MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University is proud to announce that it has selected seven honorees for its annual Alumni Awards. Awarded to deserving alumni since 1985, the Western Oregon University Alumni Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented by the university and recognize Western alumni for contributions and service to the university and community, as well as for their distinguished professional work.
Each year, the WOU Foundation solicits nominations for Alumni awards from alumni, faculty, and staff, and winners are selected by a specially appointed alumni committee.
The 2026 Alumni Awards Recipients
- Alumni Award of Excellence
- Jane Berry-Eddings ‘75
- Professional Achievement Award
- Jordan Meekins ‘15
- Amanda Stevens ‘16
- Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award
- Kenn Letho ‘76
- Community Impact Award
- Prudencio “Pro” Escobedo III ‘04
- Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
- Miranda Garrison ‘09
- Distinguished Alumni Educator Award
- Janell Davis ‘17
Western Oregon University is proud to publicly recognize our alumni for their exemplary contributions to communities across Oregon and will celebrate them at the annual Western Oregon University Alumni Awards Dinner. The annual awards dinner will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Western Oregon University. Tickets are for sale and are $20.
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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.