Starting from back left: Max Smoot-Brown, Layla William, Nancy Montecinos, Wolfie, President Peters, David Echevarria, Hunter Hall, Brenda Rocio Martinez, and Aneli Godinez-Martinez at The College Tour VIP launch event.

Written by Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is featured on The College Tour, an award-winning TV series from Amazon Prime. 

The series focuses on different colleges or universities in the United States in each episode and includes stories of multiple college students’ experiences. Host and Executive Producer of the series is Alex Boylan, who won the CBS series The Amazing Race and spent the last 20 years as an award-winning onscreen personality and producer.  

Filming for Western’s episode took place last September and students were encouraged to audition for the episode. Ten were selected to be featured in the episode, each with unique backgrounds and stories. The episode is compiled into one 30-minute video and is also divided into ten segments, one per student. Each student collaborated on their segment’s script. 

“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 underrepresented students and those seeking a personalized education that equips them for success in life.”

The featured students are Brenda Rocio Martinez, from Woodburn, Justin Conklin, from The Dalles, Hunter Hall, from Portland, Nancy Montecinos, from Sisters, Hannah Rispler, from Gresham, Max Smoot-Brown, from Camas Valley, Keisha Taylor, from Aberdeen, Washington, Aneli Godinez-Martinez, from Hillsboro, Layla William, from Beaverton, and David Echevarria, from Caldwell, Idaho.

Meet the featured students which is now available on Western’s The College Tour website, and will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime on May 28, 2024, in season 11.

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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.

Starting from left to right: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Ricardo Pelegrin, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D., Makeena Helseth, Tyler Plath, Sophie Davenport.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Model United Nations (MUN) club hosted its annual International Awareness Dinner last Tuesday.  The event featured keynote speaker Ricardo Pelegrin, Ph.D., professor of History, who recounted his experience emigrating from Cuba to the United States.

The International Awareness Dinner promotes cultural understanding and global awareness among students and the community. Pelegrin shared personal challenges and triumphs, shedding light on embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in today’s global society.

“The MUN club at Western is dedicated to promoting diplomacy, negotiation, and international cooperation. Through our various events and activities, we strive to educate and empower students to become global citizens and future leaders.” shared MUN President Makenna Helseth.

To learn more about Western’s Model United Nations club 

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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 announces its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on March 5, 2024. Giving Day is a crowdfunding day that allows everyone to financially contribute to the projects they want to focus on.

Since its inception in 2016, the annual Giving Day at Western has raised nearly $1.4M in donations. Funds raised on Giving Day have been used to endow scholarships, support athletics, provide needed resources to student clubs and organizations, and much more. 

This year, members of the Western community will have the opportunity to support over 40 department projects, scholarships, athletic programs, and campus organizations on Giving Day. Each gift, no matter the amount, collectively makes an immediate and tremendous impact on the lives and education of students. 

“One of the great things about Giving Day is that it allows alumni, friends, and supporters of the university to learn about all the amazing resources and organizations on our campus and select which ones they want to support,” shares Dave Beasley, Ph.D., director of annual giving. “Each gift, regardless of its size, is important and is greatly appreciated by the students it helps. I love Giving Day because it’s a chance for us all to help fund the present and future we want for Western!” 

Gifts can be made online on March 5 at givingday.wou.edu, by calling the Foundation at 503-838-8814, or by dropping off your gift in The Cottage on Western’s campus.

For the first time on Giving Day, Western is adding a service component for students. Students will be volunteering their time at community service projects both on and off campus on Tuesday, March 5. More information will be forthcoming.

Join Western Oregon University on March 5, 2024, and be a part of Howl from the Heart. Make a difference and ensure that every student at Western has what they need to succeed.

Learn more about Giving Day and how to contribute.

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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 2023, the WOU Foundation has approximately $26 million in assets and a permanent endowment of $22 million.

Photo credit: @woucampusrecreation

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will be hosting its annual Health & Exercise Science Career Day on February 8. This event invites current and prospective students to explore the exciting opportunities in public health and exercise science.

Students will also learn how these careers can provide opportunities to make a difference in the community. 

Recruiters will be attending the event, representing a wide range of healthcare professions, including County Public Health departments, occupational therapy, physical health professionals, health educators, and local school districts. 

Program schedule:

Location: Werner University Center, Western Oregon University 

Check-in: 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Program sessions: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch: 12:30 – 1 p.m.

Admissions: 1 – 1:30 p.m.

Meet with recruiters: 1:30 – 2 p.m.

Tour the lab and meet with faculty: 2 – 3 p.m.

This is an incredible opportunity for current and prospective students to explore career opportunities in the public health and exercise science fields. 

To register for the Health & Exercise Science Career Day 

To learn more about Western’s Public Health and Exercise Science department

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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 Cybercrime Investigations and Enforcement (CIE) is an innovative and hands-on program, that addresses the critical skills gap in cybercrime investigations for businesses and especially public service agencies in Oregon.

The CIE program prepares students to step into investigative roles and combat cybercrime effectively. Crimes such as identity theft, ransomware, financial fraud, online scams, child pornography, data theft, stalking, espionage, and violent offenses can have severe consequences for critical public services and vulnerable populations. 

George Chamberlin, CIE instructor, is also a former FBI cybercrime supervisor. He shares that as cybercrime caseloads continue to rise, law enforcement agencies are facing growing challenges in hiring and training first responders and investigators to manage complex investigations involving cybercrime and digital technology. Chamberlain adds that the CIE program helps prepare students to step into those critical investigative roles.

Emilee Gillaspie, the first graduate of the program, recently completed a cybersecurity boot camp and is also preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam. “It was a wonderful experience to meet so many instructors who have a clear passion for the subjects they teach. They work hard to get you to where you want to be,” shared Gillespie. “I hope students immerse themselves in the program and enjoy the ride.”

Western is committed to equipping students with practical skills and knowledge, aiming to create positive impacts on communities across Oregon and the United States.

For more information about the CIE Minor 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.

Image of Geological Society of America conference poster presentations

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Earth and Environmental Science (EES) Alumni Society presented at the recent Geological Society of America conference, highlighting the program’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in geoscience.

Professors of EES Steve Taylor Ph.D. and  Jeffrey Templeton Ph.D., were the main presenters on behalf of Western. The presentation also included society members sharing their experiences and career pathways as graduates and current professionals in the field.

“I’m so proud to have showcased the achievements of our Earth and Environmental Science program at this conference,” shared Taylor. “This event provided a platform for us to share our innovative approaches to mentoring and career development, and to inspire other institutions to invest in the success of their geoscience students.”

The EES program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive undergraduate education that emphasizes scientific methods, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary science. By embedding workforce skill competencies throughout the curriculum, the program ensures that graduates can apply their knowledge to solve geoscience problems throughout their careers.

This program continues to foster professional connections and career opportunities for undergraduate students, empowering them to continuously impact the field of Earth and Environmental Science.

Learn more about Earth and Environmental Science 

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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: Students hanging out in the Veterans Resource Center

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently was selected as one of 14 institutions to receive funding from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs through the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant, which aims to enhance existing campus resources by funding innovative and impactful projects or programs that improve the lives of student veterans and support their success. All 14 institutions that applied were awarded a portion of the available grant funds, ranging up to $100,000.

The grant will expand Western’s Veterans Resource Center, which is vital to the academic success of student veterans. 

“With the support of this grant, we can continue to provide our students tools and experiences that help them pursue their academic goals and thrive in their post-military journey,” shared Logan Doefler, director of the Veterans Resource Center. “We honor their service and will continue to ensure access to education that becomes a beacon of hope and opportunity for their path to new horizons.”

The grant-funded project will support programs including the development of veterans-specific campus orientation and welcome programs, the establishment of peer mentor programs, the purchase of technology and electronic equipment for student use, and the acquisition of tutorial software to enhance college-level writing and math skills.

It will also support travel to conferences for student veteran professional development and employment networking opportunities, programs addressing food insecurity and mental health struggles, veterans’ events and career fairs, and marketing efforts to reach historically underrepresented and underserved veterans. 

Western is committed to the success of student veterans. The funding will continue to enable the steps to enhance the Veterans Resource Center and the mission of empowering student veterans in their pursuit of higher education. 

Learn more about the Veterans Resource Center 

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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.

AARP and the IRS sponsor Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

– People who generally make $60,000 or less

– Persons with disabilities; and

– Limited English-speaking taxpayers

The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Tax assistance will be available this year, beginning in February. There will be three sites in Polk County.

The Dallas site will again be at the Dallas Public Library, located at 950 Main St., on Mondays and Wednesdays. For additional information and to make an appointment call (971) 289-5492. Appointments are now being accepted for February. The forms that need to be filled out prior to your appointment will be available at the library and at the Dallas Senior Center, located at 817 SW Church St.

The AARP Tax-Aide Monmouth site will be at Ash Creek Annex, 1483 16th St N. The phone number for appointments is (971) 915-0316. Appointments are now being accepted beginning Feb. 2nd. The Ash Creek Annex site will be open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The forms that need to be filled out prior to your appointment will be available later this month at the Independence Library and the Monmouth Library. Please check our Facebook page for additional helpful information at www.facebook.com/100089453573801.

A new VITA site will also operate for the first time at Western Oregon University during this coming tax season. This site, located on the WOU Campus in West House at the corner of Monmouth Avenue North and Jackson Street West will open later in February. The phone number and website link for appointments will be available soon. Please leave a message with the Monmouth Tax-Aide site at (971) 915-0316 and ask to be added to the WOU Notification List to receive a follow-up call when appointments may be scheduled.

This article originated in the Polk IO

Image of Western students participating in day of service for MLK Jr. Day

MONMOUTH, Ore. – In honor of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Western Oregon University is excited to share the opportunities happening this month to commemorate his life and service. 

“As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor a visionary whose courage and advocacy continue to inspire us. This is a day to reflect on Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, and unity. As a university, we are dedicated to enhancing and upholding these values,” shared President Peters. “There is power in diversity, and seeking equity, inclusion, and accessibility moves us all towards creating a better society and a better community.”

Western is joining the City of Monmouth in a day of service helping the community through engagement and civic work. Volunteers are invited to participate in an impactful day of service initiatives, focusing on yard work and cleanup activities. Western will also be showing the film, “Selma”, a chronicle of King’s campaign securing voting rights through the march from Selma to Montgomery, in 1965. 

Additionally, every year Western coordinates a fundraiser during January in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s fundraiser proceeds will go to Western’s Black Student Union (BSU).

Day of service:

Date and time: Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.

Location: Senior Community Center, 180 Warren St. S Monmouth, OR

Showing of “Selma”:

Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 18 at 5 p.m.

Location: Willamette Room, Werner University Center, Western Oregon University 

Throughout this month, consider joining Western and the community by participating in the opportunities available to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

To participate in the day of service.

To contribute to the BSU fundraiser. 

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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 starting from left: Halley Read, Ph.D., OTR/L, Katie O’Day President, OTAO

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Halley Read Ph.D., OTR/L, doctoral capstone coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, was recently the recipient of the Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon (OTAO) President’s Award.

This award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the occupational therapy profession through their formal roles within the association or through other efforts. Read’s recognition stems from her exceptional advocacy and legislative policy support work, as well as her direct collaboration with and mentorship of OTAO’s current president.

Read also served as an ambassador for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), playing a pivotal role in promoting OT in Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. Additionally, she served as the Oregon Representative for AOTA’s Representative Assembly, effectively addressing the concerns and interests of OT professionals at both the state and federal levels. These combined efforts have been instrumental in advocating for OT professionals.

“It’s important for people to know that the OTD program isn’t just a new program to Western. It’s a team filled with remarkable people who are ready to support future OTD students and their profession,” says Read. “We value using our OT clinical training to create better access and pathways for our students and not limiting it to just clinical experience, but also the role of OT professionals in legislative change to shape the future of the profession.” 

Learn more about the new OTD program starting this fall.

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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.