Pictured: Keynote speaker and student athlete, Tony Salinas.
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University hosted the 39th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The event drew approximately 300 attendees to the campus of Western Oregon University, as well as dozens more to the online auction held the week prior. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, bidders, and attendees, Wolves Athletics raised $ 224,775 across all aspects of the event.
“All proceeds from the event support scholarships and help enhance the overall experience for the over 400 student-athletes across Western’s 14 NCAA Division II sports and cheer,” said Randi Lydum, executive Director of Athletics at Western Oregon University. “A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Tony Salinas, our emcee for the evening, Hannah Rispler, and our auctioneer, Jim Taylor, all Western students and alumni.”
Keynote speaker Tony Salinas shared his inspiring personal journey and talked about the family atmosphere of Wolves Athletics. “As athletes, it is easy to get caught up in stats, percentages, and wins, but that is not the reason I will never forget my senior year. I will remember this final season because of what it represented: resilience, family, and the power of a second chance. I found all that and more at Western.”
The Wolves Athletic Auction was presented by Oregon State Credit Union, back for its 20th year as presenting sponsor. “We were delighted to be back for our 20th year as the sponsor of the auction,” said Jordan Carpenter, Monmouth Branch Manager. “Our commitment to supporting the communities we serve is so important to us, and we deeply value student success. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and empower our student-athletes.”
Additional auction sponsors include Vines, Tours, and Cruises; Ferguson Wellman; Arena Sports Bar and Grill; Rookies Sports Tap; Eola Hills Winery; Anne Allan Group; “C” Cable Realty; Miller Nash; Andersen Construction; Petals & Vines; Turner Construction; ServPro Team McGinnis; Salem Health; Partnerships in Community Living; the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce; Compass Visual; Xicha Brewing; and Parallel 45 Brewing.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.