1904 views

Name: Kaylee Church Age: 21 Major/Minor: Mathematics/psychology Hometown: Damascus, Ore. Favorite campus event: New Student Week/Wind Down Wednesday Best study spot: Study room in Math building Advice to incoming freshman: “Don’t doubt yourself, go with what you like in your activities and studies.” Affordability is what put WOU on Church’s radar when she began searching for colleges. Out-of-state tuition deterred her from [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Grad profile: Cassie Owens

Kyle Kern Posted on June 10, 2016 1752 views

Cassie is originally from Lakewood, Wash. and majored in American Sign Language (ASL) studies and minored in special education and chose Western Oregon University because of its location which was close to home. While completing her undergraduate degree Cassie was involved in many things to help the campus. She enjoyed that as a small university [more…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2016

Grad profile: Megan Cabison

McKenzie McClure Posted on June 10, 2016 1669 views

Megan Cabison is graduating from Western Oregon University with a double major in business management and communication studies, and a minor in entrepreneurship. Cabison is from Hilo, Hawaii and chose to come to Western because of the undergraduate exchange program for Hawaiian students. She had never visited the university before move in day, but as soon as she [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad profile: Amanda Stevens

Emily Carlston Posted on June 10, 2016 1707 views

University is often where people find their passion and that is no exception for Amanda Stevens. Stevens has a great passion for health and in particular women’s health. She originally came to Western for its nursing program, but soon found that community health education was her true passion after finding it frustrating the amount of [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad profile: Hannah Towle

Kyle Kern Posted on June 10, 2016 1659 views

Hannah Towle works as one of our advocate staff leaders as the sexual violence resource coordinator. She has assisted on multiple projects related to the Campus Against Sexual Assault grant associated with Abby’s House. Additionally, Towle has initiated her own projects in the realm of sexual violence prevention playing a key role in the CounterACT Violence campaign [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Grad profile: Audrey Loudenback

Nicole Larsen Posted on June 9, 2016 1637 views

Name: Audrey Ramirez-Loudenback Age: 35 Graduate program: Masters of Arts in Interpreting Studies Hometown: Milwaukie, Ore. Favorite campus event: First Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at WOU Best study spot: First floor study rooms in Hamersly Advice to incoming freshman: “Enjoy the ride. Enjoy the unknown, there’s no way you can predict your path. Go easier on yourself.” Back in 1999, Ramirez-Loudenback [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Grad profile: Nikole Davis

McKenzie McClure Posted on June 9, 2016 1603 views

Nikole Davis from Salem, Ore. will be graduating from Western Oregon University this June with a major in ASL/English Interpreting and a minor in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. Davis chose to go to WOU because of the highly regarded interpreting program and has enjoyed the opportunities for growth and learning the university has provided. [more…]

Class of 2016 | Health & wellness

Grad profile: Becca Hazel

Grace Salud Posted on June 8, 2016 1638 views

Becca Hazel standing near a body of water wearing a denim vest.

Becca Hazel Hillsboro, Ore. Community health major Undergraduate Becca Hazel is a graduating community health major. She has been very involved and interested in the community health projects here at Western. She chose to come to WOU because it has the OHSU nursing campus and the really small class sizes. Another reason for choosing Western [more…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2016

Grad profile: Joleen Braasch

Kelsie Johnson Posted on June 7, 2016 1851 views

Joleen Braasch is a student from Salem, Ore. who will be graduating from Western Oregon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. She decided to come to WOU because it is close to home, she liked the idea of small class sizes, and at the time, she was interested in becoming a [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Grad profile: Tabitha Mortensen

McKenzie McClure Posted on June 7, 2016 1708 views

Tabitha Mortensen is graduating from Western Oregon University this June with a major in American Sign Language studies and a minor in psychology. Mortensen is from Salem, Ore. and is a full time mother to Zoe and Ezekiel. Her favorite lunch spot in Monmouth is Yang’s, and her favorite study spots on campus are the [more…]

Class of 2016 | Education

Commencement speaker: Betty Komp

Lisa Catto Posted on June 6, 2016 1653 views

WOU alumna, Representative Betty Komp, did not start college right after high school. At age 18 she got married and started a family. Seventeen years later she was raising four kids on her own and wanted a life change. It was time to go to college. Komp knew she wanted to be an educator and [more…]

Alumni | Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Western students step into shoes of the homeless

Lisa Catto Posted on May 27, 2016 1817 views

Western students step into shoes of the homeless

Application. Waitlist. Overqualified. Underqualified. Wait in line. These words and phrases were repeated over and over again as students at Western Oregon University took on the personas of the homeless Thursday evening. The university’s Education Club organized the homeless simulation, modeled after a Habitat for Humanity program. The group said they wanted to spread awareness and help those [more…]

Alumni | Arts & culture | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Native American artist Rick Bartow turns pain into art

Lisa Catto Posted on May 25, 2016 1611 views

Despite battling post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism spawned by serving as a soldier during the Vietnam War, Rick Bartow was not afraid to use his artistic talents to address painful aspects of life. It’s a sentiment art enthusiasts may see as they view the Native American man’s art, which is on display through July 13 [more…]

Arts & culture | Campus & community

¡La Nuestra Fiesta Latina fue increíble!

McKenzie McClure Posted on May 23, 2016 1548 views

On Friday, May 20, Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Union hosted Nuestra Fiesta Latina, and word on the street is that this 14 hour party was quite a success! Starting at 11 a.m. there were tons of free activities for the campus community. Events like face painting, airbrush tattoos, and a jalapeño eating contest made this afternoon [more…]

Science & technology

GIS Speaker Series: An Overview

Kyle Kern Posted on May 16, 2016 1645 views

There’s still one more event in the GIS Speaker series on May 17 at 12pm in the Education Building room 105. This event is presented by Phil Smith from the Oregon Department of Transportation and will discuss how GIS can relate to and help with the transportation process. The talk is free and open to [more…]

Academics | Kelsie's posts

Want to Know What It’s Like to Be a New Teacher?

Kelsie Johnson Posted on May 11, 2016 1452 views

This Friday, May 13 a local kindergarten teacher and first grade teacher will come to campus to talk to the future teachers of WOU about how to find a teaching job, the application and interview process, and what it’s like to be a new teacher. This event is open to anyone who is interested. You [more…]

Business & global affairs

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Grace Salud Posted on May 4, 2016 1756 views

Yellow flags representing the millions of Jewish lives lost.

Holocaust Remembrance Day begins Wednesday, May 4 and ends the evening of Thursday, May 5. Each year, Western Oregon University puts on an event to remember the tragedy that was the Holocaust. As in previous years, volunteers will help set up flags on campus on May 3 and help take down the flags on May [more…]

Academics | Grace's posts

Preview: Leadership Recognition Night 2016

Grace Salud Posted on May 3, 2016 1344 views

The 24th annual Leadership Recognition Night this year is on May 4 and the theme will be “Leadership Awakens” to celebrate winners in a Star Wars-like fashion. This is a night where students can be recognized for their outstanding leadership demonstrated throughout their time here at WOU. Megan Habermann puts on this event with her [more…]

Arts & culture

23rd Annual Powwow

Emily Carlston Posted on May 3, 2016 1593 views

Native American men dancing the grass dance in traditional clothing.

The sounds of the host drums boomed off the walls and reverberated in the hearts of all who were present at this year’s Powwow. The Powwow is put on by Multicultural Student Union (MSU) and includes so much more than just the campus community. The Powwow is free and open to all ages and walks [more…]

Arts & culture

Western Hemisphere Orchestra Spring Tour

Erin Westfall Posted on April 27, 2016 1575 views

Last week the Western Hemisphere Orchestra toured in San Francisco, CA as part of their annual spring tour. The group, directed by Dr. Keller Coker, consists of instrumentalists and vocalists, totaling roughly twenty WOU students. The band plays a variety of styles, including jazz, rock, blues, soul, Brazilian, and pop music. While in San Francisco, [more…]

Alumni | Education | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: Nyssa superintendent retires after lifetime in education

Lisa Catto Posted on April 12, 2016 1595 views

ONTARIO — Nyssa School District Superintendent Janine Weeks is set to retire at the start of July after 39 years in education. Weeks’ story is one of a lifetime of service to education, one that started when she was in elementary school. “I found myself doing some type of teaching, either through interactions with my [more…]

Arts & culture

Preview: Sara Gazarek with the American Metropole Orchestra

Erin Westfall Posted on April 3, 2016 1619 views

On Friday, April 8, 2016, jazz vocalist Sara Gazarek will be performing with the American Metropole Orchestra at 7:30 pm in Rice Auditorium. The American Metropole Orchestra is a professional group of local musicians that includes WOU faculty and students. The concert will feature music from Gazarek’s album Blossom and Bee, as well as music [more…]

Arts & culture

WOU Music Department Concerts – Bossa Nova to the Beatles!

Erin Westfall Posted on March 6, 2016 1559 views

The WOU Music Department will be putting on six concerts from March 6-11 featuring everything from bossa nova to the Beatles! Tonight Orquestra Brasil presents “Mostly Bossa Nova” and tomorrow the WOU Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will present “From the Heart/Love and Devotion.” If you like the Beatles, then you’ll definitely want to see [more…]

Education | Student life

Grad Student Profile: Carlee Nelson

Erin Westfall Posted on February 19, 2016 1654 views

Carlee Nelson, an honors graduate and current M.S. in Education (Information Technology) student, is sitting at her desk in the honors office in APSC. Currently serving as the Honors Program Specialist, Nelson works with her advisor Dr. Gavin Keulks in assisting the current honors students as they make their way through the program. “As a [more…]

Arts & culture

Preview: Misfortune County

Kyle Kern Posted on January 27, 2016 1656 views

The film studio Body in the Window Seat will be presenting their feature film “Misfortune County” Friday January 29 at 6:15 pm in Hamersly Library, room 107. The film studio is based out of Central Oregon, and was co-founded by WOU students Nathaniel Dunaway, Burke De Boer and Darien Campo. Filmed in Oregon, Misfortune County is [more…]

Health & wellness | Uncategorized

Succeeding in College with Aspergers

Hailey Fields Posted on January 20, 2016 1576 views

Today, the Health and Counseling Center held a seminar in the Willamette room about succeeding in college with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). If you or someone you know is affected by this syndrome, you know the struggles that can be faced, and how important it is to know how to deal with those struggles. Jaime Silva [more…]

Alumni | Health & wellness

WOU in the news: Relay gets ready to paint the town purple

Lisa Catto Posted on January 18, 2016 1701 views

Uniting communities across the globe, Relay for Life celebrates those who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost to the disease and fights back by raising money to support research and help those afflicted by the illness. The signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, the event is often an overnight activity — signifying that [more…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs

WOU in the news: Salem Progressive film looks at soldiers Jan. 19

Lisa Catto Posted on January 12, 2016 1661 views

“Where Soldiers Come From” will be shown 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Historic Grand Theatre as part of the Salem Progressive Film Series. This documentary follows childhood friends on a four-year journey from a small town in Northern Michigan to the mountains of Afghanistan and back. Beginning as a carefree group, enticed by [more…]

Alumni | Business & global affairs | WOU in the news

WOU in the news: War survivor: What my heart wants to say

Nicole Larsen Posted on December 7, 2015 1654 views

Published by: Statesman Journal by: Noor Ishmael It is a great feeling when I wake up every morning with a big number of positive thoughts, plans and goals in my mind for the future. My past, before moving to the United States, did not give me any chance to think about my future. Before moving [more…]

Arts & culture

Tips for NaNoWriMo

Lisa Catto Posted on November 25, 2015 1658 views

“What does it all mean?” Each November, hundreds of thousands of crazy people (325,000 in 2014) get together online to participate in NaNoWriMo to try to write 50,000 words of the first draft of a novel in 30 days. That’s 1,667 words a day for those who are wondering. I have completed the 50K in 30 days challenge [more…]

Arts & culture

Preview: WOU Music Department Concerts

Erin Westfall Posted on November 16, 2015 1791 views

The WOU Music Department will be hosting twelve concerts in the next few weeks, so be sure to make room in your schedule to sit back, relax, and enjoy some great music! All concerts begin at 7:30 pm* and are held on campus in either Smith Recital Hall or in Rice Auditorium. For orchestral music… [more…]

Arts & culture

Fall Art Exhibits

Erin Westfall Posted on November 10, 2015 1503 views

Do you love visiting art galleries? Interested in seeing what local artists in the Willamette Valley are creating? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the exciting art exhibits at WOU this fall. From posters dating from the 1930s to recent art by WOU professors, the campus has a diverse range of exhibits on display [more…]

Arts & culture

Preview: Book of Days

Kyle Kern Posted on November 10, 2015 1592 views

On November 12 at 7:30 p.m., Western Oregon University’s Theatre and Dance Department’s fall production Book of Days, written by Lanford Wilson and directed by David Janoviak, opens at Rice Auditorium. When murder roars through a small Missouri town, Ruth Hoch begins her own quest to find truth and honesty amid small town jealousies, religion, greed and [more…]

Arts & culture

Preview: Spanish Vocal Recital

Erin Westfall Posted on November 9, 2015 1570 views

On Tuesday, November 10, the WOU Music Department will open its Guest Artist Series with Spanish Song Treasures at Smith Recital Hall at 7:30 pm. The recital will feature vocals by mezzo-soprano Dr. Karen Esquivel, who will be accompanied on piano by Dr. Gustavo Castro. Both Dr. Esquivel and Dr. Castro are faculty members at [more…]