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.