MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 2023 Western Oregon University Giving Day (Howl from the Heart) was a great success! More than 500 benefactors made gifts to support 74 different funds to benefit students and programs. As of Friday, March 17, $205,795 has been raised due to your generous support.

Two scholarship endowments were fully endowed thanks to the combined efforts of 50 individuals and the generous donors who agreed to match all proceeds! The fully endowed status of a scholarship guarantees that the scholarship will have funds available to be awarded each year to students in need.

Nearly a third of contributors made multiple gifts to different funds. The Fund for WOU (Greatest Need) received the most gifts with 140 individuals expressing their support. The varsity Volleyball program received the second most total number of donors with fifty-seven! 

Many supporters on this day shared that their reasons for giving were attributed to the impacts made on them or on family members during their time at WOU. One supporter shared, “I am a WOU alumnus, and I love to support my school and the WOU family!” Another supporter shared, “WOU helped me get to where I am today and if I can help someone else succeed, then I would be more than willing to contribute!” 

Thank you to all who supported the mission and students of Western Oregon University. 

“The expression of support for WOU and its students by hundreds of generous supporters on Giving Day demonstrates the impact WOU has on its alumni and the greater community! I am beyond grateful to all who contributed and are making a difference in the lives of current and future Wolves.” Katie Wojke, VP of Advancement and Executive Director of Foundation

Falling on the first Tuesday in March, WOU’s annual day of giving has encouraged alumni, friends, parents, faculty, and staff to support areas of need across campus that positively impact students. Since 2016, donors have contributed more than $1 million to benefit the WOU community!

Visit wou.edu/foundation to learn more about supporting WOU and its students.

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.

Media Contact
Brittany Kima, Public Information Officer
503-838-8065 | kimab@wou.edu