Pictured: Starting from left back row: Ken Pastega, LouAnn Vickers, President Peters, Provost Jose Coll. Starting from left front row: Patricia Goldsworthy-Bishop Ph.D., Brooke Dolenc Nott Ph.D., Earlene Camarillo Ph.D.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce the 2024 Mario & Alma Pastega Awards recipients. This is the highest recognition for faculty and staff excellence. A reception was held on May 22, recognizing their accomplishments. 

“This was a really special event and really spoke to the power of community at our university,” shared President Peters. “These awards would not be possible without the support of the Pastega Family. It was amazing that Ken Pastega, Mario and Alma’s son joined us for the celebration.”

Patricia Goldsworthy-Bishop, Ph.D., Professor of History, is the 2024 recipient of the Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Scholarship. This award recognizes significant and enduring scholarly or creative achievement. Earlene Camarillo, Ph.D. Professor of Politics, Policy, and Administration is the 2024 recipient of the Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Service. This award honors a full-time faculty member who demonstrates exceptional service to the university. 

Brooke Nott, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology is the 2024 recipient of the 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.

LouAnn Vickers, senior executive assistant to the President, is the 2024 recipient of the 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.  Together we succeed.