Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University proudly announces the 2026 Mario & Alma Pastega Award recipients. This is the highest recognition for faculty and staff excellence. A ceremony and reception were held on May 19 to recognize their accomplishments.
- Ryan Topper, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English is the recipient of the 2026 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship. This award honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in and significant and enduring scholarly or creative achievement.
- Ya-Fang Cheng, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Education and Leadership, is the recipient of the 2026 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence 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.
- Tad Shannon, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science is the recipient of the 2026 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Service. This award honors a full time faculty member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university.
- Barb Peña, Contracts Administrator, is a recipient of the 2026 Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award. This award honors an unclassified staff member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university.
- Paula Verdegaal-Taylor, ASWOU APA and IFC Secretary, is a recipient of the 2026 Mario and Alma Pastega Staff Excellence Award. This award honors a classified staff member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university.
Learn more about the Marion & Alma Pastega Awards and their recipients.
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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.