MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Foundation announces three new board members: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Jordan Carpenter, and Miranda Garrison ‘09.

Brenda Rocio Martinez is a first-generation student from Woodburn and currently serves as the Associated Students of Western Oregon University president. She is majoring in public policy and administration and minoring in communications and business. 

Jordan Carpenter currently serves as the Branch Manager at the Oregon State Credit Union in Monmouth. Carpenter has worked in banking for the last 10 years, starting as a teller, working his way up to Assistant Manager, and then Branch Manager in 2021. 

Miranda Garrison ‘09 started at Arena Sports Bar in Independence as Bar Manager in 2003, and after a lot of hard work, dedication, and partnership, she and her business partner purchased the bar in 2014. Garrison is also the co-owner of Rookies Sports Bar in Monmouth. 

Cori Frauendiener ‘67 was recognized as emeritus trustee, after serving on the WOU Foundation board for the last 18 years. She served two terms as Chair and two terms as Secretary. Frauendiener retired from her role as Director of Education Partnerships at Maps Credit Union in 2019, and through her work and community service was honored as the Oregon Business Person of the Year in 2005.

“We are excited to recognize Cori as trustee emeritus for her decades of unwavering service to Western,” shares Katie Wojke, vice president of Advancement and executive director of the WOU Foundation. “Jordan and Miranda have been volunteering with and supporting Western for a number of years, and we are grateful for their knowledgeable leadership as they join the WOU Foundation board and give back to Western in another capacity. As ASWOU president, Brenda will provide an important student voice to the work of the WOU Foundation and Advancement office.”

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Image of Brenda Rocio Martinez

Image of Jordan Carpenter

Image of Miranda Garrison

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.

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Ronnie Taylor recently released a music album, That One Black Kid, under the name Dr. PDX.The album is autobiographical and includes music chronicling his decision to become a licensed Occupational Therapist–and how he came to teach the subject to others.

Taylor has been a musician since his teens and this album shares his remarkable journey from high school expulsion to college professor. During his junior year of high school, Taylor was kicked out of school and could not graduate. He eventually became an EMT and subsequently became a paramedic working in Massachusetts and Washington D.C. Later he went back to school at a community college before transferring to George Washington University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was then admitted to the Occupational Therapy doctorate program at Pacific University, graduating in 2019. Taylor specializes in hand therapy as an Occupational Therapist and last year, he joined the faculty at Western Oregon University as an assistant professor. He will teach the inaugural cohort of the Occupational Therapy doctorate program this fall.

Taylor says that during the pandemic, he found himself helping his kids with their school work at home during the day, and after failing to teach his daughter long division, he pivoted to teach them how to write songs and create music. After watching the movie Hamilton, his daughter Zadie asked if he could write the best hip-hop album of all time. Taylor replied, “I don’t know if I can do that, but I can write the best album I’ve ever written.” Taylor has published two prior albums Lazarus and Life, Love, Epic under the stage name Laz, and he says that his latest release is his best album to date.

Taylor shares that he wants to leave a legacy of his lived experience for his children and grandchildren, as a record of how his life played out from his perspective through this album. 

“I’m excited to begin teaching students this fall as well as sharing my own story through my new album,” says Taylor. “I want to show students–and others that even if they have a challenging start to life it is possible to reach your dreams and make a good life for yourself and your family.”

Taylor has also made many guest appearances, and performances, and is available as a guest speaker. Find him on X @taylor_ronald.

Learn more about Western’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate 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. Where You Belong.

Pictured from left to right: Pamala Warren-Chase, SMCF Administrative Assistant, Camille Mercier, SMCF Board of Trustees, Katie Wojke, Vice President of Advancement, Western Oregon University, Victoria Ernst, SMCF Board of Trustees, Brenda Tuomi, SCMF Board Chair & CTGR Tribal Council Member, Angela Schlappie, SMCF Program Coordinator

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s Center for Equity and Gender Justice–called Abby’s House–received a $50,000 grant from Spirit Mountain Community Fund to help support individuals experiencing food insecurity, survivors of domestic abuse, and sexual assault.

As the only resource center of its kind in Monmouth, Abby’s House services are paramount to making a positive impact on the lives of those who experience food insecurity and domestic violence. Director of Abby’s House Kristen Perry shares, “Since September 2022, Abby’s House has provided 51,321 pounds of food and 5,780 clothing items and demand for their services has grown exponentially. This grant will ensure that individuals requiring basic needs and survivorship resources continue to receive robust wraparound support and care.” 

“The strength of our local partnerships is something we take pride in,” said Spirit Mountain Community Fund Executive Director Angie Sears. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Western Oregon University Foundation and Abby’s House to provide support for wraparound services available to the WOU campus & local community populations in the form of basic needs, survivor support, and prevention & education.”  

The mission of Abby’s House is to provide the campus and greater community with educational opportunities, resources, and referral services designed to promote equity and non-violence. Basic needs support for the Western campus and the broader Monmouth-area community is also a primary focus of Abby’s House, which houses the Stitch Closet and Monmouth’s only food pantry. Abby’s House embraces a feminist model that empowers all people to actively stand against all forms of violence and oppression while providing safety, support, and space for healing to individuals who experience disruptions to their well-being.

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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.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University highlights the accomplishments of alum Jenifer Pardy ‘22, a brigadier general in the Oregon National Guard. Pardy received her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Western.

During her time in the military, she has received specific education in military professional education and development. A master’s degree in organizational leadership was the ideal complementary education to her career. 

Pardy is currently the director of the joint staff for the Oregon National Guard. Working in a large organization and getting her graduate degree was the perfect fit to give her the tools and knowledge needed to help move the organization forward.

“In this role, I have the opportunity to represent our organization in the community and to other state partners. We have a state program where we’re partnered with both Bangladesh and Vietnam and we do military-to-military training engagements.” shared Pardy. 

Pardy emphasizes the importance of time management. Pardy worked full-time throughout graduate school and believes that as a leader, it’s important to be a continuous learner. She adds that she’s always leaned into new opportunities, another reason she has been successful in her career. 

Learn more about Jenifer Pardy’s 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. Where YOU belong.

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University officially joined the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) this month after a rigorous application process. COPLAC advances the aims of its member institutions and drives awareness of the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment. Western is the only public university in Oregon to hold membership currently. 

Established in 1987 and now consisting of 30+ colleges and universities in 28 states and 1 Canadian province, COPLAC represents a distinguished sector in higher education. Some campuses have received designation from state legislatures or public university systems as the state’s public liberal arts college or the public honors college for the liberal arts. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Western Oregon University to COPLAC. It was clear from our site visit interactions with members of the WOU campus community, the materials submitted as part of the application process, as well as your leaders’ engagement with members of the consortium, that WOU’s institutional values and commitment to a 21st-century liberal arts education perfectly align with COPLAC’s,” said COPLAC President Tuajuanda C. Jordan. “We look forward to working in partnership with WOU to enhance the accessible liberal arts educational experience consortial members provide to students across the U.S.”

Executive Director of COPLAC Cole Woodcox agrees with Jordan’s assessment of Western’s commitment to its role as a welcoming, supportive undergraduate-serving institution. Woodcox shares, “We believe WOU will contribute substantially to the COPLAC community and will particularly strengthen the network of public liberal arts institutions in the Western region. We look forward to working with WOU–together we can be better universities with one another.”

“Becoming a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges underscores our commitment to academic excellence and innovation,” said Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters. “This affiliation offers opportunities for collaboration, access to shared resources, and the exchange of best practices. It enhances our ability to prepare students for successful careers and engaged citizenship, reaffirming our dedication to excellence in liberal arts education.”

Prospective membership criteria include university commitment to the mission and values of COPLAC and to collaborative work that supports the public sector of higher education, representing access, affordability, and community engagement while providing students with a holistic and integrative liberal arts and sciences undergraduate experience that prepares students for lifelong learning and civic engagement in a democratic society. See the complete list of criteria.

About COPLAC

COPLAC serves both external and internal constituencies. It communicates to state and federal policymakers the vital importance and benefits of providing students with comprehensive public higher education in the liberal arts and sciences. It collaborates with major national higher education organizations like the Association of American Colleges and Universities to advance the aims of liberal learning in a global society. The COPLAC office is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina Asheville. The staff works actively with member institutions to improve the quality of liberal arts and sciences education on member campuses.

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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.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University celebrates the winners of the 9th annual Peter Sears Poetry Prize for undergraduate students. 

“It’s become a great literary tradition at Western,” says Henry Hughes Ph.D., who administers the prize.  “It launches young writers, some of whom have gone on to publish their poems in professional magazines and receive national recognition.”

First prize was awarded to  Sophie Borgstahl, a junior in Honors English,  for “Tens Days After Treatment,” second prize to a graduating senior in English, Julian Zeigler, for “4 AM,” and third prize to Lucas Montpart, a junior in Fine Arts,  for “Celebrating My 21st Birthday with My Dead Brothers.” 

The winners read their work at the Academic Excellence Showcase on May 30. The competition received over 50 poems with 10 selected for review by the final judge, Ingrid Wendt, a distinguished poet and educator. 

Professor Wendt said Borgstahl’s winning poem, “with its quiet, understated, deft narrative and perfectly realized tenderness . . . took my breath away.”

This prize honors the memory of Oregon Poet Laureate and friend to Western, Peter Sears (1937-2017). 

Learn more about the Peters Sears Poetry Prize 

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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.

Pictured: Isabella Morrill and Abigail Fisher at the Wolf Awards. Emily Sielen and Ana Clark not pictured.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the student recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Undergraduate Awards. The students will be recognized at the commencement ceremony on June 15, with the opportunity to give a short speech. 

Below are the 2024 Outstanding Graduating Undergraduate Award Recipients: 

Isabella Morrill, from Warrenton, Ore., completed her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Music Composition one term early in Winter 2024. As a distinguished musician and composer, she’s received honors such as winning the 2022 National Band Association’s Merrill/Jones Young Band Composition Contest, where she made history as the first undergraduate composer to win this prestigious award.

Abigail Fisher from Tigard, Ore., is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Interpreting Studies Theory with a concentration in American Sign Language.

Emily Sielen, who resides in Bellingham, Wash., is graduating with a Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies. With 15 years of experience as a professional Spanish-English healthcare interpreter, Sielen recognized the need for improvement in how interpreters are trained and supported within the field. Western’s graduate program in interpreting studies, which emphasizes reflective practice through observation, application, analysis, and supervision, was exactly what she was seeking.

Ana Clark, from Clavillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico is the 2024 OHSU Golden Lamp Award recipient. She chose to attend the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing because of  its mission and vision, appreciating the commitment to inclusion and the creation of opportunities for underrepresented populations.

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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.

Photo: Hannah Rispler (left) and Randi Lydum (right)

Photography: Eddie Bruning

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 38th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The event drew nearly 300 attendees to the campus of Western Oregon University, and dozens more to the online auction held the week prior. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, bidders, and attendees, Wolves Athletics raised $156,106 across all aspects of the event.

All proceeds from the event support student-athlete scholarships, team equipment, and team travel for Western’s over 440 student-athletes across 14 NCAA Division II sports and cheer. “We are so thankful for the continued support of our donors and pleased to add more people to our pack”, said Randi Lydum, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Samantha Moore, and our emcee for the evening, Hannah Rispler, both WOU athletics alums.” Keynote speaker Samantha “Sam” Moore thanked guests and donors “for continuing to believe in and commit to the transformative power of athletic opportunity at Western Oregon University.” 

The Wolves Athletic Auction was presented by Oregon State Credit Union, back for its 19th year as presenting sponsor. “19 years down and our long-standing relationship still finds ways to grow stronger,” said Jordan Carpenter, branch manager. “We are so proud of this partnership with the university and feel honored to be able to assist these student-athletes as they further their education. We look forward to another 19 years serving WOU and the Monmouth-Independence community.”

Additional auction sponsors include Ferguson Wellman, Arena Sports Bar and Grill, Rookies Sports Tap, Eola Hills, Cornerstone Valley, Miller Nash, Andersen Construction, Petals & Vines, Turner Construction, the Corvallis Clinic, Compass Visual, Parallel 45 Brewing, Walnut Family Dental, Tim’s Automotive, and Vines, Tours, and Cruises. 

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About Western Oregon University Foundation

The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs. As of 2021, the WOU Foundation has approximately $25 million in assets and a permanent endowment of $16 million.

Pictured: Jasper Beck (left) and Henry Hughes Ph.D. (right)

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Jasper Beck, an English major, recently won the prestigious College Undergraduate Poetry Competition sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.

“We all knew Jasper was a terrific poet, but winning a major national prize provided serious confirmation of his talent.” shared Henry Hughes, Ph.D., Beck’s English professor.

The contest requires students to submit a manuscript of ten poems, and Beck’s collection, titled “Creator & Destroyer,” was selected as the winner from among 31 submissions from 24 schools in 15 states. NFSPS will publish the collection as a chapbook to be launched at their June convention in Roswell, Georgia. The collection is now available for purchase on Amazon. 

“I’ve always viewed poetry as a personal passion, but this award inspires me toward a professional career as a writer.” shared Beck.

Beck will receive a $500 cash prize, free copies of the chapbook, free registration, and a stipend to attend the June conference to read from his collection. 

In the official April 2024 NFSPS newsletter, Lana Austin, one of the judges, stated, “From the first poem, I fell in love with Creator & Destroyer because I could see, smell, taste, touch, and hear the worlds these poems inhabit that are dripping with luscious verisimilitude. Deft technical precision is evident, yet organically incorporated when considering the chapbook’s sonic splendor.'” 

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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.

Max Smoot-Brown, one of the ten WOU students to star in Episode 11.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is featured in season 11 of The College Tour, a groundbreaking series from Emmy-nominated producers Alex Boylan, Lisa Hennessy, and Burton Roberts, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

Hosted by The Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan, The College Tour travels the country telling the story of each college and university through the diverse lens of its students, giving the viewer an intimate portrayal of life on campus. Inspiring and motivating, the show serves as a vehicle to help students across the world connect with higher education, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future without having to travel anywhere!

“I am excited that we now have the opportunity to share our unique story with a nationwide audience through this exceptional episode,” expressed President Jesse Peters. “Western holds a special significance, particularly for first-generation and historically underserved students, and for all those seeking a personalized and empowering education.”

Shining a spotlight on the diverse landscape of today’s colleges, The College Tour offers viewers a comprehensive look at campuses across the country, highlighting the many resources and opportunities that are helping students thrive. The College Tour shows how these institutions are setting students up for success.

“Western Oregon University offers students an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to share that on The College Tour,” said Alex Boylan. “For students, choosing which college to attend is a monumental decision, and this episode gives prospective students a first-hand look at what makes this school so special.”

Watch The College Tour episode and individual student video segments on Western’s website.

About: 

The College Tour is a groundbreaking TV series that takes the viewer on an intimate journey through campuses across the country, telling each school’s story through the diverse lens of its students. Hosted by The Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan, The College Tour brings equity to college readiness by providing a platform to access comprehensive and meaningful information regarding higher education anytime and anywhere, free of charge. The College Tour is available on Amazon Prime Video and at www.thecollegetour.com.

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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.