Class of 2020 – Today at WOU

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Jose Raul Magana Mendoza

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 19, 2020 1666 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 1312 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 965 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 745 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 688 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 411 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 898 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 517 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 750 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 667 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 745 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 610 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 733 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…]

Alumni | Class of 2020

Alumni Award of Excellence: Micheal Morgan

Kristine Thomas Posted on June 7, 2020 572 views

Dr. Micheal Morgan ’70 has a simple explanation for why he goes above and beyond in everything he does. “It’s innate,” he said. “I was raised to work hard, do a good job, help others and do what’s right.” The recipient of the 2020 Alumni Award of Excellence, Morgan has been a staunch supporter of [more…]

Class of 2020 | Education

Grad Profile: Melissa Long

Cheyan Swan Posted on June 6, 2020 1030 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 874 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 1084 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 1010 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 797 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 661 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 934 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 923 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…]

Arts & culture | Class of 2020 | Science & technology

Grad Profile: Eva Batenhorst

Erin Worley Posted on May 26, 2020 984 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 985 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…]

Business & global affairs | Class of 2020

Grad Profile: Megan McAllister

Erin Worley Posted on May 22, 2020 1319 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 707 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 1405 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 2002 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 1424 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 1110 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…]