By Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore.- Western Oregon University was recently awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Title III grant for the first time, securing the full amount of $2,048,136. This accomplishment was the result of a collaborative effort that engaged individuals from all corners of the university.

U.S. DOE Title III grants are federally funded grants that help qualifying higher education institutions expand their capacity to support underserved students by providing funds to improve and strengthen their academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability. The primary goal of Western’s grant is to increase the retention of first-time students, reduce equity gaps in retention, and foster a sense of belonging among its students. These funds will allow Western to innovate, expand, and improve systems for student support.

“We are overjoyed to share this incredible news with our community. Receiving a Title III grant is a significant milestone for Western, the first one for our university, and it reflects our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students,” said President Jesse Peters. “This achievement would not have been possible without the exceptional teamwork and dedication of our staff and faculty from across campus. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Notably, the grant proposal received a perfect score, a rare accomplishment for federal grants. This was also the first time Western applied for and received a Title III grant. The absence of any noted weaknesses underscores the exceptional quality of the grant proposal and the dedication of the grant team. 

“This perfect score is a testament to the excellence and innovation that permeates our institution. It demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together as a campus community, believing, and working collaboratively towards a common goal of student success,” noted Provost Jose Coll.

Western looks forward to celebrating this historic achievement and the bright future it heralds for the university and its students. The Title III grant will undoubtedly open new doors and opportunities for the Western community.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

By Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to partner with the nation’s largest scholarship and success program for immigrant youth, TheDream.US, to help more Dreamers achieve their college and career goals. This year, Western Oregon University will welcome 13 new scholars to campus, joining the dozens of other returning scholars at Western.

The new Scholars starting their academic journeys at Western are part of the largest-ever cohort of TheDream.US Scholars – more than 1,800 new scholars across the country are attending more than 80 institutions. 

“It is an honor to work with The Dream.US to support a pathway for undocumented students to pursue their college education,” said Vice President for Student Affairs, Tina Fuchs. “ Our dedicated staff and faculty walk side-by-side with our Dreamer scholars on their journey at Western, celebrating every important milestone along the way. We stand committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to address their academic, financial, and personal needs, culminating in the completion of their college degree.”

Gaby Pacheco, director of Advocacy, Communications, and Development at TheDream.US, stated, “We are proud to partner with Western Oregon University and our other partner colleges to support talented Dreamers’ pursuit of higher education and career success. Despite many obstacles that have been put in their way, our scholars continue to persevere and succeed, demonstrating in the process why expanding opportunities for Dreamers is so important for the nation.”

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable journey through the world of live performing arts in the heart of Rice Auditorium on campus. As we celebrate the 46th season, we are excited to present a diverse and captivating lineup of performances that promise to delight and amaze audiences of all ages. 

Join us for a season filled with extraordinary talent and artistic diversity:

October 6, 2023

LADAMA

LADAMA, an ensemble of women musicians from across the Americas, will grace the stage with their unique blend of rhythm and percussion-driven original compositions. Sung in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, their music combines traditional roots with pop, creating a sonic experience that transcends continents and cultures. LADAMA performed at the Launch of U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative.

December 2, 2023

Never Come Down

Portland-based 5-piece band, Never Come Down, will weave modern and traditional styles of bluegrass and Americana into a mesmerizing performance. Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements promises an evening of polished technical skills and musical synergy.

March 16, 2024

Laila Biali 

Multi-award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali will grace the stage with her genre-blending sound that masterfully mixes jazz and pop. With accolades that include a JUNO Award and critical acclaim, her performance is sure to be a musical highlight of the season.

April 6, 2024

Reverie Road 

Reverie Road, an eclectic Celtic combination featuring renowned fiddler Winifred Horan and accordionist John Williams, promises a concert experience that will lift your spirits and have you on your feet. Their unique blend of traditional Irish music and innovative arrangements will captivate audiences. 

June 8, 2024

Makaha Sons 

The Makaha Sons, one of Hawaii’s premiere musical groups, will bring the vibrant sound of the islands to the stage. With their incomparable vocal harmonies and delightful stage presence, they entertain with comical stories and musical finesse, capturing the essence of Hawaiian culture. 

Tickets are available now!

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of live performing arts at Smith Fine Arts Series. You can order your tickets online starting Friday, September 8, 2023, by visiting https://wou.edu/smith/ or finding the order form on our website. All performances will be located in Rice Auditorium with a start time at 7:30pm. 

Join us for an unforgettable season of music, dance, and artistic expression. Smith Fine Arts Series is dedicated to bringing world-class performances to our community, and we can’t wait to share these incredible artists with you.

For more information, please contact the Director of Smith Fine Arts at smithfinearts@wou.edu.

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits which are not of a pass/no pass nature and who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher

The following Western students have been named to the Honor Roll List:

Mohammed Alaqlan

Zoya Altuhova  

Esmeralda Amescua

Christine Anders

Jessica Armfield

Lynzey Arp

Leela Ayres  

​​Adam Barnett                          

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides   

Larenda Bennett 

Abigail Bethke

Nicholas Beyer

Hailey Blue

Raymond Bourke

Breanne Bridge

Andrea Capellino

Alexis Chilcote

Jonathan Contreras

Christian Conway

Rachael Cox 

Parbata Dahal  

Elizabeth Doty

Johanna Easter

Sinikka Edelen

Jessie Eschweiler

Audrey Fasching

Measia Fenn

Yeudiel Alvarez Flores  

Cavan Fowler 

Aiden Grabill    

Avery Green    

Tayler Hart      

Candace Hastings

Amber Houghtaling

Ashley Hulse

Malino Jacinto 

Nora Jamal 

Megan Kaiser

Natalie Katon

Bailey Keator   

Muhammad Khan

Tyler Lane

Ashlie Lee        

Camryn Lien   

Regan Luoma  

Tia Mack

Savannah Manning    

Sydney Martin 

Maizie McCoy

Tessa McCoy

Laurel McGuigan

Christopher Means

Angela Mendoza 

Cameron Merritt

Alex Michaels  

Ririko Miyamoto

Charles Moody

Lisa Moya

Kayli Nagel

Ryan Naugle

Ashlynn Norton

Amanda Oliver 

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega 

Justice Presley

Thomas Segovia

Danielle Pastre 

Allison Peterson

Jaden Perez 

Anahi Ponce                                                                                                    

Sierra Porter    

Daniel Pruneda

Aubrey Rainville                      

Shelbie Reddick

Tyler Renfro

Dylan Renfro                                                                                                            

Elisabeth Robischon     

Mercedes Rodne

Yesenia Romero  

Katherine Russell 

Ammon Saboe  

Patricia Salinas                               

Noah Schnell

Jasmine Scott

Shyla Sell 

Brittany Smith

Lauren Smith

Jessica Smith 

Courtney Stalmann 

​​Samantha Stinson  

Grace Tallman 

Rachel Thijssen                          

Noa Thomas 

Lily Toma 

Amanda Vanderhoof  

Megan Van Krieken                                                                                                        

Kaylie Vaughan

​​Ylianna Veliz 

Amrit Virk                                                                                                                          

Hope Warrick   

Emily Webb                                                                                                                                                                          

James Wollenweber                                      

Macee Woods

Students from Oregon cities 

Albany

Jessica Armfield  

Yasmin Castaneda Benavides 

Alexis Chilcote  

Camryn Lien                                                                             

Tessa McCoy                         

Lisa Moya  

Reyna Blaylock-Ortega                                                                

Rachel Thijssen

Alsea

Shyla Sell

Aurora 

Breanne Bridge 

Beaverton

Jonathan Contreras

Muhammad Khan

Bend

Alex Michaels

Clatskanie

Natalie Katon                         

Grace Tallman

Corvallis 

Leela Ayres                           

Raymond Bourke                        

Rachael Johnson Cox                              

Elizabeth Doty                           

Megan Kaiser    

Cameron Merritt                   

Mercedes Rodne

Dallas 

Measia Fenn                            

Ashlie Lee                              

Allison Peterson                                  

Thomas Segovia                        

Courtney Stalmann

Lily Toma                         

Emily Webb     

Eugene

Sinikka Edelen                        

Cavan Fowler       

Falls City

Amber Houghtaling     

Forest Grove

Audrey Fasching

Avery Green

Gresham

Abigail Bethke

Hillsboro 

Christine Anders                     

Amanda Vanderhoof                             

Independence   

Lynzey Arp

Angela Mendoza                               

Elisabeth Robischon                                

Brittany Smith           

Keizer              

Christian Conway                       

Yesenia Romero     

​​Noah Schnell                        

Jasmine Scott              

Lebanon       

​​Zoya Altuhova               

Laurel McGuigan        

Monmouth

Esmeralda Amescua                                 

Parbata Dahal                          

Noa Thomas  

Myrtle Creek

Aubrey Rainville                 

Oregon City                 

Jessie Eschweiler   

Pendleton

Anahi Ponce                             

Salem              

Johanna Easter 

Yeudiel Flores 

Aiden Grabill                                                 

Nora Jamal                          

Regan Luoma

Maizie McCoy

Christopher Means 

Kayli Nagel

Jaden Perez  

Sierra Porter                          

Justice Presley                         

Katherine Russell                         

Patricia Salinas                         

Jessica Smith

Hope Warrick                          

James Wollenweber                           

Scio                 

Larenda Bennett  

Danielle Pastre 

Shedd

Kaylie Vaughan 

Sheridan

Shelbie Reddick                                 

Sherwood                    

Hailey Blue                            

Silverton                     

Adam Barnett 

Ammon Saboe       

Springfield

Ashlynn Norton                  

St. Helens                     

Nicholas Beyer   

Savannah Manning                       

Stayton            

Charles Moody      

Sutherlin

Candace Hastings    

Warren

Amanda Oliver 

Warrenton 

Tyler Lane            

Willamina                    

Andrea Capellino                                

Wilsonville                   

Megan Van Krieken                              

Woodburn                   

Ylianna Veliz

Yachats

Daniel Pruneda

Students from states other than Oregon

California 

Petaluma – Ryan Naugle

Temecula – Tyler Renfro

Temecula – Dylan Renfro

Hawaii

Lahaina – Malino Jacinto 

Wailuku – Bailey Keator 

Utah

Midvale – Lauren Smith 

Washington

Olympia – Tia Mack

Olympia – Tayler Hart

Renton – Samantha Stinson

Ridgefield – Sydney Martin 

Seattle – Amrit Virk

Vancouver – Ashley Hulse

Vancouver – Amalia Woods

International Students

Saudi Arabia

AL RASS – Mohammed Alaglan

Japan

TOKYO – Machida – Ririko Miyamoto 

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Peter and the Wolves, a beloved Hood to Coast Relay team, is proud to mark its 32nd year of participation in this iconic Oregon event. Founded in 1991 by Peter Courtney, the team has evolved over the years into a tight-knit group of runners with strong connections to Western Oregon University (WOU).

Peter Courtney’s journey with Hood to Coast began when he joined a random team as a last-minute runner. Instantly captivated by the experience, he went on to form his own team, consisting of runners connected to WOU, including staff, students, and alumni. Today, the team boasts a roster of eight alumni and one nearly retired staff member, all bound together by their shared passion for this extraordinary race.

The Hood to Coast Relay spans 200 miles from Timberline to Seaside, and each runner takes turns covering legs ranging from three to eight miles, with each participant completing a total of three legs before reaching the finish line on the beautiful Oregon coast.

This year, Sarah Lorenzen ‘98, a dedicated member who has also served as co-captain for several years, celebrates her 16th anniversary on the team. Despite being asked to join the team only one month before race day, Lorenzen enthusiastically accepted the challenge and has been an integral part of the group since 2007. 

“Our team may not be the fastest but we’ve cultivated the best team that supports each other on the crazy journey from Timberline to Seaside,” shares Lorenzen.

Alongside Lorenzen, the team includes fellow co-captain Ray Jones ‘06, Annie Reed ‘15, Spencer Walsh ‘06, Chris Reed ‘11, Laura Beckert ‘07, Jeremiah Beckert ‘06, Chris Campbell, and Darin Silbernagel, who currently serves as Western’s Treasurer. These dedicated individuals, all with their unique stories and backgrounds, come together each year to tackle the relay, embodying the true spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that defines Peter and the Wolves.

Peter and the Wolves look forward to yet another exhilarating Hood to Coast Relay and are excited to continue their tradition.

If you are interested in joining the team or becoming a substitute runner, please contact the Director of Alumni Engagement at alumni@wou.edu.

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

By Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently named Raeann Salchenberg as the new Director of Alumni Engagement effective September 25. This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with Western’s former students, organizing alumni events and programs, and coordinating efforts to keep graduates connected and engaged with their alma mater. The position will also work to leverage alumni support for fundraising and student recruitment initiatives, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among the university’s graduates.

“I am honored and excited to come back home and serve the students, alumni and community of my alma mater in the capacity as Director of Alumni Engagement,” said Salchenberg. “ I look forward to identifying and cultivating partnerships with alumni and enhancing the impact of the college alumni community.” 

Salchenberg was born and raised in Salem and is a first-generation college student, earning her degree in communication at Western. As a student, she served as a peer mentor, Student Organization Director, and was elected by the student body to serve as the Student Activities Board Director. After she graduated college, Salchenberg worked in development, community relations, leadership board management, volunteer recruitment, and event management.

“I am delighted to welcome Raeann back to campus to lead Western’s alumni engagement efforts,” said Katie Wojke, vice president of advancement.  “Her enthusiasm and love of the university, passion for education, and experiences gained through working in the local nonprofit sector since graduating were apparent. Raeann’s collaborative nature, working with the alumni board, volunteers and campus partners, will help elevate Western’s alumni profile in the region and beyond.”

###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.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University welcomes the 23-24 incoming students with PACK Welcome Week (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know), a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help them become acclimated to campus life, one week before classes begin. From speakers, to socials, to signing their name on the sidewalk, the new wolves will begin to make their mark at Western.

“College is one of life’s ultimate new beginnings, and here at Western we believe that it’s important for all new students to feel comfortable and confident from the very start. Whether you’ll be living in our residence halls or commuting to campus, we want Western to feel like home,” said Megan Habermann-Guthrie, director of New Student & Family Programs. Haberman-Guthrie shares that PACK Welcome Week is the final step in the new student orientation program, and is the place for new students to get to know everything they need to start the term off right. 

Key activities:

• Educational  sessions will cover essential information about student leadership opportunities, campus resources, and student support services. 
• Fun and interactive events, including a magic show, drive-in movie, and a welcome dance.
• Events to help students find their classes to participate in a professional panel.
• Student Job Fair, where students can  meet with on campus and local employers seeking: part-time workers, volunteer help, and work study students.
• Speaker Monti Washington will be the convocation and Speaker Victoria Alexander will host a conversation on diversity, equity, inclusion, and implicit biases. 

“I’m so excited to meet all the incoming students and participate in fun events all week.” says Student Orientation Leader, Daryn Heim. “I’m looking forward to getting the students involved with campus and making it feel like home.” 

The Welcome Week festivities will kick off on Monday, September 25 and runs through Friday, September 29. Western encourages all new students to participate in these enriching experiences to build relationships, gain valuable insights, and embark on a successful academic journey.

Get more information about Western’s PACK Welcome Week

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About Western Oregon UniversityWestern Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2022-2023, as well as recent fiscal year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and Competitive Grants.

Highlights

Contributions totaled $2,889,359 for 2023 and include all new outright or committed private gifts and grants made to the Western Oregon University Foundation from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Contributions increased almost 50 percent in 2023 from 2019.

The Competitive Grants program is funded by unrestricted gifts to the WOU Foundation. Each Spring, departments across campus apply for awards of $1,000 or less to support a variety of campus activities. Projects that have a measurable impact on the greatest number of students and provide visibility to the campus or external community are given the most consideration. Grant awards have almost doubled in 2023 from 2019.

Scholarships and student aid: The WOU Foundation manages hundreds of annual and endowed scholarships, as well as several emergency student aid funds. Awards are made based on the criteria set by the donor and agreed upon by the University and Foundation. The Foundation awarded over one million dollars in student scholarships in 2023, an increase of 44 percent from 2019.

“As a graduate of Western and as a first-generation college student, I owe a lot to Western. Now part of the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, it’s important that I give back to the school that has given me so much,” said alumnus and trustee, Cristian Mendez-Garcia ’08. 

Endowments: An endowment is a donation made to the Western Oregon University Foundation on the condition that it is used to advance the mission of the school for the long term. Most endowments are designed to provide a permanent source of income for the university by keeping the original amount invested and using the accrued investment income for its charitable purpose. The WOU Foundation’s endowment has grown over 40 percent since 2019 due to the generosity of donors through outright gifts, bequests, and other planned gifts, as well as investment earnings.

“In 1972 I began college at Western, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The faculty, staff, and students I met have added so much to my life and I consider many of them my friends and family,” said alumnus Frank Vanderburg ’73. “Supporting present and future students is a great way to repay what I have received.”

Katie Wojke, vice president of advancement and executive director of the Western Oregon University Foundation adds that growth in areas that directly impact students would not be possible without these generous contributions. “Thank you to each and every donor for helping to provide access to higher education and supporting Western’s impact on the community,” she adds.

Read the full annual report.

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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. 

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University Board of Trustees unanimously approved two undergraduate certificates in American Sign Language studies, which are the first in the region. Both certificates, one beginner and the other intermediate, were developed in response to the state and region’s request for competencies in ASL to meet workforce demands. 

The beginner certificate will enhance students’ basic comprehensive and expressive ASL skills and consists of 18 credits, including three courses in American Deaf Culture and American Deaf History.

“ASL is the third most used language in the United States, and Western Oregon University has a long history of successful ASL language instruction,” said Mark Girod, Dean of Western’s College of Education. “Adding these certificates will ensure more professionals have language competence to serve our local communities.” 

The intermediate certificate is a 34-credit program that consists of six courses in visual-gestural communication, fingerspelling, American Deaf Culture, and American Deaf History. This curriculum helps individuals incorporate comprehension, expressive skills, and knowledge in the history and culture of the Deaf community into their studies and careers. 

Both certificate programs are available at Western Oregon University in Monmouth and at Western’s Salem campus. Both programs are offered in-person and online. 

Learn more about Deaf Studies & Professional Studies.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 4,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans, or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.