Author: johnsonmw

Photo: Cristian Mendez Garcia

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia has been selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 

Mendez Garcia’s journey began in the early 1990s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, settling in the Monmouth-Independence community. His educational path led him to Western, where he pursued his passion for art, graduating with a degree in graphic design and fine art photography. As the son of migrant workers, Mendez Garcia deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education in opening doors to a brighter future. Drawing from his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for others. With a wealth of experience in the business sector, Mendez Garcia served as a business operations manager for T-Mobile, honing his skills in strategic planning and project management. In addition, he played a pivotal role as the Chapter Chair for T-Mobile’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the Oregon region, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His dedication to Western extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Mendez Garcia has served on the WOU Foundation board and most recently held the position of Trustee member on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the university’s mission and impact.

“I am incredibly thrilled to continue my work with Western Oregon University and am proud of our emerging HSI status,” shares Mendez Garcia. “Higher education is transformative and I love being in a position where I can help WOU achieve its HSI designation to help our students and the institution succeed.”

“I am excited to have Cristian join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support our university efforts to become a Hispanic Serving Institution,” says Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas. “Cristian has a broad scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion experience combined with strategic planning, community engagement, and program development. He also has a clear passion for and investment in the Western Oregon University community. We will collaboratively vision our path forward as an emerging Hispanic institution, and work across stakeholder groups to better serve our students and community.” 

This Friday, April 26, Western is hosting its third annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit, where state and national partners join the university and greater community to share ideas and best practices and discuss why becoming an HSI is critically important to student success and the greater community. This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L. Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D., who will focus on the history, policy, and current context of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and discuss operationalizing servingness. There will also be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees.

Learn more about the summit.

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University received a five-year grant from the US Department of Education through the Office of English Language Acquisition’s program Project PROMISE, which provides professional development for teachers both in-service and pre-service, to support multicultural and multilingual student learners. 

“I’m hopeful in the ways this grant affords the capacity to build a network across Oregon that can be informed advocates, educators, and impact instruction for multilingual learners in schools,” shared Kristen Pratt, Ph.D., one of the principal investigators of the grant. “The idea of equipping the students who come through our program with the tools they need to be effective educators for multilingual learners students and families is really powerful.”

The first component is pre-service teacher support, which offers scholarships and mentoring to current undergraduate students majoring in education and receiving an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement at Western. The second component, in-service ESOL teacher support, targets current teachers working in dual-language early elementary school settings who do not possess an ESOL endorsement.  

Curriculum development is also a component, involving revising the current curriculum to be culturally sustaining, ensuring it reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the students. The home-school connections are also a part of this, which includes partnerships with the Salem-Keizer School District and Hillsboro School District. 

Mentorship also plays a large role. Current teachers who have completed the program are paired with pre-service students to offer guidance and support. They also participate in a leadership and mentoring graduate seminar, where they complete coursework and engage in relevant readings.

“The most exciting thing about this grant is the ability to impact different levels of educational decisions within two Oregon districts. We can have an impact not just on current and future teachers, but also on the students and their families. We can impact whole communities,” said Maria Dantas-Whitney, Ph.D., co-PI on the grant. 

Western acknowledges that this grant would not be possible without the work of the school district partners, Western faculty and staff in the College of Education, partnerships with evaluators, and the students and families who participate in the program so data and research can be gathered for this grant along the way.

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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.  Together we succeed.

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty, submitted a proposed five percent tuition increase, which was accepted by President Jesse Peters and presented to the Board of Trustees on April 17. The trustees approved the five percent increase to resident undergraduate tuition and a 4.86 percent increase to nonresident undergraduate tuition. Graduate tuition will increase by five percent, and is assessed at the same rate regardless of residency. Summer 2024 tuition rates are included at the same rates as the 2024-25 academic year.

“We firmly believe that higher education should be accessible to all, and affordability is a cornerstone of our mission,” shares Board of Trustee Chair Betty Komp. “While a slight increase was necessary, it enables us to continue delivering quality education and support to our students, ensuring their success and fulfillment throughout their academic journey.”

Western Oregon University remains among the most affordable public higher education institutions in Oregon, offering the second-lowest tuition rate in the state. Western is also a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the largest regional interstate tuition savings program, where students from participating states can attend Western and pay no more than 150 percent of the in-state resident tuition rate. 

“Students choose Western because it’s a special place. We take pride in offering students a tailored educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging, and delivering quality support services,” said President Jesse Peters. “We have worked hard to maintain affordability without compromising the exceptional quality of education and services that define Western. This slight tuition increase reflects our dedication to sustaining the excellence that makes us truly extraordinary.”

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s men’s and women’s+ rugby clubs have qualified for the Rugby 7s Collegiate National Championships. 

This is the first time both teams qualified in the same year, and the first time Western’s women’s+ team has made it to the Rugby 7s national championships. The national tournament will be held in Boyds, Maryland between  April 26 – 28. 

To assist with travel costs, both teams are holding the following fundraisers. 

In-person fundraisers: 

• Friday, April 12, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.,  stop by the Werner University  Center on Western’s campus to purchase a Western Rugby t-shirt, hoodie, sweat pants, or Rugby ball. All forms of payment are accepted. Due to construction, please check out our updated parking routes.

• Sunday, April 14, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., stop by Les Swab in Independence for a $15 car cleaning. All forms of payment are accepted.

Online fundraisers:

• 50 percent of popcorn proceeds go to the women’s+ rugby club.
• Donate to the women’s+ rugby club
• Donate to the men’s rugby club

Western is currently the only institution across all divisions to have both men’s and women’s+ teams qualify this year.

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Caiden Madzelan is a first-year majoring in exercise science and has competed on the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, three times at 19.

American Ninja Warrior is a competition show where elite athletes compete on the world’s most difficult obstacle courses. In the newest season, athletes compete in new, leveled-up stages, including a never-before-seen pole vault, the tallest-ever Mega Wall, and thrilling head-to-head races.

Madzelan was in fourth grade when he was inspired by his father’s CrossFit coach, who applied for the show. In middle school, they announced their inaugural season ANW Junior and he applied. He placed in the semi-finalists at the age of 13. The age limit for ANW was lowered from 21 to 15 during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he competed in his first adult season. 

“There are other ninja warrior leagues that are not affiliated with the show all around the country. I compete in these all the time,” shared Madzelan. “In my last completion, which was a month ago, I placed first. It fills my cup up to compete in these leagues when I’m not competing on the show.”

Madzelan competes in the World Ninja League during his off-season. His goal is to become a physical education teacher and eventually open his own ninja warrior gym for other athletes to train. Ninja warrior gyms have obstacle courses similar to the show, where athletes can train and practice.  

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host the third annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit on April 26, 2024. This year’s summit will focus on what it means to truly serve students.

Following the previous two years, this summit will continue to invite state and national partners along with university and greater community members to share ideas and best-practices.

“I’m so excited to see Western host our third annual HSI Summit. Participation has grown every year, and that reflects the commitment leaders on campus, and throughout the state, in serving Latiné students,”  shared President Jesse Peters. “This is a time for us to bring collective voices to the table and have good conversations with our partners. Together we work better; in community we are stronger.”

Western is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. A goal of hosting these summits is to bring together the campus, the community, and both regional and national partners to discuss what it means to become an HSI and why it is so critically important to the success of students and the greater community.

Dominique Vargas, Western’s executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is leading the summit planning team. “I’ve been working at Western for almost two years, and it is clear that we are committed to growth and development for our students and as a university. We are working to become a serving institution, and our best and strongest path toward servingness is to engage our entire community.” 

This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D. Valdez will focus on the history, policy, and current context of Hispanic Serving Institutions, while Vasquez will discuss operationalizing servingness. There will also be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees. Registration is open to everyone through April 12, 2024.

Register for the HSI Summit

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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.  Together we succeed.

Photo: Carlos Camacho teaching his masterclass to Western students

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s percussion ensemble hosted guest artist Carlos Camacho from the University of Panama for a week-long residency in March.

The percussion ensemble recently held its winter concert, performing several chamber and solo works by Panamanian and Latin composers such as Samuel Robles, Ricardo Risco, Rodolfo Acosta, and Luis de Pablo. 

Before the concert, Camacho held a masterclass on Panamanian music and the Panamanian Tambor. Students engaged through Panamanian instruments and learned about the history of Panamanian music. 

“I’m really glad to be at Western. Thank you to Dr. Joel Garza for the invitation. It’s been cool to see how the students juggle their classwork and performances,” shared Camacho. “It was exciting to attend their concert and I like just being a part of it all.”

Professor Joel Garza, Ph.D., is the director of Western’s percussion ensemble. The ensemble is designed to meet the needs of percussion and music education majors. The group performs one concert each term and aims to challenge students in many percussive styles in the pursuit of advanced study and performance of the percussion ensemble repertoire. 

To learn more about the percussion ensemble, contact Joel Garza garzaj@mail.wou.edu

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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.  Together we succeed.

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

Western introduced Waller to his two passions which are acting and sociology. Waller shares that he always knew he wanted to help people and while at Western,  learned there were a multitude of avenues he could take. Currently, he is a school social worker at McDaniel High School in Portland and a working actor. 

“One of the biggest things I learned at Western was to take chances. I did not believe that I could get into some of the things I’m into today. I was introduced to some staff at Western who really challenged me,” shared Waller. “They challenged me to have critical thinking and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without it. I recommend Western to everyone.” 

Waller’s story is a testament to Western’s commitment to supporting students in discovering and following their passions. His dedication to supporting youth through social work exemplifies the impactful contributions that Western alumni make to society, showcasing the values of compassion, leadership, and excellence instilled by their alma mater.

Watch Michael Waller’s success story

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted Polk County’s youth conference earlier this month for the second year in a row. The conference invited all rural Polk County high school juniors to Picture their Future. 

Polk County Family & Community Outreach Department (FCO) Prevention Program’s goal for this conference was to open the students’ minds on what opportunities are available to them after high school. This included hearing from industry professionals about their careers, including Western’s President Jesse Peters.

“It was great to have President Peters speak and for bringing energy to the conference early on. It was really exciting because, for many students, when they can hear from someone in Western’s administration, they feel so welcomed at the conference and on campus,” shared Annie Buse, prevention coordinator at FCO. “We love hosting this conference at Western because students have shared that this is their dream school and for others, until they are on Western’s campus, they don’t know it’s an option for them.”

Western hosts a variety of conferences throughout the year. This conference echoes Western’s commitment to supporting students in their career goals. 

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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.  Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Aquarium Science program received a grant from the Western Foundation Competitive Grants program to create a display aquarium in the lobby of the Natural Science building. 

The Aquarium Science program trains students in the science of aquatic animal husbandry. Graduates are trained to be an aquarist, which is someone who manages aquariums and takes care of marine and freshwater plants and animals. Coordinated with Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC), this program combines core biology, business, and general education classes. Students complete their final year of coursework at OCCC in Newport, Ore.

The 100-gallon aquarium is on loan from OCCC. It currently houses two Siamese algae eaters, which can live around 8-10 years and grow up to 17cm. They are found primarily in Southeast Africa. A rope fish is also in the tank, which can live around 15-20 years and grow up to 15 inches. Rope fish are found in West and Central Africa. The fish are currently being cared for by Brooke Belluomini, a current Aquarium Science major. 

Additionally, several dozen small bladder snails are moving around in the tank to help keep the tank clean. They live for about two years and are found in freshwater habitats worldwide. A common aquarium plant Elodea, often called waterweed, is planted in the tank.

Learn more about the Aquarium Science program

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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. Together we succeed.