Pictured LTR: President Jesse Peters, Jan and Mike Morgan, Wolves Rising Campaign co-chairs, and Katie Wojke, Vice President of Advancement & Executive Director of the WOU Foundation
Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. –On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Western Oregon University announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University. The campaign, with a goal of $20 million in current support and future gift commitments, will raise critical funds to ensure Western’s nearly 170-year-old legacy of providing a personalized learning community where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.
“Western Oregon University is known for shaping students into impactful leaders in the educational, governmental, business, and community sectors across the state of Oregon,” said alumnus Mike Morgan, Ph.D., WOU Foundation board chair, and Wolves Rising campaign co-chair. “Through the Wolves Rising campaign, we will ensure Western remains accessible and relevant for future generations of Wolves,” adds alumna Jan Morgan, Wolves Rising campaign co-chair.
The Wolves Rising campaign reflects the university’s commitment to student success. Funds raised through this campaign will help the university provide more scholarship funds for students with demonstrated merit and financial need, Wolves Athletics including a new turf field for Men’s and Women’s Soccer, and student success through the new Student Success Center and resources for basic needs.
“Contributions to our Wolves Rising campaign will enhance scholarship opportunities, support our athletics programs, and empower our students to succeed,” said Western President Jesse Peters. “I am grateful to everyone who has made this campaign possible and thank our community for supporting Western. Together, we are building a personalized learning community where every student feels a sense of belonging and can thrive.”
Over the past decade, Western Oregon University has made significant strides to fulfill the needs of students and communities. The university has expanded to offer more degree programs to help educate and prepare graduates to fill community needs. This includes the addition of several graduate programs, including its inaugural doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. The university has also worked to expand its presence in Salem. During that same time, the endowment held by the WOU Foundation has doubled, allowing the university to offer more scholarships and student support resources to students.
Recently, Western has partnered with various community organizations to enhance student success and academic achievement. Notable initiatives include:
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Establishing a direct admissions program with Central High School, allowing graduating seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who attend Western to receive an automatic merit-based scholarship.
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Securing a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education to enhance bilingual educational resources in the Central School District and the cities of Monmouth and Independence.
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Creating a streamlined pathway for students enrolled in Chemeketa Community College’s Bachelor of Applied Science program, enabling them to further their education and career prospects through graduate coursework at Western.
These efforts reflect Western’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
As of December 14, the university has raised more than $17 million toward the Wolves Rising campaign. All alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of Western Oregon University are warmly invited to participate in Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University.
“Each and every gift is a demonstration of support for Western’s mission and our students. Thank you to those who are choosing to strengthen our campus and community, one purposeful gift at a time,” shares Western Oregon University Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director of the WOU Foundation Katie Wojke.
To make a gift and become part of our Giving Wolves community, visit wou.edu/wolvesrising or call 503-838-8281.
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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. Where YOU belong.
