Pictured, clockwise from top left: Beth Priddy, Carl Garon, Hunter Hall, Tyler Plath, Maddux Gillett, Daizy Hernandez Sorian, Shabryn Herrera, Eva Alvarez, Lilli Jacobs, Destiney Tanner

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU), the official student government of Western, continues to make significant strides in enhancing student life and advocating for student interests. As a student-run and student-funded organization, ASWOU is committed to representing the diverse student body at Western.

Leading the ASWOU government as President is Hunter Hall, a native of Portland. Hall brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the student body. Joining Hall are several other dedicated individuals, including Daizy Hernandez Sorian, vice president, Shabryn Herrera, chief of staff, and Destiney Tanner, director of public relations. They are all from Woodburn.

“I’m the first graduate student to be the president and am extremely honored to serve in this role,” said Hall. “We spearheaded the event Paint the Town Red during Homecoming week, where businesses donated funds and sponsored student clubs and organizations by allowing them to decorate various business storefront windows around town.” Hall also expressed his gratitude toward the local businesses and his excitement to continue working with them and campus partners in the future.

Representing various regions of Oregon, the ASWOU government also includes Lilli Jacobs, recording secretary from Coos Bay, Beth Priddy, director of business and finance from Junction City, and Eva Alvarez, director of student organization from Corvallis. Maddux Gillett, from Sherwood, currently serves as the senate president, ensuring the voices of the student body are heard and represented.

Tyler Plath, judicial administrator, brings a unique background, having grown up in California and Salem. Plath’s diverse experiences will contribute to the fair and impartial administration of justice within the ASWOU government.

Carl Garon, originally from Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will serve as the director of equity & advocacy. Garon’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for underrepresented communities will be instrumental in fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

In partnership with the university, ASWOU will be hosting TRU Day (Technical and Regional Universities) in May 2024, at Western’s Salem building to advocate for higher education and the hunger-free campus bill. In preparation for the short legislative session, ASWOU is exploring collaboration with the Oregon Student Association (OSA) to rally students at Western and across the state to advocate for higher education. 

The ASWOU government is excited for this academic year, dedicated to serving and representing the interests of Western students. With a diverse group of individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences, the ASWOU government is poised to make a positive impact on campus.

Learn more about the ASWOU government and its initiatives.

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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.