Photo credit: Monmouth Has Pride

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, for the second consecutive year, is a partner sponsor for Monmouth Has Pride, hosted by the City of Monmouth. The sponsorship is part of a LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Grant, awarded to Western in partnership with Central School District. 

Monmouth Has Pride is a fun, family-friendly event celebrating the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and includes a parade, live music, activities, vendors, and free food (while supplies last). 

“We chose to include support for the Monmouth Has Pride event into our grant, as it supports our strategy to build safer affirming spaces. This event has seen incredible growth since its inception, and provides an amazing opportunity for community engagement in support and celebration of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community,” shared Dominique Vargas, executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Any opportunity we can have for the university, the school district, and the greater community to come together to create a more inclusive environment, we want to take it.”

Monmouth Has Pride is free and open to the public. This event takes place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm at Main Street Park in Monmouth, Ore.

Learn more about Monmouth Has Pride 

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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.

Pictured: Congresswoman Andrea Salinas.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its 2024 commencement on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. on the MacArthur Field. Over 1,237 students are eligible to walk across the stage and graduate, completing a significant milestone in their lives. Nearly 50 percent of Western students are first-generation, meaning they are the first in their families to graduate with a four-year degree.

A first-generation student herself, Western is proud to announce its commencement speaker, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. Salinas, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, is one of the first Latinas to represent Oregon in Congress. After putting herself through college, Salinas pursued public service as a congressional aide and policy advisor, as well as an advocate for labor unions, environmental groups, and reproductive rights organizations. In 2017, she was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives and served through the end of her term in 2022. In the Oregon House of Representatives, she served as House Majority Whip and was the Chair of the House Health Care Committee.

In Congress, Salinas is proud to serve on the House Agriculture and House Science, Space, and Technology Committees, where she crafts policies that will help level the playing field for Oregon farmers and rural communities and create more good-paying, union jobs. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, she has prioritized making mental health care and addiction treatment more accessible and affordable.

“We are honored to welcome Congresswoman Salinas as the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony,” remarked President Jesse Peters. “As both a first-generation American and a first-generation college student herself, she understands the transformative power of education. Her remarks will undoubtedly inspire our graduates, highlighting the possibilities that lie ahead for them. Western Oregon University is the only four-year public university serving her district. We value her advocacy for higher education and the support she has extended to our university.”

“As a first-generation college student myself, I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Rep. Salinas. “Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community—the very same values that Western instills in each and every one of its students. I know these graduates have the skills they need to succeed, and I look forward to congratulating the Class of 2024 as they take the next big step into the future.”

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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: Natural Science Club students at Death Valley National Park

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Natural Science Club recently visited Death Valley National Park with Bryan Dutton, Ph.D., and Michael LeMaster, Ph.D., both biology professors who hosted the experience.

Students hiked and explored areas such as Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Ubehebe Crater, and Dantes View and learned about various plant life and native reptiles. 

“This experience helped me feel more welcome at Western because I got to go with a bunch of people in the same biology class as me,” shared Brittany Robles, a current biology student. 

Western students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and clubs to experience unique excursions and learn more about their areas of interest. These opportunities allow students to learn outside the classroom and build peer relationships.

Watch a short video of the Natural Science Club’s trip to Death Valley National Park 

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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. – Western Oregon University was awarded funds by the Oregon State Legislature to enhance the state’s capacity to address behavioral and mental health workforce needs along with Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, and Southern Oregon University.

With a rising number of individuals seeking support for various mental health concerns in the state, the existing healthcare infrastructure struggles to meet the growing demand. This shortage leaves many communities underserved and exacerbates the strain on existing resources, resulting in prolonged wait times for crucial mental health services. Addressing this crisis requires concerted efforts to attract, train, and retain mental health professionals while also expanding access to mental healthcare services in underserved areas. 

To address this growing issue, the regional institutions received a combined total of $4 million from the Oregon State Legislature during the most recent legislative session to build additional pathways for individuals to become mental and behavioral health professionals. Western Oregon University was awarded $666,000 of the $4 million to address Oregon’s behavioral and mental health workforce needs by:

• Awarding stipends and/or fellowships to students seeking mental health degrees and working with community organizations.
• Providing scholarships to reduce or eliminate debt for students pursuing mental health degrees.
• Partnering with community organizations on pathways for behavioral and mental health student interns to work with rural, veteran, or houseless individuals, students, or persons from underserved communities. 
• Developing and delivering micro-credentials, alcohol, and drug counseling certificates, and/or additional innovative academic pathways that materially increase the number of working professionals with mental health training.
• Any other method determined by these institutions to be necessary to enhance the state’s capacity to educate behavioral and mental health practitioners in the manner described above. 

“Oregon is facing a behavioral health crisis that requires investment by the state to develop a robust workforce,” said Provost Jose Coll. “This initial funding initiative is a start to what we hope will be a commitment by Oregon to support those institutions that are training the counselors of the future. We look forward to the next steps which will increase enrollment and support students seeking a behavioral health degree.” 

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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

Pictured: Earth and Environmental Science students in action on a spring volcanology field trip with Dr. Templeton.

MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Earth and Environmental Science program recently secured a three-year GEOPAths (Pathways into the Geosciences – Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric Sciences) grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education (RISE) for approximately $420,000. 

This funding aims to bolster undergraduate engagement in the field through a multifaceted approach encompassing course-based training, service learning, and skill development. Spearheaded by Co-Principal Investigators Geology Professors Steve Taylor and Jeff Templeton, the project centers on the vital theme of water in the environment.

At its core, the initiative seeks to establish a robust Geo-STEM learning ecosystem, forging partnerships with governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and regional employers. Together, they aim to foster earth science literacy, tackle local environmental challenges, and inspire diverse student populations to pursue careers in geosciences.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the project places a strong emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups such as minorities, females, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students. By providing tailored support, including scholarships, the project aims to cultivate learning cohorts, work-based experiences, and mentorship opportunities that empower students and enhance their sense of belonging in the field.

“The GEOPAths NSF award to the Earth and Environmental Science program will provide invaluable resources to support student success in the STEM disciplines at WOU,” said Steve Taylor, Ph.D., professor of geology and chair of the Division of National Sciences and Mathematics.  The majority of grant funds are dedicated to direct student support in the form of scholarships and facilitation of work-based experiences, leading to lifelong careers as geoscience professionals.  We are excited about this opportunity and are really looking forward to getting this project off the ground in the coming months.”  

Ultimately, the initiative not only seeks to diversify the geoscience workforce but address pressing societal issues, particularly in water management. Through innovative approaches to recruitment and retention, it aspires to contribute valuable insights to the broader field of geoscience education while equipping students with the skills and confidence to become future leaders in the profession.

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About Western’s Earth and Environmental Science Program: The Earth and Environmental Science program at Western Oregon University provides a liberal arts education in geoscience with an emphasis on scientific methods, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary science education. A key objective of the program is to prepare undergraduates for careers as professional geoscientists and educators. The program also promotes the development of an informed citizenry for wise decision-making on issues related to natural resources, environmental quality, and sustainability in Oregon and beyond. Together we succeed.

Written by David Beasley, Ph. D.

MONMOUTH, Ore. Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the 38th Annual Wolves Athletics Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union will be held on Saturday, June 1. 

The Wolves Athletic Auction is the premiere fundraiser for Wolves Athletics, helping to support the over 440 student-athletes across 14 men’s and women’s NCAA Division II teams and cheer. “The Wolves Athletic Auction is important because it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Wolves Athletics,” says Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum. “It has become a tradition at the university and in the community, and it brings alumni and friends of Wolves Athletics together to support all of our student-athletes.”

Western senior Women’s Soccer standout Hannah Rispler will once again serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening, and alumna and former Volleyball and Track & Field standout Samantha Moore is the evening’s featured speaker. 

All proceeds from the evening go towards student-athlete scholarships, Wolves team equipment, and team programs. “The impact of the auction is immeasurable and makes a big difference in the lives of all WOU student-athletes,” says senior Women’s Soccer star Hannah Rispler. “The auction not only provides scholarships for student-athletes that make our education possible but proceeds also support other team needs that benefit all student-athletes.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on dozens of high-quality items and experiences at the live and silent auctions. Additional elements of the event include a catered dinner with beer from Parallel 45 and wine from Eola Hills Winery, a curated wine wall, and a raffle.

The auction is presented by Oregon State Credit Union and is sponsored by Petals & Vines; Compass Visual; Eola Hills Winery; Parallel 45 Brewing; Rookies Sports Tap; Arena Sports Bar & Grill; Cornerstone Valley; Vines, Tours, and Cruises; Ferguson Wellman; Miller Nash; Walnut Family Dental, and Tim’s Automotive.

Tickets are still available for the event and can be purchased. Event doors open at 5:00 p.m. at the New PE Building on the campus of Western Oregon University. 

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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 alum Justin Martin ‘96, a business owner and lobbyist. Martin received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from Western, which helped him achieve career success.

While at Western, Martin took advantage of internships, leading him to pursue a career in government. These opportunities confirmed that majoring in public policy and administration was the right step for him. Whether it was state, local, or tribal government, he knew he had found his calling.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to lobby for my tribe, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, for the last 28 years,” shared Martin. “My grandfather is a big part of it. He was on the tribal council early in my career. I also own a vintage guitar store and even though that’s music-related and not government-related, I’ve still been able to use what I learned at Western to help me on the business side of it.” 

Martin is currently the owner of Perseverance Strategies, a small government relations firm, and the owner of Guitar Castle, a vintage guitar store located in Salem.

When Martin graduated from Western, he left prepared for his career because of the experience he received during his internships. Martin was a non-traditional student who attended college after being in the workforce and credits Western’s guidance for helping him focus on what he was passionate about. The flexible curriculum allowed him the opportunity to be successful in his current career path.

Learn more about Justin Martin’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.

Written by Maureen Brakke

Pictured left to right: student panelist Moises Leal Zepeda, Brenda Rocio Martinez, America Joselyne Salazar Nava, Andy Rincon, and moderator Ricardo Lujan Valerio at the 2024 HSI Summit

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its latest Hispanic student enrollment figures. As of fall 2023, 25.2 percent of Western’s full-time equivalent undergraduate students and 24.1 percent of all Western students (both graduate and undergraduate) identify as Latino/a/e. Western is the first four-year public Oregon institution to achieve these numbers, bringing it closer to becoming eligible to obtain an official Hispanic Serving Institution designation.

Achieving official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution requires Western to maintain a minimum enrollment of 25 percent full-time equivalent undergraduate students for three consecutive academic years and maintain the same percentage at the end of the award year immediately preceding the application date to become an official HSI. There are additional criteria that higher education institutions must meet in order to become an HSI, some of which Western has met and some of which are ongoing. Attaining official HSI status will provide Western opportunities to apply for Title V federal grants to expand and enhance academic offerings, program quality, and student services.

“As we look towards becoming an official Hispanic-Serving Institution, we recognize the significance of our role in empowering Latiné students and fostering their academic success,” said President Jesse Peters. “Our commitment to serve all of our students extends beyond the classroom, as we strive to create an inclusive environment that values their unique perspectives, stories, and cultures. Together, we provide a personalized learning community where individuals experience a deep sense of belonging and empowerment.”

Over the last few years, Western’s Latiné student enrollment has been steadily increasing. President Peters shares his excitement about the growing Latiné student enrollment but also understands the continued work ahead. “Western is committed to not only sustaining current Latiné enrollment numbers but also enhancing student engagement, support, and enrollment. This will be achieved through increased participation in community events, additional bilingual campus liaisons, enhanced bilingual resources, expanding the Latiné alumni network, and restructuring key campus areas to facilitate smoother communication and reduce barriers. This is a journey we are all on together.”

Western is also a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Faculty and staff members from Western have participated in HACU fellowship programs that aim to foster the development of Hispanic leadership on a variety of levels. On April 26, Western hosted the third annual Hispanic Institution Summit with nearly 300 participants which included state and national partners, universities, and greater community members sharing ideas and best practices throughout the day in plenaries and workshops. Western also recently added the 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 was selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of fall 2021, there were 600 Hispanic Serving Institutions in 28 states, including the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and 421 emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions as of the latest HACU and Excelencia data released this April.

Sources:

https://www.hacu.net/hacu/HSIs.asp

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: 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.