Pictured LTR: Cara Groshong, Pres. Peters, Mike LeMaster, Camila Gabaldon, Jamie Marroquin, Amy Dawson, and Provost Coll
Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University proudly announces the 2025 Mario & Alma Pastega Awards recipients. This is the highest recognition for faculty and staff excellence. A ceremony and reception were held on May 12 to recognize their accomplishments.
Amy Dawson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, and Mike LeMaster, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, are the recipients of the 2025 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching and relationships with students, both in and out of the classroom.
Camila Gabaldón, Systems & Collection Development Librarian and Library Professor, is the recipient of the 2025 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Service. This award honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university.
Jamie Marroquin, Ph.D. Professor of Spanish is the recipient of the 2025 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Research. This award recognizes significant and enduring scholarly or creative achievement.
Cara Groshong, Operations and Finance Director for the WOU Foundation, is the recipient of the 2025 Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award. This award honors a classified or administrative staff member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university.
Learn more about the Marion & Alma Pastega Awards and each award recipient
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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.
